Mrs. Gilsland was overcome; flattering fancies stole over her mind; splendid visions of a figure in uniform, with honours and rewards heaped upon him by the public gratitude, which should call her mother; she put up her apron to her eyes and sobbed. The sergeant was victorious. "And as for Mr. Roger, I am not the man to meddle with them that are aboon my hand--I gave him my advice, like any other speerited young man," said the sergeant; "I tould him my mind of the service. I tould him there was glory and fame to be found in the profession of arms. He was very well inclined to lead me on, was Mr. Roger; he asked about this one and he asked me about the t'other one, and I gave the young gentleman what information I could. And then, ye see, al' at once, out of my knowledge, comes up the Cornel. I cannot purtend to say what business he had here. There was some story about a nevvy of his, Mr. Horry, that ye al' knowe. I've no very great faith in Mr. Horry, for my own account. My belief is--for he never spared pains or trouble for his men, as I can well say--my belief is, if ye ask me, that the Cornel heard there was some promising lads here, and came to take a look at them himself. That's just my fixed opinion, if ye ask me. So there's Sam away, and Mr. Roger away, and I'll lay any man here a hunder pounds we'll hear tell of the Cornel again." "Eyeh, man! d'ye think it's true?" cried Mrs. Gilsland. "I asked the Cornel to speak to my Sam mysel'. Eyeh, sergeant! it's an awfu' misfortune--but it's a great honour! Do ye think it would be _that_ that brought the Cornel here?" John Gilsland was more sceptical than his wife; but, at the same time, he was more favourable. "Here's Mr. Horry gone his gate also," said John--"I'm strong o' the mind to take the cart mysel', and goo round by Marchmain the morn for his trunk as he bids, and see if I can see owght o' the ould man." "Thoo'st aye right ready for a ploy," said his wife, "a deal better than honest work. Eyeh, but it's true--Mr. Horry has gane as well--three young men of them out of this wan place! Blees me! its awful like as if the Cornel was at the bottom o't, after all." "Ay, ay--you'll come into my opinion. I seed him three times mysel'. The Cornel was aye an affable gentleman, and spoke his mind free; I knows what I knows," said the sergeant--"he had his own occasions here." "Come you with me, Sally, and you shall have a cup o' tea to comfort your heart," said Mrs. Gilsland. "Eyeh, woman, I'm heartbroken; but I'm glad!--three on them, and his own nevvy! That Mr. Horry is a rael queer lad--he takes no more notice of a body nor if they were the dust beneath his feet; but dreedful clever, there's no doubt. I'll make John goo himsel' to Marchmain as he said--maybe there's some news. Keep a good heart about the young Squire, Sally. I would not say but them three they're all together, and the Cornel with them; and they're rael well off, if _he's_ there, that's for certain; such a man!"