ment an alarm common to all Lady Margaret's friends, when she touched upon the topic of the royal visit at the family-mansion,—"I see the Duke's carriage in motion; I presume your ladyship will take your right of rank in leaving the field. May I be permitted to convey your ladyship and Miss Bellenden home?—Parties of the wild whigs have been abroad, and are said to insult and disarm the well-affected who travel in small numbers."
"We thank you, cousin Gilbertscleugh," said Lady Margaret; "but, as we shall have the escort of my own people, I trust we have less need than others to be troublesome to our friends. Will you have the goodness to order Harrison to bring up our people somewhat briskly; he rides them towards us as if he were leading a funeral procession."
The gentleman in attendance communicated his lady's orders to the trusty steward.
