opportunity, the loss of precious hours! | is, everybody knows, one of the chief how often with small effect enough! historical interests of the neighbourhood. but here a thousand metaphors which It has various titles to our attention. It pass over us lightly in happier circum- affords in homely Fife a glimpse of stances, come home, as the preachers half-Highland scenery, dark water sursay, to our hearts. The sunshine creeps rounded by hills, which, if small in actual along from one part of the grimy gravel, height, are yet respectable in their groupblack with coal-dust, to another. The ing, and picturesque enough to refresh morning grows into mid-day, ripens an eye weary of broad fields and waving towards the afternoon. Bethink your corn, not to speak of potatoes and self, gentle reader! so does your life as turnips. It has the romantic interest of noiselessly, less slowly than the moments having been the scene of Queen Mary's at Ladybank; and as the day goes on imprisonment, and of the events chronifrom eleven to three, so goes our ex- cled in the "Abbot." Beyond these two istence from youth to middle age, from charms of nature and history, it has morning to afternoon, from curls of gold another, not to be lightly esteemed, a to scanty locks of grey. Reflect! and practical and modern attraction. It is bless the directors who thus provide a richly stocked with very fine trout, well "retreat" for you in spite of yourself, a worthy of the angler's and of the epihermitage to repose in and think, a seclu- cure's regard; and perhaps it is this last sion as good as monastic. Many, alas! advantage which attracts most of the pilinstead of blessing do the other thing- grims to the austere little loch, which so gnashing their teeth. But bless ye or often veils itself in clouds and mists, giv curse ye, it matters little at Ladybank. ing itself all the airs of a really Alpine You are planté là — till the hour of your lake, a pretension ridiculously incompatideliverance comes. ble with its real position, so near the But if I were but to recapitulate the East Neuk. All these combined charms agonies we have all suffered if my attract to it many wandering parties from whole purpose was to bring up before the neighbouring district, and it was in you in imagination the anguish you have one of these parties that the hero of this quite lately (as this is the season of trav- brief tale found his way to the scene of elling) been enduring in reality I the story. The party with whom he should be heartless indeed. No, gen- travelled came from St. Andrews. It tlest reader! it is not to repeat with hor- was headed by a cheerful little dumpy rible colours all the shunting, the clang- woman, the mother of most of the little ing, the groaning, and snorting or the crowd; there were girls in it pretty diabolical pause between these tortures enough, and boys riotous enough, for which distinguish the Junction that I any party of pleasure-carrying sketchcall upon you to listen. What I have to books, fishing-rods, shawls, cloaks, umtell is a brighter tale. And specially for brellas, and, not least in importance, the solace of the many sufferers who hampers for the refreshment of the exhave dree'd their weird at Ladybank, is pedition—in short, an ordinary picnic this authentic narrative penned. It is party, in no way outwardly differing the story of one, who, happy among a from other parties of the kind. Half thousand unfortunates, did so improve of them meant to make daubs in their the shining hour as to gather much sketch-books, which their kind friends honey for himself in this barrenest of would call sketches; the other half spots, and to restore its natural sweet-intended trout, but trembled lest their ness to the name, which to most of us is conjoined with everything that is disagreeable. Forget the tedium, dear reader, forget the blackness, the smoke, the heavy silence, the still more odious sounds! There are moments of fate in which ingenious nature can make even such tortures as these into instruments of happiness. Listen while I sing to you the song of Edwin and Angelina over again the happy story of the Junction, the romance of Ladybank!

I have already spoken of Lochleven as being one of the spots within reach, as it

intention should fail to be realized. They were full, as was to be expected, of speculations about the weather. The clouds were gathering ominously over the Lomonds; in the distance the darkness was seen to be pouring down upon various parts of the landscape; a swelling chilly breeze was about, in short, it was exactly what an August day might be expected to be in the circumstances. This, however, did not tame the spirits of the group. They prognosticated evil, and laughed at it. They drew their cloaks round them, and grasped their

umbrellas, and told each other, with outbursts of mirth, how wet the grass would be on the island, and how pleasant it is to picnic in water up to your ankles; and on the whole, I think that, but for one shivering lady in a corner, and the dumpy mother, across whose mind there glimmered a horrible suspicion that the feet of her progeny must be clothed in thin boots- the probable advent of the rain was looked on by everybody as a very good joke, and likely to promote fun, whatever effect it might have on the comfort of the party.

as little sentimental as a man could be, and his aspect on ordinary occasions was totally different from that of a man in love. Yet certain it is that he had been distrait-so much so, that his hostess had felt stealing over her that curious mixture of irritation and discouragement which overcasts the soul of the entertainer when the entertained refuses to be satisfied. The good woman felt humbled in her amour propre,- indignant with her children who did not amuse him, with the scenery which did not excite his enthusiasm, with the weather which would There was one member of it, however, not shine to help her, and with him who who did not seem to share these lively would not look as if he were pleased. anticipations. When I mention the Some people are more subject to this name of Captain Reginald Cannon of the sense of failure than others; and I supArtillery, I am sure that my readers will pose that stout women of cheerful dispoat once recognize one of the most rising sition are specially apt to be moved by young officers of the day-a man des- that amiable vanity which cannot be tined probably to lead the next costly happy without the approbation of its surraid by which England will indemnify roundings. Poor Mrs. Heaviside did not herself for non-intervention, and to come like the abstract looks of her visitor. back decked with the title of Lord Can- She planned expeditions for him, which non of Zanzibar, or some other equally he declined to carry out; she led him— interesting designation. In the mean poor soul!-to such mild wonders of time he was only Captain Cannon of the scenery as were within her reach, and he Artillery, and as fine a young fellow as would not admire. What could she do? you could see. He was tall and strong, At the identical moment at which this as became his profession. He had the story begins she was following him along eye of a hawk or a true soldier, which is the platform at the Ladybank station, perhaps the more satisfactory descrip- seeing dissatisfaction in every line of his tion-quick to mark and wary to watch big and manly form. He strayed along - and a countenance full of laughter and drearily (she thought), not caring where pleasantness when he pleased, but clos- he was going-his plaid hung limp over ing down in clouds and darkness when his shoulder, as plaids only hang in symanother mood was on him. He was thus pathy with some mental limpness in their cloudy and doubtful sometimes in aspect, wearer. His sketch-book drooped from but he was not doubtful in mind, nor did his hand as if he did not want to carry it. he hesitate or vacillate, so far as purpose All the rest of the party had burst into and will were concerned. He was one of expressions of ecstasy on seeing the Kinthe men of whom people say that they do ross train ready in its siding, once in a not let the grass grow under their feet. lifetime ready to start, or pretending to No grass ever grew, I promise you, under be ready to start. But Captain Cannon those active steps. When he had done did not care; what to him was the Kinall the work that was required of him, he ross train? what to him were the clouds was fond of adding on activities of his own. gathering over the Lomonds, about He sketched, he wrote, he travelled, he which all the others were speculating so observed, he threw himself into music freely? He turned round with mechaniand the fine arts, or into sewage and cal politeness, and put Mrs. Heaviside drainage, as might happen, with a happy into the carriage without looking at her— determination not to be beat,- which as if she had been a basket, she said indoes as much for a man as genius. Thus, dignantly. He threw in his overcoat, his you will perceive, it was no dilettante sketching things. He stood vague, dreary, soldier, no young ignoramus dragged and indifferent, at the carriage-door; he headlong through an examination, with put one foot on the step. The train was whom we have to do. During his visit about to move-or gave out that it was in the north, however, his demeanour had about to move-and with one foot upon been remarked upon by his friends as the step, Captain Cannon, with brow as graver and more distrait than usual. No cloudy as the Lomonds, was about to one knew what was the cause. He was jump in

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What happened? Mrs. Heaviside nev-chance as possible of an accident, the er could tell at least not till long after, excellent woman burst suddenly into when the story was told her in detail. vituperation "What a pity we did not The Lomonds continued dark as ever, make up our minds to walk! "+she cried, but all of a sudden a lightning gleam with bitter irony, and sternly rebuked the came over the clouded countenance be- levity of the young people, who persisted fore her - a gleam like lightning, but in their foolish determination to make a softer. With a curious low exclamation joke of everything. When the carriage he turned sharp round, though the train came once more peacefully along-side of was all but in motion. "Get in, get in, the platform from which Captain Cannon Captain Cannon!" shouted everybody. had gone off, she put herself half out of He closed the carriage-door violently with the window, and called impatiently to the his hand, and with one spring and plunge porter. It was the same solemn individacross the iron way, disappeared! Let ual of whom I have already spoken, and the reader imagine what were the sensa- it was not till she had called him repeattions of the picnic party convened chiefly edly and with many gesticulations that he for his gratification. They all rushed to put himself slowly under way and apthe windows and gazed out after him. proached. "Porter," said Mrs. Heavi "He has forgotten something," said the side, "you saw the gentleman who was most charitable among them. "Now standing here just now- the one that this beats all!" cried Mrs. Heaviside. rushed away just as the train got into In the excitement and irritation her usual motion?" good-humour altogether failed her. "I trust, my dears, we can all enjoy ourselves without Captain Cannon!" she cried, elevating her head with a flash of sudden displeasure. I don't know what better reason a woman could have for being angry. "Let us say no more about him," she said, as everybody began to question and to wonder. "But it is very rude of him, aunty," said the prettiest girl of all, who was not fond of Captain Cannon. "I hope it is he who will suffer most cried the offended lady. "I always prefer that people should please themselves. Let us speak of him no

more."

"Ay," said the dark official.

"Do you know where he has gone? He left us just when we were going to start. He has left his coat and things behind. Do you know where he has gone?"

"No me."

"Has he been killed?" cried some one else from the carriage.

"No that I have heard tell o'. Naebody can be killed here without letting me ken," said the man, roused for a moment to a glow of indignant eloquence.

"Nonsense! how could he be killed? Did any train start just now for anywhere else?" asked Mrs. Heaviside, more energetic than lucid.

But it must not be supposed that this sentence was carried into effect, or that "Ou ay; there's aye plenty o' trains." the deserter was not spoken of. What "Then please go and find out where could he mean by it? where could he the gentleman went. We must send his have gone? everybody asked. Mrs. things after him. Go and ask Heaviside alone let her indignation get I have nothing ado with the other the better of her natural good temper. platform," answered the man in office, She closed her lips tight, and put Cap-doggedly.

66

tain Cannon down in the very blackest of "But you can ask. I tell you we have black books, as indeed he deserved. I got the gentleman's things'

"Jump out, George," cried Mrs. Heaviside in wrath, "and call the station-master. I will not be insulted by a porter; and here, take Captain Cannon's things. Is everybody in a conspiracy to be rude to me? As for the Fife railways, I cannot trust myself to speak about them —”

This disagreeable incident clouded the "I've plenty o' gentlemen to look after outset of the expedition more even than here." the gloom of the sky. Mrs. Heaviside, though she refused to say any more of the deserter, threw the feeling which he had excited into every fresh channel which presented itself: when, for instance, it became apparent that the train, in the promptitude of which they had all been exulting, had not in reality the least intention of going off to Kinross, but merely meant to amuse itself for half-anhour by making little runs up and down, to try the points, and get as good a

"They're just as good as other railways, if no better," said the porter, moved to loquacity by injured patriotism; and thereupon he stalked away, strong in the sense of right. George,

for his part, made a joke of his mother's even if a queen's, might look upon worse anger with the provoking levity common things than those glimpses of hill and to youth. "If Cannon chooses to go off wood and water which shine upon you, like a rocket, never mind what he leaves framed in the ruined windows of the old behind that's his own affair," said the hall. From one you have the rugged lad; and just then the train started in side of Benarty, slope upon slope, with earnest, and went steadily on to Kinross, the loch gleaming dark at his foot, and a where the rain, so long anticipated, came clump of green foliage in the shape of down with a will. Mists descended, an island, set like an uncut emerald folding Lochleven in their white em- against his deep-toned purply browns and braces. Benarty disappeared, and so did greys. From another you see little Kinthe Lomonds, and Mary's prison hid it- ross straggled upon the beach, with its self in such a veil as the castle of ro- low protecting spire, not lovely, but almance puts on when the fated knight ap- ways gracious and beseeming its big, proaches who is to liberate its captive. bare, ruinous, half-French chateau showBut by-and-by these glooms broke up, ing upon a line of emerald lawn — and the mist rose, the clear dark-gleaming the dim hills beyond, by which Forth water with here and there a boat softly meanders in links of silver. I do not swaying on its still surface, got itself despise this scenery for my part: I created as in a poem. And then came doubt whether Mary saw anything half a break to the right, and a mountain- so picturesque amid the trees of Vershoulder thrust itself through the va- sailles, far less in her English prisons. pours, and then something shone out on To be sure her taste for the picturesque the left, and lo! a ridge of purple hill! was probably limited, like that of most Lochleven is not grand, my gentle of her contemporaries, and one does not reader you will believe this, as it is know how one would like to be imprisonly in Fife, and no one has ever cele- oned on an island for the sake of the brated the natural advantages of the an- most beautiful of prospects. I think, cient kingdom, so far, at least, as the pic- however, that, for, say a month in the turesque goes but for lack of a better, year, I should not object to try. Cerwhen you cannot find broader waters or tainly there is something strange and higher mountains, there is all the senti- wildly pleasant suggested by the thought. ment of Alpine scenery in this little loch. The post comes and goes, it is true, and Those gentle Lomonds, whose twin peaks newspapers and bills reach you with seharmonize so softly with the corn-fields vere impartiality, whether the fosse that and plenty on the other side, show here surrounds your dwelling be yards or in one mass, with a certain rugged am- leagues in breadth; but yet there is a plitude and dignity - giving well nigh as sense of seclusion, a sharp yet sweet much scope for atmospheric changes as consciousness of separation, in the fastBen Nevis; and Benarty glooms with a ness of an island. I who write would sullen frown, as suits the whilom jailor like to commit some petty treason for of a queen. Round about the wide cir- which I should be imprisoned by her cle of the horizon are other ranges dim- Majesty (whom in Scotland we call ly seen, the Ochils stretching softly in Most Sacred, and I like the traditionary the distance, the Perthshire peaks com- flavour of the title) one month, say Auing in behind. The deep water gleams gust, in a comfortable habitable place black under the rude boat, with its sides on some island not far at sea. This isle high out of the water, at which river in Lochleven would serve my purpose, boatmen gaze aghast; and green islets, or one of those in Loch Lomond, or even green to the very water's edge, lie scat- the leafy little paradise with its soft contered over the gleaming surface, strewn ventual stillness in the Lake of Menabout as in some pastime of the giants. teith; but on the whole I think I should Away in the dimness yonder rises prefer Arran, loveliest of mountain faint the grey remnants of a monastery, fastnesses. This, however, is again a St Serf's, where once bells rang and digression, and a personal one, the most masses were chanted; and nearer lies unpardonable of any. But, dear reader, the castle, Mary's prison, where strong you do not expect me to tell how the walls and deep waters, and bolts and Heavisides picnicked-how they made bars, all failed to keep the fatal Siren of Scotland from her doom. There is no guide but imagination to tell you where she was lodged; but a captive's eyes,

bad sketches and bad jokes, and claretcup, and enjoyed themselves, and forgot Captain Cannon. That would be to profane the pathetic Isle with its ruined

prison. Let us return to Ladybank and | Those sudden waves of blushes, evidence to our tale.

liarity, I suppose, as so many things are; but if so Nature gave (as she so often does) an unfair advantage to Nelly, and her sudden fluctuations of colour were wonderful to watch, and very pleasant to see.

as seemed to him, of the tenderest and When Captain Cannon, careless of all most sensitive of hearts, had captivated considerations, respect for his friends' or the young soldier in spite of himself. for his own safety to which he was by Nelly was one of those quiet maidens, no means generally indifferent sprang soft-voiced, dutiful, submissive, instincdown upon the iron way and rushed across tively deferring to everybody with any the dangerous rails, it was not, I need claim to authority, who used to be the scarcely inform the reader, for nothing favourites of fiction, though they are so that he did so. There had suddenly no longer; and those blushes seemed to gleamed upon him an apparition such as the honest fellow to be an unconscious seldom appears at railway stations. He betrayal of many a quickening thought saw Her standing wistful and alone and feeling to which Nelly was too shy that was the great point! on the edge to give utterance. Perhaps he was right, of the opposite platform, looking with but he was not so right as he supappealing eyes for help and companion-posed himself to be. Many a girl whose ship; not seeing him he did not flat- blushes were much more rare than Nelter himself that the appeal was to him ly's thought as delicately and felt as individually but yet making a general strongly. It was a mere physical pecuclaim upon the world for comfort and aid. She was slight like a willow, or, prettier image, a lily, with something in the pliant bend of her figure which recalled the droop of a light flower-stalk touched and swayed by every wind. Her hair, in opposition to all modern tradi- This young lady, by a chance into which tions, was dark-so dark as to be often we need not inquire too closely, happened called black; it was combed back from to be in Fife on the August morning we her forehead, a fashion which brought have described; and being in Fife, what into evidence a few little locks escaping so likely as that she should be at Lady- not the cut fringe of hair which gives bank? seeing that Ladybank is, as it an air of demi-monde piquancy to so were, the central boss or bouch, into many young ladies, but the natural un- which all the lines of travel converge. dergrowth which keeps on a perpetual She was going to her father, who had a process of renewal in every vigorous shooting-lodge high up among the hills "head of hair." The eyes under her in Perthshire; and of course she was delicate black eyebrows were blue of a waiting for the Perth train. Captain Candeep tone-violet eyes, liquid and soft, non, as I have said, plunged across the as the name implies, like the flower railway at peril of his life, for various they take their tint from, magnified and goods trains of the heaviest kind were softened under a blob of dew. I don't amusing themselves, in a lull of other know that her other features were re- trains, by playing at shunting and pracmarkable. Her complexion was fine and tising for an accident. Captain Cannon clear, but pale, with only the most eva- threw himself full in their way; and but nescent of rose tints, except when any- for that quickness of eye which I have thing occurred to bring a blush, when already given him credit for, and vigorous her face and neck and forehead would be rapidity of limb, the accident would have dyed with vast sudden waves of colour. happened then and there, and this tale I never saw any one blush so instantane- would have been put a stop to, and possiously, so overpoweringly. The habit was bly the life of that poor guard saved who a very painful one to pretty Nelly Stuart was smashed in this same playful way a herself. She was more vexed than I can few days after. Nelly Stuart saw the tell, when, for a nothing-no reason at plunge he made and clasped her hands, all, as she was fond of insisting this breathless with terror. suffusion of crimson would cover her face. men do such foolish things?" she said to It looked so affected, she said in her in- her maid who stood in the background, nocence, as if she were doing it on pur- and drew a long breath of relief when he pose not knowing how little the honest landed safely. For Nelly did not know blood lends itself to any pretences; but him from Adam. She was a little, just a it was very pretty to watch as it came and little, short-sighted, and could not make went as sudden and noiseless as breath. out her dearest friend at a distance-a defect which communicated to her a cer

Captain Cannon was of my opinion.

Oh! why will