Page:Jeanie Deans and the lily of St. Leonard's.pdf/16

16 reply, the stranger then walked off at a rapid pace. leaving Butler most unpleasantly surprised at his morning's adventureadventure. [sic] Though not naturally of a jealous disposition, it appeared inexplicable to him what the object of his early affection could have to say to the person who had just parted from him at a place so improper and an hour so unseasonable. Exhausted with fatigue, and harassed with doubt and anxiety, he dragged himself up the ascent to St. Leonard's, and appeared at the door of Deans' habitation with feelings much akin to those of its miserable inhabitants. The old man was seated by the fire, with his well worn Bible on his knee, and as he extended his hand, Butler clasped it in his, wept over it, and in vain endeavoured to say more than "God comfort you!" Jeanie was unable to trust herself with more than one glance towards her lover, whom she now met under circumstances so agonizing to her feelings, and she left the apartment as if in the prosecution of some part of her morning labour. In a short time Butler followed her, anxious to ascertain how far the young gallant he had seen was entitled to press a request which no prudent woman he imagined was likely to comply with. He found Jeanie sitting in the corner of an outhouse, silent, dejected, and ready to burst into fears [sic]. "I am glad you have come, Mr Butler, said she, for I wished to tell you that all maun he ended between you and me—it's best for baith our sakes. Never, Reuben, shall I bring disgrace hame to ony man's hearth."—"And is there nothing but a sense of your sisters misfortune, inquired Butler in a faltering voice, that occasions you to talk in this manner?"—"What else could do sae?" she replied with simplicity.