The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

358
The Highland Monthty.
resolution, his uncle told him that he would from that day
cease to recognise him as his relation ; that he would hold
no manner of intercourse with him ; and that he would, in
so far as it was in his power, disinherit him, so that he
would succeed to none of his moveable effects. Before the
interview terminated, the old man even condescended to
plead with the infatuated lover. He reminded him of what
he owed to himself and to his family. He told, with a touch
of pathos, how it was now the sole aim of his life to see one
who might }'et, perhaps, represent the main line of the
house of Macbride matched with a partner of at least equal
family. He begged James not to subject to contempt the
position which he was already entitled to hold in the county,
and, finally, he said that if he would, before the time
specified, break off his ignominious engagement with the
Davidsons, he would go with him to Castle Skillet and
conclude negotiations which had been already entered into
there with the view of securing for him Miss Lucy Bisset.
James went out from his uncle with a mind unshaken
from its purpose, either by threats or persuasion. As to
threats, James felt comparatively safe. Drumblankit was
strictly entailed, and the moveables referred to by the old
man were really of small value. Then, had not he and
Jessie Davidson solemnly covenanted to become man and
wife, and James Macbride felt no desire to go back upon his
word.
After the interview with the laird, which I have so
briefly described, he visited Jessie, and wished to have the
matter over without delay. He fixed upon that day four
weeks for the consummation of their espousals.
James still cherished the hope that, once actually
married, his uncle would relax the rigour of his indignation.
In this he was vastly mistaken. No sooner did Drum-
blankit learn that the banns had actually been proclaimed
in the Church at Keilangus than he ordered his nephew to
quit the house, and never to cross that threshold more.