ALISTER SHAW OF INCHRORY.
It happened one day, gentlemen, that the Earl of Fife was travelling up this glen, on his way over to his house of Mar Lodge, in Braemar, and having stopped at Caochan-Seirceag over by yonder, he sent one of his people across the meadow here, to tell Inchrory that he meant to honour him with a visit. The gentleman knocked at the door, was admitted by the goodwife, and ushered into Inchrory’s presence. He found him seated in his arm-chair, in the position which he always occupied, that is, on the most comfortable side of the fire.
“Good day to you, Inchrory,” said the gentleman, bowing.
“The same to you sir,” said Inchrory, bowing his head very grandly and ceremoniously, but without stirring.
“My Lord the Earl of Fife, who is halting at Caochan-Seirceag, on his road to Braemar, has sent me over to tell you, that he means to step aside from his way to visit you,” said the gentleman.
“Well, sir,” said Inchrory, proudly, “what of that? Tell him he is welcome.”
The gentleman, astonished with his reception, bowed and retired, as an ambassador might have done from a royal presence.
“Well, sir,” said Lord Fife to him, after he had rejoined him, “is Inchrory at home?”
“He is at home, my Lord,” replied the gentleman; “but he is the surliest churl I ever came across.”
“As how?” demanded the Earl.