"I do not know exactly, but we will build the surgery and dispensary as
soon as we have got the proper location. They will give you many good
opportunities while the church is building. And I hope you have not
forgotten duties kin and kindred to yourself. They cannot be overlooked,
Ian."
"I will overlook none of them, Uncle. I have been a great sinner in this
respect."
"For instance, Marion has never weaned herself from you. She talks of
you constantly when she comes here, and we have had some tearful hours
about your silence and neglect."
"I will atone for them as soon as may be. I have often been sorry that I
did not stay and see her marriage."
"It was a grand affair. Nothing like it was ever seen in Glasgow before
or since. There were the Bishop and two clergymen to perform the
ceremony and a notable company to see that it was properly done. Among
this company were three officers from the Household troop, and, if I had
the words, I would tell you about their splendid uniforms and stars and
ribbons of honor. And there was Lochiel, in full Highland costume,
looking more like some old god than a man--and McAllister and McLeod and
Moray, and half a dozen more in all their varieties of kilts and plaids
and philabegs; velvet vests and gold buttons, and eagle feathers in
their Glengary caps. They were a splendid and picturesque background for
the lovely bride, clothed in white from head to foot and looking like an
angel. McAllister had sent a basket of white heather for bridal
bouquets, and every Highlander there wore a spray of it in his vest or
cap. I had a stem or two at my own breast--and Marion's veil was crowned
with a wreath of the lovely flowers."
"After the marriage, where did they go?"
"First of all, they came here, to my house--and we had a bridal
breakfast that none will forget. Lord Glasgow toasted the bride, and the
Provost of the City made answer for her. His speech was well enough, but
a little o'er long--considering the occasion."
"And then?"
"They went to all the capital cities of Europe. It was a wonderful
honeymoon trip. They might have been royalties themselves, they were
that nobly entertained. Well, well! Marion Macrae was a bonnie bride,
and she is far bonnier and better now than she was then--the best of
mothers, the best of wives, a noble woman every way. She has a son
called 'Ian,' after you, and two little girls who wear the names of
Agnes and Jessy--you know----"
"Yes--I know. How could I ever forget?"
"And there is poor Donald. You are not to slight Donald. You will write
to him, Ian?"
"I will _go_ to him. I can never be quite satisfied until I have seen
Donald. I was cruel and selfish then, but I loved him. I love him now
better than ever. He sits in the center of my heart. I must go as soon
as may be to California."
"You are right. We will buy our land and make our estimates, and set the
men to work. Then you can go and kiss your banished son."
"I am afraid I cannot bring him home again."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account