Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog, Oscar (2).pdf/19



19 misfortunes and did not even deign to lift his eyes as the stranger approached, but seemed counting the number of marks which the horse's hoofs had made on the way. Good e'en to you, Sir,' said Dun- can;---the old man started and stared him full in the face, but with a look so unsteady and harrassed, that he seemed incapable of distinguishing any lineament or feature of it. ‘Good e'en,' said he wiping his brow with his arm, and passing by.--- What there was in the voice that struck him so forcibly it is hard to say. Nature, is powerful. Duncan could not think of ought to detain him; and being desirious of seeing how matters went on about the house, thought it best to remain some days incog. He went into the fore-kitchen, con- versed freely with the servants, and soon saw his stepmother and sister appear. The former had all the insolence and ignorant pride of vulgarity, raised ealth and eminence; the other seemed naturally an amiable disposition, but was entirely ruled by her mother who taught her to disdain her father, all his relations, and whomsoever he loved. On the same evening he came into the kitchen, where she then was chatting with Duncan, to whom she seemed attached at first sight. Lexy, my, dear, said he, did you see my spectacles? Yes, said she, I think I saw them on your nose to day, at break- fast. Well, but I have lost them since, said he. You may take up the next you find then, Sir, said she.---The servants laughed. I might well have known what information I would get of you, said he, regretfully. How can you speak in such a style to your father, my dear lady? said Duncan. If I were he, I would place you where you would learn better manners. It ill bocomes so pretty a