“There was a great hero named Robert Bruce, who became king of Scotland in the old, old times, but there were also a large tribe of Bruces. So how can any one tell? But as for this young gentleman, it does not matter in the least whether he is descended from a king or a carter, _he is himself_; that is the best he could possibly be,” said Em. earnestly. “He is an honest, straightforward young fellow enough; and you are right, my girl; it don’t matter two straws _who_ he is descended from,” added John. “Well, chillun, as de heat and burden ob entertainin’ ob dis young ge’man falls onto my ole shoulders, and I hab to get up in de mornin’ to cook a fust-chop, out-an’-out breakfast for him, _I’m_ a-gwine to bed. Tell yer all what, it’s desaustin’ to de system cookin’ for dese here epitaphs!” said old Aunt Monica. “Oh, Aunty!” exclaimed Em., as if she had received a stab, so keen was the recollection of the error of the supper table—“Oh, Aunty, not epi_taph_, you mean epi_cure_! Epitaphs are put on tombstones, and epicures——” “Are put _under_ them! So what odds? ‘Sich is life,’” said John. “Yes, but I want her to remember this, father, dear. Aunt Monica, _will_ you remember that people who love delicate and dainty food are epi_cures_ and not epi_taphs_?” pleaded Em. “Yes, honey, I’ll try,” said old Monica, and she remembered the emphasized syllables so well that thenceforth she put them together, and when she had occasion to speak of a gourmand she called him a curataph. John called the children around him for their evening prayers; and after these had been offered up the simple, kindly people bade each other good-night and retired to rest. CHAPTER VII A PROPOSAL I see a small, old-fashioned room, With paneled wainscot high; Old portraits round in order set, Carved, heavy tables, chairs, buffets, Of dark mahogany. And there a high-backed, hard settee On six brown legs and paws, Flowered o’er with silk embroidery; And there, all rough with filigree, Tall screens on gilded claws. CAROLINE SOUTHEY. When young Ronald Bruce awoke in the morning he found all things prepared for his toilet by the care of the two boys, who had brought fresh water and towels for their guest while he slept. He arose and dressed himself before the tall mirror on the chest of drawers that stood between the two back windows looking out upon the precipice. Just before leaving his room he leaned from the window and plucked a wild mountain rose that grew in the cleft of the rock and placed it in his buttonhole. Then he went downstairs to find his way to the parlor.