The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

Willie Gillies. 1 9 7
and family authority. I wished to make Willie see the
estrangment between his father and uncle in its proper
light, that is as a misunderstanding that might happen
between very worthy men without leaving any remnant of
feud. Willie remained silent. I continued,
" Supposing your uncle to have been very wrong, he is
entitled \.o ^ locus peniteniicB. When I was his guest, and
before he knew that you were here, he spoke words which
showed that he longed for famil}' affection. He is a
prosperous man, but lonely amidst his prosperity. When
I accidentally mentioned your name, he questioned
me in a manner that left no doubt as to his intentions,
provided he liked you on further acquaintance. I guessed
that he was your uncle, but left it to him to reveal himself.
It was well that I was from home, and that you knew
nothing about him when he arrived. The acquaintance
formed without restraint and premeditation is the best
foundation of friendship. The fact of his having acknow-
ledged the relationship speaks well of what is to come.
Did he tell you who he was when he arrived ?"
" No ;
he said you invited him, and that he would stay
for your return. We tried to entertain him as best we could.
It was yesterday he told me suddenly, up at the Duchray
farm, that he was my uncle, and asked many questions
about my mother, Kate, and George. Tommy was present.
I cannot help it, but I liked him better before I knew he
was my uncle. He is so dictatorial, and spoke so
slightingly of ministers with large families and nothing for
them, that I would rather fight alone than be helped by
him."
" There now—don't ride the high horse of pride. You
and your friends have too much love of independence to
be sensible or pleasant people. You need not look so
defiant. It is a fact. Uncle and nephew are cut much
after the same pattern. It is, however, the duty of the
young man to be tender towards the faults of the aged.
Willie Gillies, my friend, my companion, my younger