“For shame, Chairlie, for shame! Do you no see that sweet, modest lassie a’ by hersel? Gang up to her this minute—bide by her as lang as ye can—she’s weel worth a’ the attention ye can pay her. Miss Mowbray,” he continued, “I’m sorry my friend, Mrs Carmichael, has left ye sae much to yoursel; but here’s Chairlie, or rather I should say, Mr Charles, or rather I should say, Lieutenant Charles Melville, that will be happy to supply her place. He’ll tak ye in to yer dinner, and dance wi’ ye at the ball.”
“All in place of Mrs Carmichael, sir?” replied the young lady, with an arch look.
“Weel said, my dear, weel said; but I maun leave younger folks to answer ye. I’ve seen the time I wadna hae been very blate to gie ye an answer that wad hae stoppit your ‘wee bit mou, sae sweet and bonnie.’” Saying these words, and whispering to his young friend, “Stick till her, Chairlie,” he bustled off, “on hospitable thoughts intent,” to another part of the room.
After the introduction, the young people soon entered into conversation; and, greatly to the laird’s satisfaction, the young soldier conducted Miss Mowbray into the hall, sat next her all the time of dinner, and seemed as delighted with his companion as the most match-making lady or gentleman could desire. The lady, on the other hand, seemed in high spirits, and laughed at the remarks of her neighbour with the greatest appearance of enjoyment.
“How long have you been with Mrs Carmichael?”
“I came the day before yesterday.”
“Rather a savage sort of country, I am afraid, you find this, after the polished scenes of your own land?”
“Do you mean the country,” replied the lady, “or the inhabitants? They are not nearly such savages as I expected; some of them seem half-civilised.”
“It is only your good-nature that makes you think us so. When you know us better, you will alter your opinion.”
“Nay; now don’t be angry, or talk as all other Scotch people do, about your national virtues. I know you are a very wonderful people—your men all heroes, your peasants philosophers, and your women angels; but seriously, I was very much disappointed to find you so like other people.”