"Thank Heaven so far!" and Lady Nithsdale closed her eyes for a moment, as if to regain composure and resolution. "And you know, my lady, ill news travels fast enough, and everybody hereabouts would be curious enough about my lord: so pray set your mind at rest." Lady Nithsdale looked at Amy with a sad withering smile. "At rest, Amy! at rest!" and pressing her hand upon her bosom, "it is long since this heart has been at rest, and I am much mistaken if it will be so for many a long day yet. If there is any truth in what the people of this country call second-sight, I have much to suffer yet; but I will not despair. I place my reliance above; I will confide in Him who will not abandon the humble, even when all human succours fail." CHAPTER XII. When the day is gane, an' night is come, An' a' folk bound to sleep, I think on him that's far awa, The lee-lang night, an' weep, my dear, The lee-lang night, an' weep. _Jacobite Song._ It is singular how the first vague rumour of a great event travels faster than can almost be accounted for by human means, and how much time sometimes elapses before the real and authentic account is received! Two nights and a day of dread and uncertainty did Lady Nithsdale endure before any farther details reached Terreagles. The honest Amy's face soon betrayed that fresh intelligence had arrived, and that intelligence unfavourable. Almost before her lady could question her she said, "My lord is well, madam! my lord is safe!" "Oh, dearest Amy, thanks!" and her eyes flashed with joy. "But why this sad countenance then? Look cheerful, girl, for your face belies your words. You are not deceiving me?" "No, no indeed, madam. He is unhurt: not a wound, nor a scratch, as I believe." "Then why can you not smile? Oh, Amy! at this moment I feel how weak a sentiment is loyalty to one's king, when put in the balance with love for one's husband! Still no smile! Why, we have changed characters, Amy, and you are going to school me into my due allegiance." "Oh, my sweet lady! I joy to see a smile upon your lips; and I dare not finish my tale, for I shall banish it more quickly than I have called it up." "You said he was unhurt; not a scratch, you said?" "I did, my lady! but oh! can you not guess what other misfortune may have befallen him, and all of us?--oh, my lady!" "I am dull of comprehension; but I cannot picture any great evil now my lord is safe!" "He is safe, now, madam, unhurt, unwounded; but----" "But what, Amy? Speak; you distract me!" "But, madam--dear madam--he and all the other lords--are--prisoners, madam,--prisoners to King George!"