Suddenly, two horsemen came cantering close by me. The first reined his horse, and the light from the hall streamed full upon Lascelyne's face. He dismounted, and I could not but hear what he said to his groom. "Tell them," said he, "that your lady will require the carriage immediately after breakfast in the morning. My horses at the same time; for we have a longish stage to-morrow."

"Yes, my lord," said the man: and I saw the one enter the house, and the other take the way

towards the stables.

I prowled about the woods a while, and then denned myself in my garret: and I need scarcely say that I did not honour the distinguished company with my presence at their breakfast table next morning. But how acute was my ear! How distinctly did I hear the carriage-steps slap, and the wheels begin to roll!

CHAPTER XVI.

FROM this time forward, I was haunted by a painful dread that Lord Lascelyne and his wife might some day or other return to Barrmains, and a strong desire of removing myself beyond the chance of being again exposed to their eyes, in my present situation, began to stir within me. That I had, however, some other feelings, which warred, though with fluctuating and uneven power, against this, I certainly cannot conceal from you. The tenor of my life, meantime, held on in its usual stream; and how, or at least how soon, I might have decided, I cannot tell;-for fortune cut short my hesitations.

Sir Claud Barr was found dead in his bed one morning; and as soon as the decorous sorrow of Lady Juliana permitted her to fix her thoughts

upon such matters, it was announced that the establishment at Barrmains was forthwith to be broken up; that her Ladyship meant to reside for some years in England; that the young Baronet was to go to Eton school; that Miss Blamyre was to accompany the family southwards; and that, my services being no longer requisite, the friends of the family would, without delay, exert themselves in procuring for me some other situation of the same kind. I learned also, that it was not understood that Miss Joanne was any longer to form a part of the Lady Juliana Barr's household; and indeed this intelligence, although it could not but interest, did by no means surprise me.

That part of the news which most directly concerned myself, was confirmed next day by the factor, who on the instant paid me the arrears that were due to me; which promptitude I could not but understand as a hint that it was not expected I should protract my stay at the mansion-house. I lost no time, therefore, in packing up the few books and clothes I possessed, and in sending my trunk to my good friend Doctor Dalrymple's, who had, immediately after Sir Claud's death, invited me in

the most cordial manner to make his house my home, until I should have had an opportunity of arranging my future schemes with deliberation.

I had not seen the ladies of the family since the day before Sir Claud died; and I hardly expected to see them ere I departed. But no sooner was it known that my portmanteau had actually been dispatched to the village, than I received a message from Lady Juliana, requesting to see me in her dressing-room. I obeyed; and found her Ladyship, her two daughters, and Miss Blamyre, plunged, each exactly to the proper depth, in the solemnities of grief. A few sentences of most polite solicitude as to my future fortunes were uttered; the four white handkerchiefs were applied once more to their office; and I bowed my grateful adieu. The two Misses rose from their seats, and the Lady-Mother not only rose, but—for the first and last time, I suppose-she condescended to shake a poor tutor by the hand. Miss Blamyre stood still-but I saw what she would have done, and took the will for the deed.

Farewell then to Barrmains, said I to myself, as I was quitting her Ladyship's apartments

but no-not until I have seen Mammy-and at least heard of Miss Joanne. I went forthwith in search of Mammy; and being admitted to her sanctum, found her seated in her elbow-chair, in her new black gown, bonnet, and red cloak. She had her great horn-headed walking-cane across her knee, and an enormous blue chest stood, doubly and trebly corded, upon the floor. The canary bird's cage, dismounted from its usual position in the window, appeared enveloped in a pocket-handkerchief on the table; and the prints of King William, the Prodigal Son, and Mr John Knox, had deserted the wall, leaving yellow spots and brown outlines as the only memorials of all their splendour.

"You too a-flitting, Mammy ?" said I. "This is more than I had been looking for—”

"It's nae mair than I had been looking for, though," says Mammy; "but I thought you had been forgettin' me a'thegither. Hae you gotten ony inklins o' a new place for yoursell ?"

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No, indeed, Mammy; but it's not quite so difficult changing places at my time o' day."

"I kenna, Mr Waldie, how that may be wi'