Page:Jeanie Deans and the lily of St. Leonard's.pdf/22

 22 After reading them hastily over.--"your sis- ter's case is certainly a very hard one, said he : leave these papers with me, and you shall hear from me to-morrow or next day. Don't be out of the way when I send, or hope too much from what I may be able to accomplish. God has the heart of kings in his own hands." Jeanie then curtsied reverently and withdrew. On the second day after Jeanie's interview with Argyle, the duke's confidential servant came for her in a hackney coach, and brought her to where the duke was waiting to receive her. “ I see you have been punctual, Jeanie, said he, as a servant assisted her into the car- riage; you must be my companion for the rest of the way, and Mr Archibald will remain here with the coach until you return." They pro- ceeded at a rapid rate through a delightful coun- try, and after a pretty long drive the carriage stopped, and they found themselves in an ave- nue lined with lofty trees, at the end of which a number of beautiful garden walks branched off' in different directions. In one of these they perceived a lady, richly dressed and of a noble and commanding appearence, advancing to meet them. The duke desired Jeanie to stand still, and stepping forward himself, made a profound obesiance, which was returned in a dignified manner by the personage whom he approached. After conversing together for some time, the duke made a signal for Jeanie to advance ; and the lady, addressing her in a kindly tone, in- quired how she had travelled up from Scotland. Upon my feet mostly, madam," answered Jeanie. “ I thought I was a good walker, said the lady, but this shames me sadly:"-" I wish that your leddyship may never hae sae wear