Page:History of Duncan Campbell, and his dog Oscar (3).pdf/19

 that his father was still alive, but that he had overcome the loss of his son, for whom he lamented every day; that his wife and daughter lorded it over him, holding his pleasure at nought, and rendering his age extremely unhappy; that they had expelled all his old farmers and vassals; and introduced the lady’s vulgar presumptuous relations, who neither paid him rents, honour, nor obedience.

Old Glenellich was taking his evening walk on the road by which Duncan descended the strath to his dwelling. He was pondering on his own 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 Duncan;—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 desirous of seeing how matters went on about the house, thought it best to remain some days incog. He went into the fore-kitchen, conversed freely with the servants, and soon saw his stepmother and sister appear. The former had all the insolence and pride of vulgarity raised to wealth and eminence; the other seemed naturally of 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