The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

196 The Highland Monthly.
"
" And you will follow his advice, my boy ? "
" Perhaps, after I have seen my mother. It is so
strange— I do not understand why he seeks me now. My
mother seldom spoke of her family. But he says that you
know him and—and —
I understood perfectly why Willie did not put the
question he wished to ask. I sent Tommy away on some
errand, and then spoke to Willie seriously.
" My lad, don't let slip the chance that fortune offers
you. I do know your uncle, and can assure you that he is
a worthy man, albeit somewhat peculiar in a io^N things.
From him I learned that his sister made a marriage of
which he disapproved."
" There never was a better man than my father," said
Willie, with the blood rushing to his face and his eye
kindling.
" I do not question it. Your uncle, as I tell you, is a
peculiar man, but you must not turn your back upon him
because he and your father were estranged. Worthy men
have strong prejudices ; if your uncle and father had
known each other better, they would have been better
friends. Without saying a word derogatory to your
deceased parent, I do not affirm that William Greaves had
not some cause of complaint against him for running away
with his sister."
" Did my father and mother do such a thing? I can
hardly think it."
" Nonsense, Willie, why, old as I am myself, I do not
know what I would do if a bonnie lassie loved me and I
loved her, and her friends demurred, although her equal in
everything but fortune."
It was the pressure of the occasion that forced me to
use these unguarded words. I certainly spoke what I
thought was true and proper ; but then it is dangerous to
let j'ouths suppose that their seniors approve of irregularities
which are not excusable—at least not profitable for society
— unless when justified by singular stretches of parental