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July 26, 1870.- The Princess of Sayn-Wittgenstein proceeded to Switzerland immediately after the declaration of war. For this lady no contest could be more painful. A Frenchwoman, daughter of the Duke de Blacas, she is married to a Prussian officer, and whatever may be the issue of hostilities, she will see tears flowing all around her.-Newspaper paragraph.

The Chevalier's enterprise agitated the people of all ranks, interrupted business, and for the time wholly unsettled the affairs of the country. The fiercest passions of society were roused; the partisans of the Government and of the Pretender were privately, as well as publicly, at bitterest enmity. The most intimate relations were suddenly broken off; friendship was forgotten in feud; families were divided, and, frequently, fathers and sons stood in opposing factions. Women shared in the wretched dissensions; and those of them who had favored the Prince, or whose friends had done so, suffered much of the cruelties with which Cumberland followed up his victory at Culloden.-Chronicles of the Rebellion.

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It was a piteous satire upon the terrible struggle in which the country was involved.

At the cross-roads the band was joined by many stout fellows on foot and by others on horseback, and the party proceeded in irregular ranks up the avenue to the tower. The daftie still maintained his position in front, and the drum beat a reckless tattoo which had no regard to the time or tune of the fifes.

Sir Malcolm Oliphant, the laird, had won the affection of his people, and they were ready The party was followed by troops of grayto follow wherever he might lead. For feast headed men, most of whom had been more or or battle, he had only to beckon and they would less engaged in the rising of '15, and who come. The cry was battle; he called and thought their counsel might have some value they came. Stalwart farmers and their loons, in the present crisis. These were accompanied ploughmen and shepherds, grasped what weap-by bands of women-folk and bairns, anxious to ons they possessed, laughed at the terrors which mothers, wives, sisters, or children muttered, and marched briskly to the rendezvous.

know the issue of the gathering, and to take a last farewell of those who might be called away from their homes to battle.

The sun was shining, and around the crowd stretched fruitful fields, over which the wind swept, making the ripe grain ripple like the waters of a loch. It was August, and in some parts the harvest work had commenced; in others, the first sheaves would have been cut on this bright morning, but the agitating rumors which had been for months past murmuring through the land had burst at length in a thunder peal. The reaper laid down his scythe, left the ingathering of his store to the women and children, to the old and feeble, and went out to fight for the cause which his chief and his conscience accepted as the right one.

Four of the village lads, weavers to trade, played the fife, and, with Bauldy Dodholm, the town drummer, at their head, formed into a band. Bauldy's chief business hitherto had been to announce roups, or to make known the loss of bairns or cattle. He was proud of his drum and of his own ability in the use of the sticks. The present was a rare opportunity for the display of his talents, and he drummed with enthusiasm. The fifers became infected with the same spirit, and they piped vigorously. Willie Want-a-Bit, the daftie, stole a patchwork coverlet from the nearest cottage, stuck it on the end of a long hay-fork, and, lifting high this many-colored standard, he placed himself The gates of the tower stood open, and the in front of the band. It was Willie's custom party marched into the square court. Three to head every procession of the district, whether | sides of the court were formed by a high and it were that of a bridal or that of a funeral, and, despite his tatters and idle ways, he had become so intimately associated with every event of the place, that his absence would have been regarded as an ill omen. But at sad or gay procession he had never marched so proudly as at this moment. His singular flag fluttered in the wind, and he grinned and shrieked with delight, like a child stalking forward to a mimic battle.

massive wall, the fourth by the main building, which had been originally an ordinary peelhouse, arranged more for defense than comfort. Modern taste had greatly improved upon the ancient, grim characteristics of the structure; but it was still exteriorly a stronghold.

A gaberlunzie-an old man with white hair, bushy white whiskers and beard-entered with the crowd. His badge and blue gown enabled him to pass unquestioned.

THE

CHAPTER II.

DISPATCHES.

NEIL conducted the courier, Sergeant Ryan, into the great hall of the tower. In the cor

A long table stood by the house, laden with scones of barley-meal, oat-cakes, and cheese. The table was supported at either end by a barrel of ale, and heaps of drinking-horns were placed conveniently near for all comers. There were loud cheers given for Elvanleeridor they passed a number of men who were and his lady; then the horses were made fast in one corner of the court, and the company began to eat and drink with a will, in preparation for more serious work.

The conversation was loud and laughter frequent, despite the gloom which was on the faces of the women and of the elders, who foresaw something of the dismal events to which this was the prelude. The bairns, understanding nothing of the import of what was passing, accepted the whole proceedings as fine fun, and romped about. Now they were teasing Willie Want-a-Bit, and trying to deprive him of his standard, to which he clung with the selfish affection of a child for a new toy; and again they were making sly efforts to get a stroke at Bauldy Dodholm's drum-the possession of which instrument elevated the owner in their eyes to the height of admiration. They were on the sunny side of the clouds, and they were happy. A mounted soldier galloped into the court and sprang to the ground.

Neil Johnstone advanced to receive him. Neil was the laird's right-hand man in the house and out of it. He had been in the service of the present laird's father, and therefore possessed and assumed much importance about the place.

laden with old firelocks, swords, and axes, which had lain in the armory unused for many years.

The hall presented a curious contrast of modern refinement with ancient roughness and strength. The furniture was new and luxurious, the carpet was rich and of French design. But the roof still displayed its massive beams, brown with age and smoke. The walls were hung with tapestry which had been wrought in Flanders ages ago.

Surmounting the tapestry were numerous trophies of the chase, chiefly huge stags' heads and antlers, and the front of each bore an inscription giving the date of its fall, and the name of the man or woman whose bolt had brought it down.

Suits of mail, and portions

of suits which had been worn by ancestors of Sir Malcolm Oliphant, or brought home as trophies from the scene of battle; big two-hand swords, "Jeddart" axes, targets, and musketoons also adorned the walls. On a pedestal at each side of the principal entrance stood a complete suit of knight's armor, with visor down, and a long spear grasped by the mailed hand, as if the cavalier were waiting the summons to take his place in the lists of the tournament.

The windows were small, and the recesses

"Service to you, sir," said the soldier, with a which they formed displayed the thickness of military salute.

"Same to you, maister sodger," returned Neil, awkwardly imitating the salute; "and what's your will wi' me?"

the walls. At one end of the chamber was a large fire-place in which half a dozen men might have sat. Although the month was August, there was a low fire burning on the hearth.

"Wait here," said Neil, and he passed into a small chamber which had been formerly a retiring-room, but which was now used as a

"Dispatches for Sir Malcolm Oliphant, of Elvanlee, to be delivered into his own hand. That's the order, and, bedad, it's glad I am to be nearly done with it; for every step I've traveled from Edinburgh, it's looking for noth-library. ing but to be robbed and murdered without the chance of blessing myself I've been."

"I'll let the master ken your errand. Come this gate."

"Thank ye; and ye might tell him at the same time that the Royal Commissioner, Colonel Strang, all the way from London, is riding after me, and will be here directly, to see that we do our duty for King George."

Neil would rather have done his duty for another name; but he loved his master, he had implicit faith in his judgment, and he was discreetly silent..

Presently the door opened, and Neil bade the courier enter.

The sergeant advanced respectfully and saluted Sir Malcolm Oliphant.

The Laird of Elvanlee was a gentleman of goodly height, firmly-knit frame, and handsome countenance. On ordinary occasions there was a mirthful sparkle in his deep brown eyes, bctokening good-humor and a kindly disposition. At this moment his expression was full of serious anxiety.

Beside him was a little gentleman, whose garments were of sober hue; but they were ar

ranged with a precision which, combined with the carefully-powdered head, seemed to indicate something of the beau, notwithstanding the inclination of his body to stoutness. This was Dr. Fairlie, a man of generous impulses, which he masked by an exterior bearing of cynical gruffness. His age was about fifty years, and he was still a bachelor, although professionally and privately he never failed to win the confidence of women as well as of men.

rate from your wife before the honey-moon has lost its glamour-so much the better for your notion of a honey-moon. But what then? You'll be home again in a week or so, and enjoy a second honey-moon for the valorous service you will have done your country in helping to drive these Highland fanatics back to their mountains.”

Elvanlee rose and agitatedly paced the floor. "You forget, doctor," he said, with some One secret of his success was the possession of bitterness; "you forget how awkwardly I am an honest heart; another was his power of say-placed. Look how it stands with me. The ing the bluntest truths in the frankest manner. man who unfurled the Pretender's standard,

He had been Oliphant's friend and counselor and who is loudest in proclaiming the Stuart's from boyhood, and between them there existed | right to the throne, is my wife's father-Strathan undoubting and unfaltering attachment. roy."

Sergeant Ryan unlocked his leather case and presented a packet bearing a large seal stamped with the royal arms.

"From the lord president, your honor."

There was no sign of gratification on the face of Elvanlee as he received the dispatches; there was even a degree of coldness which was apparent to the courier.

Having directed Johnstone to see that the man was properly cared for, and to saddle a horse, the laird seated himself at the table and slowly opened the papers.

As soon as the courier and Neil had retired, Dr. Fairlie, who from the window had been watching the animated scene in the court, advanced quietly to his friend.

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“Well,” he said, smiling; "what says our speaks of it, I know that she is bitterly pained friend, President Forbes ?" by the thought that his fanaticism compelled

Elvanlee raised his head, and, as he did so, her to disobey him." the doctor heard a half-suppressed sigh.

"You prove yourself worthy of her, and she "The dispatches are of the highest impor-will have the less to regret," continued the doctance," he replied, sadly. "The chevalier's tor, taking another pinch. standard has been raised at Glenfinnan, and the clans are flocking around it. They have had one success already in making prisoners of a detachment of the Inverness garrison. General Cope marched northward a week ago, and I am directed to follow him with what men I can muster."

"Ay, but now, when she hears that the chevalier's friends have risen, when she is told that her father stands sword in hand on one side, and her husband on the other-oh, man, think what agony, what torture, she will endure every moment that this hateful strife continues. Would to Heaven there were any hon

The doctor took a pinch of snuff from a mass-est means by which I could shun the duty that ive silver box, which bore a flattering inscrip- is thrust upon me!" tion. It was the gift of a crowd of poor folks whom the doctor had attended in the time of an epidemic, without hesitating on account of his own safety or counting the probabilities of ever being rewarded here for his services.

"That sounds serious enough," he said, thoughtfully.

"That's no possible; and I would warn you, sir, to take heed how you speak of this business; for the fact that you are married to Strathroy's daughter, and that your forebears have belonged to the Jacobite side, are reasons enough for suspecting that you are tarred with the same stick. That is why Forbes has been in such a

"It sounds to me like the doom of all my hurry to compromise you by engaging you at happiness," was the gloomy rejoinder.

the outset in active service for the house of

"Hoots, nonsense, man. You have to sepa- Hanover."

"And that is another reason for my desire position from you, than if I were to speak before she had been warned. Consider, man, the circumstances that weigh upon me-Heaven help me!-that almost overwhelm me, and I charge you, on your friendship, aid me to make the blow fall as lightly upon her as may be."

to avoid the service, if it might be honorably
done," exclaimed Oliphant, warmly. "My fa-
ther, and his fathers, since ever the Oliphants
of Elvanlee have held a place in Scotland, have
given their best blood for the Stuart's cause.
The past makes me seem in my own eyes-ay,
and in the eyes of others-a renegade. The
past makes me think of Charles Edward with
respect and affection. None can know how
hard it has been for me to take service against
him; and even now, if I could save him oneness, yielded.
moment of the pain and disgrace to which I
see him advancing, I would gladly give life and
fortune."

The doctor opened his eyes in alarm, closed the lid of his snuff-box with a snap, and ejaculated, almost angrily,

"This is treason!"

Elvanlee became calm, and smiled bitterly. "You have not heard me out," he said, with a tinge of melancholy in his tone; "I would give all I possess to help the chevalier; but I recognize as the result of this mad invasion only a reckless waste of human life, a reckless shower of misery upon our poor country, that must end in his degraded flight or wretched death. The sooner he is satisfied that this is the inevitable climax, the less harm he will do; for I believe him to be an honest gentleman, who would not ruthlessly sacrifice those who love him. Therefore, with a sad heart, I am for King George."

"For Heaven's sake, man," exclaimed Fairlie, anxiously, "see that you never speak in this fashion again. I hope nobody else heard you enow-it would be enough to condemn you to be hanged, disemboweled, and quartered into the bargain, no to mention the confiscation of all your estates."

"Have no fear on that score. To you I can speak freely; to all others I am silent. But enough of that. I have a task for you. Margaret has not been told yet how I am placed; but it would be cruelty to attempt to conceal it from her now."

"Quite correct," said the doctor, dryly, and moving away; "you had better tell her immediately."

"Stop-I want you to help me by breaking the tidings of our departure to her." "Me!-I couldna do it."

The doctor took snuff, shrugged his shoulders, admitted that it was not in his nature to resist this earnest appeal for help; and then, with a growl of discontent at his own weak

"Is there ony thing particularly saft about my head or body ?" he muttered, trying to survey himself; "because it seems to me as though you thought I was made for no other purpose than to be the trumpeter o' ill news; and it's a d-d nasty job-saving your presence."

With that he marched out, frowning, but ready to discharge the task he had tried so hard to avoid.

Oliphant sat down to examine the dispatches. He touched them with a feeling akin to disgust; for they were to him the bitter symbols of much domestic misery, and contained the summons to a strife against which his heart revolted.

He had employed every means that an honest man might employ to escape involvement in the pending struggle; but, with that shrewd policy which secured so many waverers to the Government, President Forbes had at once addressed him as a loyal subject of King George, and, by a show of confidence, rendered it impossible for a man of Oliphant's honorable nature to decline the active service he was called upon to perform. It would have been a species of treachery, according to his view. So, in all his doubts and regrets, he had no doubt as to what was the course he was called upon to follow; and he had neither fear nor hesitation about following it—but he was tortured by the knowledge of the misery it entailed upon his wife.

CHAPTER III.

LADY MARGARET.

OUTSIDE, the gathering crowd had settled into groups, eating, drinking, laughing or weeping, according to the humor uppermost in the different minds-all waiting the appearance of

And the doctor looked as if he were really the laird to learn the best or worst that might horrified by the demand.

"You must, doctor," said Elvanlee, earnestly; "what I have to say will disturb her less, when she has obtained some knowledge of my

be before them.

An anxious wife, silent and tearful, spasmodically clutched the arm of a stalwart husband, whose eyes were clouded with doubt, belying

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