tractive figure, was followed by a sudden and involun. tary sigh, which seemed to have burst from his heart without any power of controul, and it was a look and a sigh so perfectly understood by Lady Honoria, that she immediately requested Tanjore and Fothersgill to see Lady Jean to the carriage. "I will be with you in a few minutes," cried she, waving her hand for them instantly to depart, and her Ladyship's commands were as instantly obeyed. Lady Honoria then whispered in the ear of her brother, while she tenderly repeated, "Dear Sydney, I know that you are effected by the sight of Jean in her present attire ;—you need not tell me why, for I partake of similar emotions, by the strong resemblance she bears to her sainted mother; yet, you know, she could not appear in other habiliments, and you must forgive us this once for trespass- . ing on your goodness. Dear Sydney, promise me that you will go to-bed early, and take care of yourself. Was not my presence absolutely necessary on the present occasion, I would willingly remain with you." The Duke pressed the hand of his affectionate sister, and bidding her to be careful of his Jean, immediately retired. Lady Honoria instantly took her seat in the car- . riage, which immediately drove off. The residence of Laird Macguinney stood on the brow of a lofty mountain; it was two miles from the Castle of Dumfairling, and so romantically beautiful, that Tanjore could not help admiring its delightful situation. On the nearer approach of the carriage to this wild, sequestered spot, the sound of the bagpipe saluted their ear, while numerous passengers crossed the path which led to the Highland dwelling, all throwing off their bonnets with loud huzzas as they passed the carriage of the Duke of Belmont. They were bridal guests going to the wedding, with new plaids and white ribbon knots tied on their Highland caps. "See ye the bonnie lads and the bonnie lasses all ganging to the wedding, Mr. Tanjore?" cried Lady Jean. "My dear Jean, do speak English," exclaimed Lady Honoria, smiling at the bewitching simplicity which accompanied these words; " for it is probable that neither Tanjore nor Fothersgill understand what you are saying." "Oh, yes, but they do, dear aunt,” cried Lady Jean, laughing; "I have been teaching them to understand Scotch ever since they came to Dumfairling Castle,have not I, Mr. Fothersgill?" To which the tutor very warmly replied, "Your Ladyship has been teaching me to admire the Scotch ever since I came to Dumfairling Castle, and the impression wifi not easily be effaced from my recollection." "Ditto repeated, dear Lady Jean," exclaimed Tanjore. The carriage now suddenly stopped at the entrance of the Laird Macguinney's ancient and humble Highland dwelling, the sight of which was so extremely novel to Tanjore and to Fothersgill, that it was almost impossible to resist smiling at the motley group which were collected together in the ancient hall, which was appropriated for the reception of the numerous invited guests. Lads and lasses, all dressed out in their very best, with a posey of fresh-gathered flowers ready to present the bonnie bride with, were assembled on each side of a spacious table, set out with provisions, certainly of the most substantial kind, for there were but few delicacies, except six fowls dressed in the Highland fashion, and a dish of moor game, reserved for the noble guests. There were pasties, too, prepared with no small care by the delicate hands of Moggy herself, and some "auld gude wifes" who assisted on this very important occasion; and as to the Highland whiskey, it flowed in full bumpers almost on every side, among the more ancient part of the bridal company and the aged minstrels, which were numerous; and the drone and the bagpipes, aided by the additional sound of some violins, badly in tune, created a confusion and mixture of tones hard to be defined. One or two of the musicians, however, were of no mean order, and played some of the national airs of their country with expression and feeling, and they had just concluded "Scots wha ha'e wi' Wallace bled!" at the entrance of the expected visitants. Instantly every Highlander bent on one knee, and doffed his bonnet to the lovely flower of the illustrious House of Campbell, and every eye was fixed in admiration on the beautiful Lady Jean, while reiterated shouts of acclamation and joy burst from the lips of the aged and the young, which filled the ancient hall of the Laird Macguinney, and made it ring with rejoicings which were never echoed there before; and when Macguinney approached to welcome Lady Jean, in the midst of this joyous assembly a profound silence prevailed. He was near seventy years of age, and the silver hairs which shadowed his venerable yet open brows he had never disgraced. He had been a faithful follower in the clan of the House of Campbell; and when he bent his aged knee to the youthful Jean, and presented her with the white rose (which was the custom,) he exclaimed, "Lang life and happiness to the bonnie bairn that sprang fra the House of Campbell! Peace to thee, lassie, and to a' thy race, and to the gude memory o' thy departed mither! God's blessing be wi' ye, fra this time, and evermore." The feelings of the lovely, tender-hearted Jean could no longer be controlled; her beautiful blue eyes swam in tears, and in a tremulous voice she thanked the old man for the blessing he had bestowed on her and all her race, and insisting that he should rise, took the cup from the youthful bridegroom, who bent to her on the other side, and drank the healths of the whole company, so gracefully and so sweetly, that shouts of applause followed. She then gave her nosegay to the bride, who smilingly placed it in her bosom,-Andrew presented the gloves, Jean drew them on and gave him her hand, the music struck up, the lads and lasses arranged themselves, and the reels commenced. Never had Tanjore and Fothersgill witnessed such a scene of novelty, which had not only instructed and amused them, but had perfectly penetrated their hearts, for here was pure nature, unassisted by art ; here were genuine simplicity and feeling; here were no studied forms of ceremony, affectation of sentiment, or rivalship of dress; here were the sons and daugh ters of humble industry assembled together, in innocent and heartfelt congratulations on each other's happiness and here was exalted birth not disdaining to share it with them, nor was its lustre here diminished-like a brilliant star, it still held its pre-eminence; for, when exalted rank is dispensing blessings around to its inferiors, it exalts itself, and shines with redoubled lustre on the objects whom it illumines with its smiles. CHAPTER XIX. "Not a sound shall disturb the balmy hour, “And dropping a pearl in every cup, “To make it look gay in the morning hour.” NEVER had the beautiful daughter of the Duke of Belmont appeared to such superior advantage, never had she shone with such irresistible grace, fascination and beauty, as she did on this evening, when surrounded by all her father's tenants at Moggy's happy |