STRATHBOGIE. CHAPTER I. Despair hath seiz'd my captive soul, WHILE every effort was made use of to restore the heart-struck Strathbogie, lady Arminia suffered all imaginary terror for the state of her guilty father-perhaps he would never return to life; there was a twofold horror in the thought; and if recovered, what keen anguish, what agonizing wretchedness to his high and lofty spirit, living under the sense of detected guilt! for, to her great sorrow, she saw he could live in secret guiltiness and enjoy the sweets of life, as well as those who were enrobed in comparative rectitude and innocence. "Alas! that this dear father, capable of all that is great and good, should so sink in vice, that even his adoring child should have to pity such fallen dignity!" she would sigh out on the bosom of Oriana, with many more such ejaculations, who had retired to her own apartment with her. Nor was the marchioness, amidst her brightening beams, which but a few hours had drawn forth, unmindful of the misery of her wretched foe, or of her loved Arminia's sorrow; but as every varying situation of life imposes its relative duties, she felt it incumbent on her not to remain inactive; she therefore asked the kind support of the viscountess Eglintoun, observing-"It is well, dear lady, that there is somewhat to alloy this unexpected burst of joy; often do we see the mind, submissive, bend to adverse fortune, when the glad tide of joy will, like a rapid river's force, bear all things down before it." In her renewed state of affairs much was to be done; she knew how fluctuating and flexible the vulgar mind was to each new impression; she therefore found it expedient, through the concurring opinions of her friends, to make every advantage of the present moment. Policy, blended with benevolence, led her among the vassals; for while the sight of her strengthened their renewed attachment to her person, she held in subjection that boisterous mirth the honest untutored hind was ready to burst into, lest it should intrude on her Arminia's duteous sorrow, which, though she soothed, she wished not to have extinguished, or drive more frantic the guilty earl. The news quickly circulating, the peasantry and vassals of every degree flocked to the castle, to behold these objects of joy and wonder, testifying their strong attachment to Brackannan's house. Gratifying, though fatiguing, was the task she had to support; they were not easily satisfied with the recitals of the domestics, but a general cry arose" Nae, nae, dinna ye spake, but let us hear a' frae our lady's ain mou." Again and again she would repeat her little narrative during her residence in the Glen of Morris, extolling her faithful Margaret, and Donald's steady attention to their ease and interest, referring them to those two great agents in her years of solitude, to speak of things too painful for her recital. The full heart of Margaret was ready to burst with transport, to find, though late, her well-concerted plan had succeeded, while her person was in the utmost danger from the caresses of the multitude. It was whimsical to see them bring the state chair from the hall, which they placed on a table, to mount to which, stools, of dif ferent heights, were ranged in lieu of steps. To this they led her, to save her from the eager pressure of the throng, from whence she was to deliver her pleasing tale; and for the better order of the whole, that each might hear, they formed themselves into so many circles, each joining hands, indicative of the firm union their hearts bore to their liege lord. The tale over, the first circle would draw off, forming the outer ring, that the next might hear in turn. When she had gone the circles through 66 Aye, aye," exultingly cried the honest Symon, as he handed refreshments to the lady speaker, "auld Duncan nae gie'd to |