"The uncle's unexpected departure did not prevent the niece showing similar attentions to the wife; but these were soon terminated by the demise of the latter, who died with the infant in her accouchment. For several years after this, nothing was heard of Ranald; but the anger of his father continued unabated. "Quitting the army, as I formerly mentioned, he joined the caterans; and after our interview, determined to make an effort to obtain paternal forgiveness. He left his retreat; and one evening presented himself suddenly before his father, who was residing at the family seat. He threw himself on his knees, and asked pardon. "'Go,' said his father. 'Degenerate son, disgrace not, by your presence, the halls of your ancestors. In vain you supplicate--in vain you attempt to move me from my fixed purposes by your assumed penitence.' "'Have you no pity for your own offspring--for a being who, but for one unhappy act, never caused you a moment's pain--who has ever venerated and obeyed you?' "No answer was returned. "'Say you forgive me--I seek no more; and I will leave you never to return, until my future acts have shown that I am not entirely unworthy of the proud race from whence I have sprung.' "The old man was silent. "'For years a father's malison has embittered my life, and rendered me reckless of all consequences. Your pardon will restore me to myself; and can you refuse to grant it?' "Still no response. "'If not for one so unworthy as the miserable wretch before you, at least on her account who gave me birth. Say you forgive me.' "'Never.' "'Father, we meet for the last time; one word would have restored your son to happiness, and you refuse it. Farewell for ever!' "At this moment the door opened, and a beautiful girl of twenty rushed in, and threw herself into the old man's arms. "'Oh, sir, do not part in anger with your son; you are so good, so kind. I am sure you will restore him to your favour.' "He gently disengaged her from his embrace. "'Emily,' said he, 'you are a good girl; and on any other subject you might be sure I would listen to your wishes; but on this point I am immoveable; and as Reginald deliberately dissolved the tie between father and son, I no longer recognise him as my child.' "Saying this, he left the room. "Emily was sadly overcome by this unexpected repulse. She knew her grandfather's inflexibility, but imagined that the lapse of time would have softened his resentment. Her father--the heir apparent--was then on the Continent; and it was doubtful how far even his influence would produce any change on the unnatural anger of his incensed parent.