Lindsay
in a question of genealogy, that he begged his lordship to call
again in a few days, when he hoped to have some result of research
to communicate.
One of the antiquarian's weaknesses, cause and result both of his
favourite pursuits, was an excessive reverence for rank. Had its
claims been founded on mediated revelation, he could not have
honoured it more. Hence when he communicated to his daughter the
name of their visitor, it was 'with bated breath and whispering
humbleness,' which deepened greatly the impression made upon her by
the presence and conversation of the baron. Mysie was in danger.
Shargar was late that evening, for he had a job that detained him.
As he handed over his money to Robert, he said,
'I saw Black Geordie the nicht again, stan'in' at a back door, an'
Jock Mitchell, upo' Reid Rorie, haudin' him.'
'Wha's Jock Mitchell?' asked Robert.
'My brither Sandy's ill-faured groom,' answered Shargar. 'Whatever
mischeef Sandy's up till, Jock comes in i' the heid or tail o' 't.'
'I wonner what he's up till noo.'
'Faith! nae guid. But I aye like waur to meet Sandy by himsel' upo'
that reekit deevil o' his. Man, it's awfu' whan Black Geordie turns
the white o' 's ee, an' the white o' 's teeth upo' ye. It's a' the
white 'at there is about 'im.'
'Wasna yer brither i' the airmy, Shargar?'
'Ow, 'deed ay. They tell me he was at Watterloo. He's a cornel, or
something like that.
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