Glennair; or Life in Scotland

Front matter

I I GLENNAIR; OR, LIFE IN SCOTLAND. BY HELEN HAZLETT, AUTHOR OF "HEIGHTS OP EIDELBERG," ETC. " Let ns walk together as friends, In the shaded paths of meditation, Nor judgment set his seal until he hath poised hie balance; That the chasten ings of mild reproof may meet unwitting error, And charity not be a stranger at the board tbat is spread for brothers." PHILADELPHIA: CLAXTON, EEMSEN & HAFFELFINGER, 819 A 821 MARKET STREET. 18 69. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by CLAXTON, REMSEN & HAITELFINGER, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. >J. . r^JX >^ /Utt^ J- FAGAN & 80N' fe^MJ STEREOTTPERS, PHILAD'A. fe^Y^*^ Moore Bros., Printers.

Introduction

. sTIHE complaint has been made of late, perhaps not without reason, that distant lands are portrayed and antique subjects chosen, when the pen of the author would glide more smoothly and be more acceptable to the community, if .confined to familiar home scenes. The apology offered in thus braving the literary world is, that the authoress has been led to wake up in memory those who lived among Scotia's hills, the home of her own ancestry, and from whose lips much of ' Scottish life ' has been gathered. GLENNAIR.

Chapter I

"Now — courage again ! And, with peril to cope, Gird thee with vigor, And helm thee with hope." I SHALL assuredly enroll you among the insane, if you insist on braving this tempest, Duncan ; aud must exert my influence with your sister, to pre vent her accompanying you." " My father's note admits no option, uncle," returned the young man addressed. " His charge is, to bring my sister home, regardless of the storm, or Mr. and Mrs. Rushbrook's importunities. The bearer was a stranger ; it was handed to me as I was leaving the bank, toward evening. Father has entire reliance on my obedience ; would you have me lessen his future confidence, Uncle Ralph ? " A faint smile played for a moment over the fea tures of the youth, as his dark-gray eyes rested in quiringly upon Mr. Rushbrook. " It would be difficult to arouse distrust in you, Duncan, in the family or community ; but does it not appear to you singular your father gives no reason for his peremptory summons ?

" 2 GLKNNAIK. " I do not doubt, uncle, my father's explanations will be quite satisfactory ; he is never unreasonable. But here is Amy, equipped, — and, has she convinced Aunt Louisa, though against her will, that we are right — if perversely so ? " " Aunt Louisa pronounces father intensely absurd, and is equally complimentary to his son and daugh ter for following his mandates," replied a bright, happy-looking girl of apparently eighteen years. " I have no idea of the why, but the motive must be cogent to induce father ever to allow us to battle with this storm. "We are ready, Duncan ; good night, Uncle Ralph. Aunt Louisa looks determi nately opposed ; you will at least exchange a parting kiss, auntie ? " Ig J^lOB, " I would I had power to oppose this rash step, Amy," said Mrs. Rushbrook ; " remonstrance has failed."

" And I have expended all my arguments, and shall not urge another word," pursued Mr. Rush brook. " "Will has been trying various ways of getting the carriage out for you, children, but the drifts are so heavy he caunot succeed ; and, indeed, it would be quite impossible and useless to attempt to drive any vehicle to-night. So, Duncan, if you are resolved, there is no choice — you must walk." " Father writes that Lochiel will meet us with the sleigh the other side of the brook," replied the young man, calmly. " Your brother will manifest less wit than has usually been ascribed to him, if he ventures such a risk; yet, you are all young and strong, and the GLENNAIR. 15 elements are under the direction of a merciful God. May He be your covert this night, children." After a few inquiries respecting the security of his sister's apparel against the anticipated contest with the northern blast, and an interchange of kind adieus, Duncan Graeme and his sister Amy set forth.

" How dark and dreary it is, Duncan," she mur mured, when with difficulty they had gained about a quarter of a mile. " My courage would fail were it not balanced by our experience of father's unerring judgment." " How I wish I could carry you, Amy," said the brother, gently, " but these drifts half bury me. Cling close to my arm, and I can then lift you as often as I extricate myself. Cheer up, Amy, it is only one mile to the Grotto ; Loch, is not one to disappoint us." " The Grotto ! Not Elfin Grotto ! " she exclaimed, half releasing the arm she held. " Why appoint that place, Duncan? a night among these drifts would be preferable to such a refuge." A strong blast at that moment separating and whirling them at a distance from each other, all else was forgotten in the strenuous efforts to recover a footing.

" I am almost exhausted, Duncan," Amy ex claimed, when her brother had once again joined her, and the fierce wind had in a measure subsided, "and I do not hear the bells of LochieFs sleigh." " And will not, this night, Amy. It would be utterly impracticable to reach us — the roads are impassable." " Oh ! brother, what will become of us ? " GLENNAIR. " Had we our father's hope, faith, and assurance of a heavenly home, or mother's unwavering trust and confidence in the Scripture promises, we might follow your suggestion, to sit down passively, and yield the victory to Ring Boreas." " Is there no alternative except — " " The Grotto is our sole security, Amy. "We have, to the letter, obeyed our directions ; further we can not proceed. The foot-bridge is carried away, Amy." Amy had the arm of her brother in a close clasp, but she answered not.

" There is no prospect of an abatement of the storm," he continued. "Choose, Amy, — death, or the haunted cavern. I shall not leave you, whatever may be your decision." The wild sighing of the winds through the forest, the crashing of the limbs and bending of the surround ing trees, were fearful. " Here, Amy, we are exposed to the fury of the hurricane ; we can but die, should we realize all you fear, in the cave." " Lead where you will, Duncan ; in a very little while I shall be unable to follow you." He waited for no more. Quickly passing his arm round her, and lifting her over the low brushwood, he glided with his precious burden down a narrow by-path, to the much-dreaded and ever-avoided " Grotto of the Elfin." " I had not supposed the wild legends and dark doings of the Glenlock fairies could have taken possession of the strong mind of Amy Graeme," her brother observed pleasantly, as he placed her before the door they were now to enter.

" I would disabuse your mind of any such belief, GLENNAIR. Duncan," she replied. "I have no fear of other than incarnate spirits ; I do believe some of the worst of the human race infest this spot, and have never thought otherwise. The land of spirits — or fairy land — has in it nothing terrible for me." " Perhaps hospitality may be the redeeming trait of this band of savages," said her brother, laughing. " "We will hope so, and make our entrance." The door opened as though by a sesame, at the first touch. After passing down a short flight of steps, the brother and sister found themselves in a large room, partially lighted by a swinging lamp, and warmed by a large coal-stove. The apartment was furnished, too, rudely, but comfortably. Miss Graeme could not repress an exclamation of amazement on entering.

" A very unique style of banditti, we must con fess, Amy," observed her brother ; " not a weapon of offence. Let us take advantage of their com forts," he added, taking from his sister her cloak and hood, and hanging them near the fire. " I would advise a rest upon that divan, until claimed by a fairy or a felon ; and I will usurp this chair, and play monarch for the time there, — really, you might pass for an Elfin Queen, so delightfully enveloped in those cushions. But what have we here on these shelves ? Books, — some scientific, some poetic, and — a Bible ! " " How strange ! Duncan. "Who can the inmates be, and why not here on this inclement night ? " " This is obviously not the only apartment, and our host has too much propriety to intrude upon his 2 * B GLENNAIR. guests. With your consent, Amy, I will touch this.

It mayhap be a wand to gather the family in groups." "It is a bell, Duncan. Not for the earth," she whispered, eagerly. "Who knows but his Majesty might furnish some mode of our g-ettine; home? Had I not better seek, if I may not summon him ? " "What is the hour, Duncan? " "Half after nine, — ene hour and a half since we left Uncle Ralph's, — a twenty minutes' walk, ordi narily." " Hark ! " exclaimed Amy, in a hushed voice, — " what was, what is that, Duncan ? " " Only the wail of the winds, my nervously excited sister." Yet he drew nearer the corner from whence the sound proceeded. " We might imagine all the goblins from all lands ; or that the inmates of Pan demonium itself held a convention at this spot to night. You are pale and exhausted, Amy ; I won der if to sleep were quite impossible."

The only reply was a nervous shake of the head. Amy sat intently listening. " I cannot be mistaken," she said at length ; " there are human voices mingling with the noises of the elements." "When similarly situated, Amy," he returned, " I have been almost inclined to answer to my own imaginings. Depend upon it, Amy, those voices will subside with the gale." " Duncan Graeme ! there are human footsteps approaching ! " she almost shrieked, burying her face in her hands in terror. " Amy, dear Amy ! " whispered her brother, sitting GLENNAIR. 19 down closely beside her ; " whatever your eyes or ears may witness here, you and I are perfectly secure. Have I ever deceived you, my sister ? Further revelation would be perjury." The hands fell from her face. Amy lifted her eyes to her brother in astonished inquiry, while the compressed lip and ghastly cheek evidenced the an guish his words had occasioned.

" Amy," he said, placing his arm caressingly around her and speaking cheerfully, " my associa tions with this place do not render me unworthy of your affection and confidence ; my reputation would remain unsullied were it proclaimed throughout our country ; yet, so peculiarly am I circumstanced, that even you may not yet listen to the detail of events that link me, for the present, to the tenant of the ' Cav ern.' Shall I ask my sister's silence, and also that she will remain satisfied with mine until the period arrive when I may, without injury to others, reveal all ? " Amy raised her head from the shoulder upon which it was resting, and faintly asked, — " Is Edith Lincoln in possession of your secret, Duncan ? " Tbere was a sudden start, yet as suddenly checked. Leaning down and fondly kissing her forehead, he replied, — " She is aware of my frequenting this Grotto, and holds me guiltless.

Can not you, Amy ? " A burst of bitter weeping was the answer. " For give me, Duncan," she murmured, after a long inter val, dashing back the tears as she spoke ; "it would be difficult to convince me there could be anything censurable in your motives, but I was so startled, so GLENNAIR. stunned. Yet, Duncan, it is passing strange that Edith never herself ventures near this Grotto, nor suf fers others to do so. She has frequently obstinately persisted in riding several miles out of the way, rather than cross Elfin Bridge. If conscious of security, why is this, Duncan? Edith is incapable of du plicity—" " I do not consider my accountability embraces all the fantasies of others, Amy. Edith Lincoln is be yond even the suspicion of insincerity ; whatever be her reasons for concealment, they must not suggest an evil thought of her."

" I love Edith, Duncan ; we all love her, and deeply mourn the unhappy occurrences which have separated her from us so irretrievably. We only do not often speak of her, Duncan, because we know how intensely you suffer." " Do not use the word irretrievably, Amy dear ; the reputation of Hugh Lincoln is not a total wreck. There are many as sanguine as myself that his character will be re-established, and he reinstated in his position in society and in the Bank. The time may not be near ; I do not think it very far distant. Edith, and her Aunt Cameron, bask in the hope ; they are perfectly assured of his innocence, and — " " But, Duncan, the proofs of his guilt are so obvi ous ; and his mysterious disappearance reflects only culpability — anything, surely, than conscious innocence. Father thinks him a bad, designing man ; and father has considerable discernment, Duncan."

" No question of it, Amy ; yet my intimacy in the family has given me special opportunity of watching GLENNAIR. his traits of character. Religion sits so naturally, so easily upon him ; his amiability is so winning, — such a father could not be a bad citizen. I suppose it was known his disappearance was owing to the perilous threats of the populace. Should his life now be sacrificed, he will lie forever in a dishonored grave, and the name of Lincoln be branded infamous ; but credit me, Amy, there are those who can, who must, and who will shed light on this dark affair. These proceedings against poor Lincoln will yet be stayed ; he will stand as honored and respected throughout his country as now defamed." " Poor, dear Edith ! Father has not prohibited your visiting tliere, although he has Lochiel and me."

" I should have a terrible conflict with the Fifth Commandment, in such a case, Amy. I fear there would be only nine left on the decalogue for me." " Why is the house so entirely deserted, if others hold your good opinion of Mr. Lincoln, Duncan ? " " Public sentiment keeps his friends politically silent. The favorable day is yet to dawn, but it will dawn, believe, my Amy." " There is that singular noise again, dear Duncan ; it cannot be the wind ; it is enclosed with us," inter rupted the sister, tremblingly. Removing a stone, young Duncan revealed a small black cord. Drawing the end, hastily, he again closed the aperture and resumed his seat. " Our host supposes strangers have been driven in by the storm, and is trying the effect of his music. It will cease now ; they will not molest us."

Miss Graeme saw and heard her brother in amaze- GLENNAIR. ment. " Why, Amy," he resumed, " I should be dismissed from the Bank did I give public expression to my opinion, — to father, I have — he thinks me excessively sanguine, and believes it is entirely on account of my position in the family — but it is not. I would defend him as an innocent man had he no daughter." " Some little influenced by that, nevertheless," returned his sister. " Edith's loveliness is very attrac tive. Even father, when he forbade my intercourse with her, said with tears, 'It is a sad necessity, my child ; I think I am as much attached to Edith Lin coln as Duncan himself.' " A smile of momentary brightness played over the features of the youth, but the voice was sad, and in broken accents he said, — " Onty J could nos have deprived her of the solace and companionship of an almost sister.

She admits the propriety ; I have never been reconciled to the withdrawal of our family ; only a thistle-hedge has divided our homes since infancy ; that should have been thrown down in this ordeal, rather than a greater barrier placed there ; but father acts from prin ciple ; he does not intend to induce sorrow. Father cannot do wrong wittingly, nor would Mr. Lincoln. Edith is supported by a large proportion of pride, in the neglect of her former associates. She receives very few visits, and makes none. But, dear Amy, how weary and pale you are ; let me arrange your cushions once more, and oblige me by trying to sleep. I shall resort to the soldier's custom when I see you more composed." GLENNAIR. 23 In a little while he had the satisfaction of seeing her yield to " tired nature's sweet restorer."

Throw ing his own cloak upon the floor, he was himself, in a short time, profoundly sleeping. Whatever might have been the strife of the elements, the silence of death reigned in the cave. For hours there was no sound save the breathing of the sleepers. The flicker of the expiring lamp awakened Dun can. None but the initiated could have procured a substitute. Removing a stone from the side of the wall, from a shelf behind he produced candles and matches. Lighting and introducing one into the neck of an old bottle, he extinguished the lamp be fore the smell of the smoking oil should arouse his sister. The fire required fuel, but that could not be replenished as noiselessly, and was allowed to tarry. His watch told the morning dawn. Through no crevice in the mystic cave could the day break ; no sunlight ever shed a gleam of brightness there.

While his sister still slept, young Graeme passed a slip of paper through another secret opening. In reply, a stone was removed from the opposite side, aud crackers, cheese, dried mutton, ham, nicely chipped, and milk, were handed through into the apartment, — then all silently closed. Having spread the articles over the table, near the light, Duncan Graeme sat down by the side of the couch of his sister. It was not long before she raised her head^ and glancing around in slight alarm, said, — "Where? — yes, — yes, — I have been sleeping, Duncan — dreaming. Where is mother, Duncan? GLENNAIR. She was here, surely, or was it the cry of the Ben shee ? No, no ; that is fabulous ; I was only dream ing." With a strong effort to smile, she asked, — " What have we here, Duncan ? The Elves have not been sleeping."

The thoughts of the brother had kept pace with the words of Amy. He, too, had dreamed of their mother. He felt that she was somehow certainly connected with their night wanderings ; yet he replied with well-feigned cheerfulness, — " The Benshee did better than cry ; she has pitied our condition and brought us food." He filled a glass as he spoke, and Amy drank the milk only because he held it to her lips. A bright fire once again lighted the room ; and except for the time riveted associations of the " haunted Grotto," and the peculiarity of their sojourn there, it might have been deemed cheerful. Breakfast was very soon over, and now the possibility of reaching home was discussed. Refusing to listen to reason while her brother took an observation from the door, Amy accompanied him up the steps, and through the passage they had entered the preceding night.

A scene of desolation presented itself. The storm was still raging ; the winds howled over and around them ; broken branches lay heaped up on all sides, obstructing the pathway. . " Effectually blockaded !" exclaimed young Graeme, " and a question whether the larder of the Elves will stand a siege ! Shall we return to our quarters, Amy ? There seems no other resource." Amy stood with folded hands, gazing wistfully GLENNAIR. 25 upon the prospect. " We can only go back and bide our fate," she replied, after a lengthy pause. " Our anxiety cannot exceed theirs at home. Oh, Dun can, what could have happened to have rendered this disastrous journey necessary ? " " I dread to learn, Amy ; yet, as this result could not have been foreseen by father, we may greatly exaggerate the occasion. Let us endeavor to hope so, Amy dear.

The team will be sent in quest of us so soon as there is a possibility. Shall we go in ? The wind is too keen for you here." Miss Graeme turned mechanically. " Is there no other way of egress ? " she inquired, after they had been some time sitting silently by the fire. " Not by land, Amy ; and there would be more risk than I would like you to encounter, as the pas sage to the sea is very dark and dangerous to other than Elves," he added, pleasantly. " I would hazard all the dangers. The anticipation of reaching home banishes every fear, Duncan. I could brave the tempest of last evening again, to look upon mother's face once more, and to know I have a mother still." " Still wandering over the regions of superstition, Amy. You cannot give credence to the laments, the wails and the waifs, the legends repeated around Scottish hearth-stones ?

" " Perhaps not actual belief, Duncan ; but my nerves are weakened by the singular adventures of the night, and my mind, too, probably," she said, mournfully. " I do not blame you, Amy," he replied, soothingly. GLENNAIR. " No wonder your imagination has been wrought upon by the seemingly strange proceedings of the night, I much regret the necessity that led to your witnessing them. Yet, Amy, there is nothing mys tical here ; nothing superhuman acted in this place. As it has been our refuge for one night, so the refuge of the unfortunate it has been and will be, I trust, ever. It certainly never was my intention to intro duce my sister into the cave, or to its inmates, but it seems I am driven to both. For a few moments he stood irresolute, then suddenly, with an evident effort to appear calm, he stepped forward, and strik ing a spring-bell, placed it again on the ground, and sat down on the couch near his sister, who was in tently watching his operations.

The vibrations of the bell had not ceased when the same large stone through which had issued the provisions an hour before, was slowly removed, then one below it, then another and another, until an aperture was made sufficiently large to admit the person of a robust, athletic man. His countenance bespoke the extreme of sadness as he stood mutely awaiting orders. " The boat and a torch, Roger ! My sister cannot be wanted at home any longer. Speed you, my good fellow." " Nae morrow for the ain that wull fly the oar the morn ; for me 'tis nae muckle ill, yet the bairns might bide life for the love of it." " The distance is short, Roger, and the barque stout. We shall skim round the Lynne and over Loch Muir speedily, and safety, too. Is Norval here ? " GLENNAIR. 27 " I need not Norval, if I gang ; the wind drives.

No oars will be needed, I trow." " My sister cannot walk, and no wheels could find passage. Roger, we have no choice ; by driving out we will be safe." " I trow not, Maister Duncan ; but I bide your bidding." " The torch, then, good Roger. We will walk to the outlet and view the dangers first," The sturdy Roger disappeared only a minute, returning with a lighted torch which he handed to the youth. He remarked, — " I maun guide the leddy through the pass. Amy instinctively followed. She noticed in the next apartment three cot-beds, and that two figures stood in the shadowy niches. There was no word spoken until they reached the bottom of a flight of steps formed of stones of various shapes and sizes, when her escort said, — "I maun carry you, lassie, it is sae slippy here." Unresistingly, Amy was borne through the dismal avenues, her brother cautiously bending the light into the difficult windings, obviously himself perfectly familiar with the way.

After an irksome travel of half an hour, the light suddenly broke upon them, and they stood before the broad ocean ; but the rocks shel tered them securely from the strong blast. A heavy boat rocked at the mouth of the cave. " Oh, Duncan ! " whispered his sister, shuddering ; " is it well to venture ? yet how can we return ? " " Even this contrasts, favorably, Amy dear. We will choose the least evil in your view," he answered affectionately. " The boat, Roger ; we can put in at Maelaine inlet if we are conquered." GLENNAIR. " It is nae far frae the manse of Maister Graeme, the hame of your father, Maister Duncan ; yet I trow there is aneither hame we '11 nae miss if we meddle with the billows this morning. Will I loose her ? The surges will be doubtful anchorage." " Launch her, Roger ; I feel we shall arrive safely.

We must get home ; by land is impracticable for my sister. The sea is not so much troubled, and the wind has lulled considerably since dawn." " Ye ken, Maister Duncan, I dinna," returned the man, swinging the boat from its moorings with the same nonchalance. Young Graeme lifted his sister over, stepped in, and the three commenced the haz ardous enterprise. Amy sat in the centre of the boat, her head resting on her hand, watching the movement of the oars with mingled hope, fear, and occasional despair, as the strong man struggled with the angry waves. " We maun drift into smoother water ; the under flow is powerfu', the air strong an' the Lynn yawn in'. Mair than ane of my name ha' gane there, nor shroud, nither coffin. An awfu' coast on a foul morn, Maister Duncan, but - — " " There is a gun, — hark !

Neilson, — another and another ; throw up the oar for a flag-staff; Amy's scarf will serve for an ensign." " The Lynn afore the maircy of Glennair's Laird," he bitterly ejaculated as he obeyed, "he wull hae nae muckle for Roger Neilson ; yet sae let it be, twa for the ane." In an instant the scarf was torn from the pole. "Forgive me, Roger," said young Graeme, "I GLENNAIR. 29 thought only of home, and judged the firing pro ceeded from thence. Are we nearing the Laird's inlet ? " " Nae, nae, Maister Duncan, there 's a heavy bal ance of blessin's fa' ye, agin a' I ha' to forgie, but ye canna ken, nor I canna speak the hate of the mon fa' the name of Roger Neilson. Lincoln is nae mair to his mind. I would nae like to luke him in the een." "And shall not, good Roger," replied the youth warmly.

"Yet, Roger, the Laird errs ignorantly; the development of the truth will send him to seek your pardon for his part in the transaction — turn, quickly! Roger!" he exclaimed, suddenly rising, "there is a heavy swell on us — northward, or we will be bilged." Seeing their danger at a glance, the skilful pilot threw his boat over the wave, and the next moment she glided into the inlet of Glen nair. " We are here, an' maun make the best of it ; — we had nearly toppled. It is cauld for the bonnie lassie ; spring up, Maister Duncan, an' I will hand Miss Amy tae ye." "And yourself, Roger? " "Tak' agin to the waters. Loch Muir is nae far ; unco' kind wull be the greetin' o' Allen Dhu an' his auld wife, an' our ain cave will nae want me the eve, if my oar ha' its strength." "My kindest wishes will accompany you, Mr. Neilson," said Amy, offering her hand, which was warmly clasped.

" I have reason to be thankful to the cave, to the boat, and to its owner. May you 3* GLENNAIR. be as safely delivered from all your trials as we from ours, of last night and this morning." " Many thanks, leddy. Ye wad nae ha' had the racket we gie to the foe an' the stranger, if Maister Duncan had nae forgot the signal; it was nae meant for ye." "It was onty a momentary shock." "I could not have struck the gong, without occasioning greater terror, Roger. It was not remiss ness ; it was the choice of evils — your goblinism seemed preferable ; but pass up my sister, and take to your craft, before the brighter light of morning tells the tale we would fain keep from the ear of Glennair's proprietor." As Neilson lifted Amy, he whispered, "Mind Roger Neilson in your prayers, leddy: at the askin' of some, the light may gleam through even sic' as covers Hugh Lincoln an' mysel'.