Page:The Family Legend.pdf/148

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Most worthy chief, and honour'd guests and kinsmen, I crave your pardon for this short delay: One of our company is wanting still, For whom we have reserved this empty place; Nor will the chief of Mull unkindly take it; That on our better hand this chair of honour Is for a lady kept.

A lady!

Yes; Who henceforth of this house the mistress is; And were it palace of our Scottish king, Would so deserve to be.

We give you joy, my lord. (A confused murmur heard again.)

We give you joy, my lord: your age is bless'd.