Scene at the Spittal 372

he was married on her, so that he may come to
his senses again. ‘That’s what I say; but Els.
peth conters me, of course, and says she, ‘If the
young leddy was so careless o’ insulting other
folks’ ancestors, it proves she has nane o’ her
ain; for them that has china plates themsel’s is
the maist careful no to break the china plates of
others.’ ”

“But what was the insult? Was Lauchlan
dismissed ?”

“Na, faags! It was waur than that. -Domi-
nie, you’re dull in the uptake compared to Els-
peth. I hadna telled her half the story afore she
jaloused the rest. However, to begin again;
there’s great feasting and rejoicings gaen on at the
Spittal the now, and also a banquet, which the
post says is twa dinners in one. Weel, there’s
a curran Ogilvys among the guests, and it was
them that egged on her little leddyship to make
the daring proposal to the earl. What was the
proposal? It was no less than that the twa
pipers should be ordered to play ‘The Bonny
House o’ Airlie.” Dominie, f wonder you can
tak it so calm when you ken that’s the Ogilvys’
sang, and that it’s aimed at the clan o’ Campbell.”

“Pooh!” I said. “The Ogilvys and the
Campbells used to be mortal enemies, but the
feud has been long forgotten.”

“Ay, I’ve heard tell,’ Waster Lunny said,
sceptically, “ that Airlie and Argyle shakes hands
now like Christians ; but I’m thinking that’s just
afore the Queen. Dinna speak now, for I’m in
the thick o’t, Her little leddyship was all hing-
ing in gold and jewels, the which winna be her