"Her complexion was pure but very pale, and her lofty, thoughtful brow wore a serious expression from infancy. In our wildest revels on the green sward, you seldom heard Margaret laugh; but when pleased, she had a most bewitching smile, which lighted up her calm countenance till every feature beamed with an inexpressible grace. Her face was the mirror of purity and truth, and you felt, whilst looking upon it, that it was impossible for Margaret to deceive. "How could I be unhappy, while I had these two beautiful children for my daily companions, and the most charming rural scenery at my immediate command? "Sir Alexander came every day to the Lodge to see his child, and always lavished upon me the most flattering marks of his favour. His manner to my mother was, at first, shy and reserved. This wore off by degrees, and before two years had expired, from the death of his wife, his visits became so constant, and his attentions so marked, that Dinah once more began to entertain hopes that her ambitious schemes for her daughter might yet be realized. These hopes were only frustrated by the sudden death of the object for whom they were cherished. My mother, for some weeks, had complained of an acute pain in her left side, just under her breast, and the medicines she procured from the doctor afforded her no relief. She grew nervous and apprehensive of the consequences, but as her personal appearance was not at all injured by her complaint, Dinah ridiculed her fears. "'You may laugh as you please, mother,' said she, the very day before she died, 'but I feel this pain will be the death of me--and I so unfit to die,' she added, with a deep sigh. "'Nonsense!' returned Dinah, 'you will wear your wedding clothes a second time, before we put on your shroud.' "My mother only answered with another deep-drawn sigh. She passed a sleepless night--the doctor was sent for in the morning, gave her a composing draught, and told her to make her mind easy, for she had nothing to fear. "I always slept in the same bed with my mother. That night I had a bad cold and could not sleep; but knowing that she was not well, I lay quite still, fearing to disturb her. She slept well during the early part of the night. The clock had just struck twelve when she rose up in the bed, and called Dinah to come to her quickly. Her voice sounded hollow and tremulous. "'What ails you, Rachel?' grumbled the hard woman; 'disturbing a body at this hour of the night.' "'Be it night or morning,' said my mother, 'I am dying, and this hour will be my last.' "'Then in the name of God! send for the doctor.' "'It is too late now. He can do me no good: I am going fast; but there is something on my mind, mother, which I must tell you before I go. Sit down beside me on the bed, whilst I have strength left to do it, and swear to me mother, that you will not abuse the confidence I am about to repose in you.' "Dinah nodded assent. "'That will not do. I must have your solemn word--your oath!'