Mr Forbes met him, and with a hearty shake of both hands, gave the stranger a warm reception, expressing the great satisfaction he felt in receiving a visit from his gallant and brave brother-in-law. "Ha! so you are glad to see Fighting Jack, are you? But where are my charming nieces, of whom I have heard so much?—I am longing to embrace them."
The subjects of these flattering remarks were standing behind their father, whispering and blushing on hearing the anxiety he felt to embrace them, being not a little embarrassed through having to be embraced before a roomful of guests. However, as there was a great stake in the case, they endeavoured to make a favorable impression on the nabob; and therefore advanced, each in succession, saluting "Fighting Jack" with a kiss.
Mr. Forbes introduced him to several of the company, and was most particular in introducing him to Captain Campbell, who appeared, extremely happy in making the Indian officer's acquaintance, for special reasons, and seemed resolved to monopolise his company during the evening.
As Captain Jack seemed careless about dancing, a select few formed themselves into a group around him in another part of the room, for the purpose of having a Gaelic song, which the new-comer proposed and appeared very partial to, there being several of the party conversant with that language, among whom were the advocate and his daughters, Captain Campbell, Charlie, and a few others. A circle was accordingly formed, and handkerchiefs stretched between them in true Highland fashion, in order to keep up the chorus. Captain Jack proposed to give them a favourite song of his own, to commence with, to the great delight of Captain Campbell, who took a seat beside him, with the older Miss Forbes on the other side.
After a few preliminary coughs, to clear his voice, Captain Jack commenced, in a key which would defy the most powerful and youthful lungs in the company to compete with; but, horror of horrors! what was their consternation, especially the Forbes', on hearing, in Capt. Jack's favourite song, the forbidden and dreaded, satire
