The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

652 The Utokland Mo7ithly.
may still further eradicate superstitious notions, broaden
materialistic views, and convince as to the physical basis of
things ; but until the end of time humanity will ever
remain sensitive to the awesomeness of sudden death.
The blacksmith, always eager to get first news for dis-
cussion round the anvil, laid down his hammer and hurried
to the bell tower. Far and near the mhabitants were
grouping together, and messengers were despatched hither
and thither in quest of the information, Who is dead ?
" It's at the Castle," suddenly cried a sharp-eyed urchin,
"see the flag's gaun up and stoppin' at half-mast."
" I hope it's no the laird," remarked a busy farmer,
hurrying in from the fields. " It'll be a dreadfu' thing if
the laird's taen avva' and thae improvements o' mine just
begun tae."
" Aye, the young chap '11 never be like his faither,"
added his grieve ;
" he's gi&y tapsilteerie."
Many were busy giving expression to similar opinions,
when a horseman was seen coming at a brisk pace from the
Castle. It was John on his way to Inverness with the
tidings that Miss Flora had that morning been found dead
in her bed !
Miss Flora, the good genius of Stuart Castle, the most
popular lady in the whole country side ; the wife to be of
the young laird, almost in sight of her wedding robes—now
in her cerements. The news spread like wildfire, and
moved every heart to a great depth of sorrow. As if by
mutual consent, work was suspended on and far beyond
the confines of the estate. Many a breakfast in homestead
and cottage remained untouched. On this memorable
morning, scarcely an eye but was moistened.
" And her sae young and bonnie, and kind-hearted,"
remarked the leading voice in one condoling group of
matrons.
" Within sicht o' her marriage ring, as ye may say,"
broke in another, " they say the marriage was put forrit tae
Christmas."