The Antiquary

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 18 Excerpt: ... composedly, "From one who was better known to the Earl than to him." "Better known to me, fellow?" said Lord Glenallan; "what is your meaning? Explain yourself instantly, or you shall experience the consequence of breaking in upon the hours of family distress." "It was auld Elspeth Mucklebackit that sent me here," said the beggar, "in order to say" "You dote, old man!" said the Earl; "I never heard the name--but this dreadful token reminds me" "I mind now, my lord," said Ochiltree; "she tauld me your lordship would be mair familiar wi' her, if I ca'd her Elspeth o' the Craigburnfoot--she had that name when she lived on your honour's land, that is, your honour's worshipful mother's that was then--Grace be wi' her!" "Ay," said the appalled nobleman, as his countenance sunk, and his cheek assumed a hue yet more cadaverous; "that name is indeed written in the most tragic page of a deplorable history. But what can she desire of me? Is she dead or living?" "Living, my lord; and entreats to see your lordship before she dies, for she has something to communicate that hangs upon her very soul, and she says she canna flit in peace until she sees you." "Not until she sees me!--what can that mean?--but she is doting with age and infirmity--I tell thee, friend, I called at her cottage myself, not a twelvemonth since, from a report that she was in distress, and she did not even know my face or voice." "If your honour wad permit me," said Edie. to whom the length of the conference restored a part of his professional audacity and native talkativeness--" if your honour wad but permit me, I wad say, under correction of your lordship's better judgment, that auld Elspeth's like some of the ancient ruined strengths and castles that ane sees amang the hills. There are mony part...