The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

356
The Highland Monthly.
he was at no pains to conceal his dislike of the stiff,
aristocratic notions of his uncle, some of which appeared to
be especially ridiculous in his eyes. He had, indeed,
received an education by no means in keeping with the
expectations which were entertained for him by his relative.
In his own mind what pleased him most was to consider
that he would not be compelled to work for a living like
others less fortunate, inasmuch as the yearly proceeds of
Drumblankit, besides paying interest on the mortgage,
would be amply sufficient to gratify all his single tastes.
Living in a remote glen, he could mingle only on rare
occasions with the families of the tacksmen, so that he was
thrown for society almost entirely upon his uncle's servants
and the community of Millbeg, a crofting township that
adjoined his home. Here, being heir to the property, he
was received as a person of great consequence, each house-
hold vying with the others in paying court to this rising
sun. Whatever might be his position elsewhere, there was
no question as to his importance in Millbeg. He felt this,
and loved the place and people accordingly. When, on
one or two occasions, he had accompanied his uncle to a
gathering of the country notables, and on account of his
untutored manners, had been subjected to petty insult of
one kind or another, he solaced himself with the consideration
that the like would never be experienced among
the good folks of Millbeg, and, on his return to Drumblankit
alter such rebuffs, he felt more than once inclined to leave
it. Thus, his years ran on until he was on the wrong side
of forty, when an event of an extraordinary nature broke
the even tenor of his life. This was no other than his
engagement with pretty Jessie Davidson. Her father had
amassed considerable wealth as a dealer in black cattle.
But poor James, head over ears in love with her good
looks, gave her fortune scarcely a thought. Nevertheless,
theirs was a case in which money might smooth the path
to matrimony. Drumblankit, of itself, could by no means
support the laird in possession, and also a married heir.