The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

A Strange Revenue 653
" Jist think o' that," exclaimed a wife of fewer years
standing in matrimony, and therefore more prone to the
romantic view of matters. " Its the saddest death of a' tac
dee wi' the engagement ring on ane's finger."
'• Hush, here's the minister ; he's gaun to the Castle, nae
doot—his best black coat's on."
Less sentimental, though their feelings were quite as
sympathetic, was the conversation which was taking place
in the smithy between the usual attenders at that gossiping
rendezvous. The smith, though he dearly loved a " crack,"
seldom allowed his social disposition to interfere with his
work ; he clenched each argument with the clang of his
busy hammer. This morning he stood, arms akimbo, lean-
ing against the anvil.
" The bell's stoppit ; the beadle 'ill be here the noo wi'
all the parteeklars," said the smith, breaking the silence.
That functionary presently made his appearance, snuff
box in hand. Recognising his importance on this occasion,
he demanded a seat after his " solemn exertions," and the
smith at once proffered the use of the anvil, which he even
rubbed over with his leather apron, out of respect for a pair
of newly-washed moleskins. The snuff mull was then
passed round with the gravity of a Communion cup, and
the silence pertaining to that ceremony.
" It's awfu', Tammas," the smith at last ventured to
remark.
" Awfu'," responded Tammas.
As the conversation gave no further signs of progression.
Will the weaver took the affair in hand more pertinently.
"You'll hae been up at the Castle this morning, nae
doot, Tammas," he queried in a squeaking voice.
" Nae doot," was the laconic reply, Tammas seemingly
being impressed with the idea that news so solemn and
important as he possessed required time for meditation.
" Perhaps the laird sent for ye?" asked the same voice
about three minutes afterwards.
Whether Tammas resented so much inquisitiveness on
the part of the \\ eavcr, for whom he had no particular lik-