Page:Jeanie Deans and the lily of St. Leonard's.pdf/24

24 Besides the usual accompaniments of a lady's needle-book, it contained a note for fifty pounds and the queen's name written with her own hand. Having arrived at the turnpike road, the duke took leave of Jeanie, promising to send her notice when her business was settled.

In a few days Jeanie received the welcome intelligence, and soon after took her departure for Scotland in one of the duke's carriages which he was sending to his seat at Inverary. On the liberation of Effie, she returned to her father at St Leonard's, and busily engaged herself in inquiries about the fate of her child, which at last proved successful. Some time afterwards, she was privately married to Staunton, and retired to England with her husband. A reconciliation with his father was soon effected; he became an altered man, and endeavoured to atone for the errors of his past life by a thorough reformationreformation. [sic] Jeanie also was united to the object of her long and steady attachment, and under the happiest circumstances. The Duke of Argyle had inquired into Butler's character and cirumstances [sic], and being satisfied as to his learning and abilities, presented him to a comfortable living in Argyleshire. David Deans was appointed to manage one of the duke's farms, at such a distance from the manse as allowed of daily intercourse, in the tranquil enjoyment of which he spent the remainder of his days. Happy in each other, and in the prosperity of a rising family, the simple pair lived long, respected and beloved by all who knew them.

FINIS.