LI B RAFLY OF THE UN 1VER5ITY or ILLINOIS V. ( ff^ MALCOLM DOUGLAS ; OR, THE SIBYLLINE PROFHECr. MALCOLM DOUGLAS ; OR, THZ SIBYLLINE PROPHECY. A ROMANCE. IN THREE VOLS. " Dii quibus imperium est animarum, umbraeque silentes^ Et Chaos, et Phlegethon, loca nocte silentia late, Sit mihi fas audita loqui." ViRGIL. VOL I. LONDON: PRINTED FOR T. HOOKH AIM, Jun. ^ E. T. HOOKHAM, OLD BOND STREET. V. 1 MALCOLM DOUGLAS, CHAP. I. The marquis of Chiviot ¥/as descended from one of the most ancient and illus- trious houses in Scotland. His general ^residence was in an immense castle, very o strongly fortified, in a remote part of that ^country, surrounded by scenery, grand, ^romantic, and truly picteresque, the ter- 4irific and awful mingling with the beautiful' "^nd cultivated, in an endless succession <^of pleasing variety. VOL. I. B 2 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. The marquis himself strongly possessed the marking characteristics of his nation ; to enthusiasm, he was partial to his coun- try ; warmly attached to his clan, brave, haughty, and tenacious ; but withal, ex- celling in hospitality and generosity : and though his understanding was highly cultivated for the period in which he lived, he was not entirely free from the long cherished and early imbibed preju- dices of superstition ; the traditional sto- ries of infancy had made an impression on his mind never to be erased, and, in- deed, the situation he was so extremely fond of. The precincts of his own castle and domain were in themselves sufficient to inspire the idea of supernatural agency, even in minds much less susceptible of its doctrines and affects than the mar- quis's. This nobleman had married in his twenty-second year lady Margaret, the rich heiress of the Earl of Mar. She was MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 3 even more anciently descended than the marquis; and the principal mental quality which she inherited from nature, was na- tional and family pride ; these passions in the marchioness's breast knew no bounds ; on all occasions it testified itself : the haughty lady Margaret scarcely conceiv- ing any of less dignity than the royal blood qualified to be her associate ; and when first the marquis was proposed as an alliance, she had disdained him as an inferior : but extensive as were her ideas of her rank and importance, yet her heart was not proof against the numerous graces of mind and person the marquis possessed ; love removed the obstacles she had raised, and induced her to yield a sacrifice to her inclinations, w^ien she gave her hand to the marquis of Chiviot. Fourteen years had now passed since this union had taken place, and one son, the lord Melrose, and two lovely daugh- ters, the ladies Grace and Catharine D 2 4 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Douglas, were, at this time, the only sur- viving children left to the marquis of a numerous family ; these he doated on with the tenderest affection ; and from the frequent losses he had had in his fa- mily, guarded with the strictest care and attention. The marquises two brothers, lord Charles and lord William Douglas, were now vi- sitors at Chiviot castle ; they were both young gentlemen of great merit, personal courage, and beauty of person. They had both arrived a few days previous to the commencement of this story, for the purpose of inviting the marquis and mar- chioness to the approaching nuptials of lord Charles, which were soon to be cele- brated in Edinburgh, in a style of princely magnificence, for the lady of his selection being a distant branch of the royal line, he conceived no arrangement which could be made, would be too costly for his beauteous partner. The beautiful and MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 5 unfortunate Mary, in whose reign these events took place, had graciously pro- mised that herself and the lord Darnley would honor the nuptials of their kins- woman with their presence ; and the queen's taste for splendour and gaiety being universally known, lord Charles re- solved it should be such as should well content his royal visitors. To acquaint the marquis with these particulars was the occasion of their visit at this time ; and lord Charles, in the most earnest manner, requested the company of these dear friends to witness his approaching happiness, and to introduce to their love and friendship his beloved Arabella Stuart. The presence of the queen, added to every other inducement lord Charles made use of, had an influence on the marchioness which was irresistible ; she longed for the peculiar favor of royalty, and embraced with avidity every occasion E 3 O MALCOLM DOUGLAS. which presented an opportunity to bring forward her pretensions to particular no- tice from the queen ; and had her inclina- tions alone been consulted, the principal part of her time would have been spent in the metropolis, in pursuit of ambitious chimeras, and the perplexity of state affairs. But the marquis, delighted in his old family mansion, and though by no means deficient in ambitioai himself, yet he felt his passion for it, and his pride much more gratified in being the king of his own castle, than in being brought upon a level at court with a numerous set of equals, where neither his rank or his merits were more noticed than the rest of his peers ; and he was better pleased to be looked up to by his vassals and depen- dents as their head, protector, and law- giver, than to follow the same course^ himself, and look up to a superior. — Added to this, the extreme love he bore MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 7 his children, and the many hours more to devote to them this retirement gave, than a more active life near the throne would permit, strengthened the preference he gave. And here, indeed, it must in justice be allowed, that the very great maternal af- fection of the marchioness in this in- stance, fully coincided with her husband's opinion. She had nurtured her children at her breast, had in every respect been a most examplary mother, and the solici- tude she felt for her children, had recon- ciled her to the solitude of inactive life, though her mind possessed all the dor- mant faculties which, if called into exer- tion, might have formed a great and enter- prizing politician. The impatient lord Charles urged his brother to a speedy departure, for the marquis had given a ready assent to ac- company him on this joyous occasion ; but it so happened, that some particular business respecting his estate at this. time MALCOLM DOUGLAS. claimed his attention for a few days ; therefore he could not possibly prepare himself in so short a period as lord Charles proposed. But the marchioness having no such claim upon her time, or any impediment to prevent her, and hav- ing likewise many articles to prepare for so magnificent a ceremony, it was agreed the marchioness should proceed, under the escort of lord Charles and lord Wil- liam, to their house in Edinburgh ; and that the marquis should follow, with all expedition, the moment his affairs would permit him ; and his preparations being of a more limited nature, less time, it was supposed, w^ould answer his purpose to provide them. The delighted lady Chiviot, almost as impatient as the ardent lover, hastened the preparations for their journey with all imaginable dispatch ; and every requisite being settled, to the mutual satisfaction of all parties, for the important journey, MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 9 the next morning was fixed on for its commencement. But now a new trouble arose in the marchioness's mind — the se- paration from her bek:>ved children, which had never before taken phice, with the anxiety of the most affectionate parent, she dreaded to leave them behind her ; and yet their tender years, she conceived, would not permit their taking so long and so fatiguing a journey as she was going to undertake ; but already had her cares pro- vided a governess for her daughters of the most irreproachable morals, and polished education, to form their minds and man- ners, and a tutor of the most distin- guished abilities had been appointed by the marquis the last four years, to super- intend the studies of lord Melrose. These amiable persons the marchioness well knew she might trust with so precious a charge, as the care of dear children during her absence : yet a thousand times did she, in the most earnest manner, recom- mend them to their special care. With 10 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. ardent embraces she folded them alter- nately to her heart, with streaming tears imploring the blessings of heaven on them, repeatedly declaring, should any accident happen to them, her last, her only, comforts, she could not for a mo- ment survive them. The marquis was greatly affected by her earnest manner ; the native super- stition of his mind induced him to con- ceive it was an ominous prognostic of ap- proaching danger ; and as she bid her last adieu when her extreem emotion almost overpowered her, he trembled with appre- hension. However, concealing his senti- ments, he gently reproved her for her want ©f fortitude ; he stated to her very ably and philosophically the great impro- priety of letting affection conquer reason, assuring her, that though his love for those dear objects equalled hers, he should leave them with tranquillit}^, in full confidence on the protection of hea- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 11 ven, and the assiduous attention of the worthy persons under ^vhonl he had in- trusted them. Lady Chi viot acknowledged her weak- ness, which, she said, she would use her best endeavours to conquer, and collect all her resolution to enable her to bear this temporary parting ; and, at the ap- pointed hour, left the castle in much better spirits than the marquis expected, accompanied by lord Charles and lord William, and a numerous retinue, and ar- rived safely in the metropolis in as small a space of time as, in those days, so long a journey could possibly be accomplished in ; and they mutually congratulated each other that no accident had happened to retard their haste, or injure them, as they took possession of the marquis's magnifi- cent mansion in Edinburgh. A messenger, according to promise, was instantly dispatched back again to 1-2 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Chiviot, to inform the marquis of this pleasing intelligence, and with an account of their health, spirits, and united earnest requests, that he would join them as soon as possi!>le, as their happiness was incom- plete whilst he was absent. This duty fulfilled, each party engaged in the different avocations each had in view. Lord Charleses time was entirely devoted to his charming Arabella, and the necessary preparations for the fast approaching ceremony of his marriage ; lord \Yilliams, in an endeavour to select a partner for himself, equally high born and deserving as the lovely lady of his bro- ther's choice ; and already had the inter- esting graces of Alice Graham, one of the queen's most distinguished favorites, a lady of high birth, but of slender for- tune, insinuated themselves into the hitherto insensible heart of lord William ; arul he began to think his pursuits would here terminate, if his addresses were MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 13 received according to his hopes by the beauteous Alice ; and the marchioness's time was as fully, and to her as agreeably, employed in plans of decoration, dress, and splendor, which she determined should surpass all competitors. 14 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. CHAP. 11, -^- The marquis, who felt himself extremely dejected and lonely on the departure of his family, and who was equally as soli- citous to join them as they could possibly be to have him in their society, deter- mined to dispatch the business with all the expedition he could which had hi- therto detained him. For this purpose he sent for his steward, to consult vyith him concerning the time he might rea- sonably expect to be ready to join his MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 15 family, for, from his unusual want of so- ciety, his resolution was fixed, rather to neglect some trifling points, than to con- tinue long by himself. Donald Macdonald, the steward of the marquis, had long held that distinguished trust in this noble family. In the time of the late marquis he filled the place with great advantage to himself, Vihich ever w^as the first consideration with Macdo- .nald : his second, to give such accounts to his lord as were perfectly satisfactory, and by the warmest professions of attach- ment and fidelity, to convince him how greatly he had his interest at heart, and how truly devoted to him. He was a man of a prepossessing person and manners, and shrewd penetration ; he had great command of temper, and was fer- tile in every expedient, which could by any means promote his own emolument. For upwards of twenty years, at this time, he 16 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. liad bad the sole management of the Chiviot estates, and the unbounded con- fidence and partiality of the late marquis to him, might have been a sufFicient temptation to a more scrupulous man than Macdonald was, to have availed himself of it. For this extraordinary degree of regard and attachment in the late marquis, many reasons were given ; and the scandalous chronicle of those days did not scruple to hint, that a very near affinity subsisted between them — this was much strength- ened by the father of Macdonald not being known to any, and his mother dying in bis infancy. The helpless state of tbe poor orphan by some mysterious means becoming known to the marquis, he expressed great pity for its early mis- fortunes, and from that hour took him under his immediate protection, and placed him for proper care and education in the house of his steward, desiring the MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 17 infancy of Macdonald might have every care, and as he advanced in age, to be brought forward according to his capacity. This command that worthy man had great pleasure in obeying ; for having no child of his own, and soon finding that the boy had a quick and ready concep- tion, and likewise a vast deal of respect and attention in his behaviour to him, he soon ingratiated himself into this good open-hearted old man's affections. He always spoke of him to the marquis in the highest strain of enconium ; instructed him in every necessary branch of his profession ; and, finally, w^as himself the person who humbly and earnestly en- treated the marquis to let Macdonald succeed him in the management of the domain, as the best qualified, and most able and truly successor, he could no- minate. Such was the person whom the marquis 18 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. had now summoned to his presence, for the purpose of consulting with him on what caused his delay. Macdonald, who soon found fiorn the tenor of the marquis's conversation how impatient he was to be gone, assured him he had been so very assiduous in arranging the affairs to per- mit the marquis's absence, that he hoped there would be no occasion for his remain- ing at the castle beyond the next day ; his attaching his name to some deeds, which were ready for that purpose, would be all that was now required of him. The marquis was highly gratified to hear the business was so far completed, and had the pleasure the next day fully to settle it to his satisfaction. He then gave orders for his setting off early in the morning ; and he now, like the marchi- oness, experienced how severe the pang is of parting from beloved and lovely children. The marquis v/as obliged to collect all his fortitude as he gave hiSf MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 19 parting benediction and last embrace to his darling offspring previous to their retiring for the night, as his early depar- ture would prevent his seeing them again. He begged with tender caution that all his househould would pay them the most guarded care and attention during the absence of the marchioness and him- self ; of which he received the reiterated promises of ail, to strictly obey these commands. Too much oppressed in spirits by the recent scene with his children, he dis- missed Macdonald from his attendance on him, who had awaited his return from their apartments in the library, as the marquis had been accustomed, since the absence of the family, to permit Mac- donald to share the evening repast with him, for he was well skilled in enter- taining anecdote ; and when business was over, none could more artfully or agree- 20 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. ably amuse a vacant hour. This the mar. quis had frequently with pleasure expe- rienced : and Macdonald with delight had found, for to make himself of conse- quence to the marquis w^as his darling ambition — and at this juncture he had most effectually succeeded in it. But in the present state of his mind, the marquis wished for no society ; there- fore, kindly wishing Macdonald health, again rt^peating his cautions in regard to his famii}^ and adding, that as he should set out so early in the morning, it was his wish to retire to bed almost immediately, and that, therefore, he had no further commands for him at this time. Macdonald then, with every hope for the continued health of the family, and the most solemn assurances or" exerting every care in the charge committed t© his trust, with low and respectful bows retired. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 21 The marquis then walked up to one of the windows of the libraiy, which was standing open, and stood for some time ruminating on a variety of subjects which presented themselves to his ideas. It was a fine autumnal evening — he thought he had never recollected a fmer ; and the moon suddenly breaking from behind an obscuring cloud, illuminated with her silver light the broad terrace under the windovvT at which he was standing, in earnest contemplation of its wonderous beauties : charmed by that, and the pleasing prospect its bright beams dis- closed, and not being at all disposed for sleep, he opened the folding doors of the library, which led to the terrace, deter- mined to ^ indulge his pleasingly melan- choly reveries in a moonlight ramble. Though not by nature much of a rea- soner on causes and effects, the marquis could not look on the beauty of the scene before him without experiencing sensa- 22 MALCOL*! DOUGLAS. tions of the most ineffable delight, or without contrasting it to the very different ones in which he was going so shortly to engage. This thought naturally led him to re- flections on the different orders of society, and the variety which place, time, and circumstances made in the human frame. And who shall determine, said he, as he slowly paced the terrace, whether man is more happy from civilization, society, and order, or in the rude uncultivated state in which nature first placed him ? Is the wild and unlettered savage, who, hunting for his daily sustenance, and unconscious of any other want or deficiency, when the calls of hunger are appeased, lays down to rest under the protecting shelter of a rock or tree, undisturbed by appre- hension of midnight dangers, less happy then the indulged children of luxury in all their elegances, where envy, malice, and deceit but too frequently intrude their MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 23 hateful presence, and poison the cup of pleasure ? Can the embroidered canopy of gold and of velvet, v,hich i shall pre- sently behold, elevated over the head of the most beautiful princess in the world, equal in splendor that at this moment suspended over mine ? Or, can the yellow and suffocating glare of numerous wax tapers, vie with that clear, pelucid, and brilliant light retlected fiom that heavenly orb ? Ctin decorations of artificial foilage equal in symmetry and perfume, that given by the elegant and bounteous hand of nature, whose fair patterns we vainly endeavour to rival or imitate ? Or, can the cloying midnight banquet give the health and strength which temperance bestov* s ? Lost in speculations of this nature, the unconscious" feet of the marquis had led him far beyond the terrace ; and as he was on the verge of a beautiful wood, by which it was bounded, and on w hich the moon shining with unclouded majesty, 24 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. and the mild and gentle breezes fanning the branches, which waved in graceful motions, induced the marquis to prolong his pleasing walk and studies till he should be warned by the castle clock of the hour when he should think proper to retire. Occupied by a similar train of reflec- tions, he had wandered far in the wood, without attending to the length of time he had been walking, when a slight rust- ling amongst the underwood excited his notice, and caused a slight degree of alarm ; but instantly recollecting himself, he stood still, endeavouring to distinguish what it was which had disturbed his me- ditations ; but all continuing silent, and the moon still illuminating every object, he conceived it best to return, apprehen- sive that some noxious animal or reptile mio^ht be concealed in the wood, which had the power of being injurious, and that the moon would not much longer MALCOLM DOUGLAS. '25 lend her friendly assistance to discover it. , ^ He had proceeded but a few paces on his return, when he was much astonished by observing a bright gleam of fire issuing from between two large trees, though its foundation was too much obscured by the interwoven thick boughs and grass, for him to have a perfect sight of it. Struck with amaze at this extraordinary phenomenon, at such a time, and in such a place, with light and cautious steps he bent his way towards it, to trace the source of the flame, and the purposes it was designed for, which, at present, he could form no reasonable conjecture of : but in a few minutes, by the favorable assist- ance of the wind waving the luxuriant branches just before it, he had a perfect view of it ; and his heart recoiled with horror as he beheld, sitting before the glowing embers, the shivering figure of VOL. I. c 26 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. the most deformed and uncouih mortal wliich he had ever seen. It was a female, whose parched and shrivelled hands were extended over the blaze, in seeming expectation of a warmth being communicated to them, which the palsied and trembling bones refused to retain. Over her lank and tawny bosom, iVom which the eye of health turned with disgust and amaze, was fastened, with a small skewer, the tattered remnants of a tartan plaid — her wild flowing locks yet retained the raven's hue, in contradiction to the deep furrows on her cheeks and brow, which might have justly owned them in the most silvered state — and her toothless gums appeared to mutter some inarticulate phrases, whilst her dark and fiery eyes, in which every malignant passion was expressed, were turned up- ward, as though in the act of some ejacu- lation : by her side lay a crutch, denoting the difficulty she must have experienced MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 27 in coming* to a place so little calculated for her comfort or convenience, at such an hour ; and the marquises surprise did not lessen, when he questioned him- self as to' the possibility of her getting where she then was, without her having been seen or heard by himself, or any of his people. Wonder, indeed, appeared for some time to have sealed his lips, as he gazed on her strange appearance, which filled him with an indescribable dread : but not long could disgust or horror sway so noble a mind as the marquis possessed, when a miserable object was placed be- fore him, evidently in want of his hu- mane assistance ; he therefore immedi- ately turned in his mind in what manner it was best to render service to the miser- able creature thus accidently made known to him. The information of her crunch made it c 2 28 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. evident to him, how utterly impossible it would be for her to walk to the eastle, particularly after the fatigue she must have already endured by being where she then was, and he rapidly determined on sending some servants with a conveyance for her; when, conceiving this intelligence would be highly gratifying to the poor forlorn object, and likewise anxious to ask some questions as to the- causes which had brought her there, he was endeavouring to discover the nearest way to effect this, by coming round to where she sat, when, without waiting the friendly aid which he expected she must require from her crutch, she suddenly jumped up with juvenile activity ; and, in a deep and steady tone, and in the most distinct and clear manner, repeated these words, whilst the flame glowing more brightly, revealed to the immovable marquis the gigantic and unnatural figure of the gpeaker. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 29 Chiviot's marquis, hence, beware ! Seek and find thy house's heir ; Hi<pear insensible, nor, indeed, inclined to wish discountenanced. The bold, aspiring, and adventurous Boihwell was aot long unconscious that he had a warm advocate in the breast of Mary ; and however the foUovving un- happy events of her wretched life are to be deplored or censured, it must be con- sidered that she was now young, gay, and affable, possessing great sensibility of tem- per, and capable of the utmost tender- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 87 ness of affection. She had placed her first love on an unworthy object, who requited it with neglect and ingratitude, and who had not only treated her with in- difference, but with brutality, scorn, and insolence. All this she felt, and feeling, must resent. In this situation, the unre- mitting attentions and complaisance of a nobleman, who, on all occasions, had vin* dicated her authority, protected her per- son, who soothed all her passions, who watched and improved every opportunity of insinuating his designs, and recommend- ing his passion, would scarcely fail of making an impression of the most lasting nature on a heart of such a frame as Mary's. At this critical period, when the visible advance Bothwell made in the queen's af- fections, furnished sufficient matter of spe- culation to her enemies, and distressed her friends, the king was seized with a dan- gerous malady, which was, in general, 88 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. supposed to be the small-pox ; as he was judged to be in great danger, and as the fear of infection in that dreadful disorder in those days was very great, it was thought proper, both on that account, and for the benefit of a purer air for the suf- ferer himself, to remove him out of the city ; and by the queen's particular per- suasion and advice, he was removed to a lone solitary house in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. On this melancholy occasion Mary ap- peared to have forgot all her former ani- mosity, and to have forgiven all the former ill-treatment of Darnley, in his present re- pentance and promises of future amend- ment. As she attended him in this ill- ness with all the assiduous attention which would have been the consequence of her iirst ardent passion for him, she seldom was absent from him in the day, she slept several nights together in the chamber under his apartment ; she heaped on him MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 89 SO many marks of tenderness and confi- dence, as gave him the highest satisfaction, as from it he began to hope for the return of his former happiness, and that that af- fection which he had so long had reason to find he had forfeited from his own bad conduct, was on the point of being re- stored to him in its original warmth ; and already was his mind engaged in schemes of future felicity, in which the queen constantly encouraged him. But alas ! frail is the foundation of all human hope, for even at the moment, when the glowing imagination presents the most flattering prospects to our view, and the mind in perfect security, thinks hap- piness on the very point of possession, we are, perhaps, standing on the brink of sudden destruction, or of death, and all our fairy dreams of felicity fade from our grasp : it was even so with the wretched Henry Darnley, who now conceived all his troubles would terminate when his 90 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. amending health Was perfectly restored, and that with returning convalescence, he should find returning honours and hap- piness. A masque being to be presented at the palace in Edinburgh, in honor of the nuptials of a favorite attendant ; the queen expressed a desire to be present at it ; and for that one night she left lord Darnley to the care of his attendants, with the strict- est injunctions of attention to him till her return,, but she never more returned ; for at an early hour in the morning, the house Avhich the kins: inhabited was blown u '& P with gun-powder. The noise and shock which tbis sudden explosion occasioned (as must have been expected) alarmed the whole city. The inhabitants ran in crowds to the place from whence it came, and, to their utter dis-* may, found the dead body of the king, with that of a servant who slept in the MALCOLM DOUGLAS. , 91 same room with him, lying in an adjacent garden without the city wall, untouched by fire, and without marks of bruise or violenc e . Such was the dreadful catastrophe of Henry Stuart, earl of Darnley, in the twenty-first year of his age. His very great external beauty, without any other merit, had raised him to an height of dig- nity of which he was altogether unworthy,, and his vices, follies, and ingratitude lost him the affections of a woman who once adored him. His insolence and caprice alienated the nobles from him ; and his levity exposed him to the scorn of the common people, who would have gladly reverenced him as the descendant of their ancient kings and heroes. Had he died a natural death, his end would have been unlamented, and his memory have soon been lost in obscurity. But his cruel murder, attended with all its horrid and aggravating circumstances, and the slack- 92 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. ness with which it was avenged, have made his name to be remembered with re- gret, and served to render him an object of commiseration to succeeding ages. Every one's imagination was at work to guess who had contrived and executed the execrable deed ; the suspicion fell with al- most general consent upon the earl of Bothwell ; and of this opinion was even the marquis of Chiviot himself, who, be- fore this dreadful transaction, had been at- tached to him by the strictest bonds of friendship : but as it was a point yet doubt- ful and undecided, he was unwilling to entertain so injurious and cruel a suspicion of a friend he had so much regarded, how- ever circumstances might appear to war- rant it, till it should really appear that lie was criminal ; and the marchioness's de- cided declaration of her firm assurance of his innocence, had great influence in favor of Bothwell on lord Chiviot's wavering re- solutions concerning this horrible event. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 93 The eavl of Both well alone, was not the only person at whom suspicion pointed the finger. Reflections were not sparingly- thrown out, that the queen herself was no stranger to the full extent of BothwelFs crime. Of this, no doubt, there was as clear an evidence as the nature of such a case would admit. The queen^s known sentiments in regard to her husband, gave but too great a degree of probability to the imputation, which at that period, and ever since, her memory has sustained. An event of such great consequence must well be supposed to have agitated the minds of all ranks of people to an ex- treme degree ; and the most inflamatory papers were distributed against Bothwell, and his abettors ; and that Mary did not trace the murderers of her husband, has ever, and ever will be alledged against her : but it must also be recollected that she had but little power amongst her fac- tious and turbulent nobility. And it ap- 94 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. pears highly probable that Bothwell, when he was brought forward to his farce of a trial, had for his judges those, (whom to- gether with his own ambitious views) had first instigated him to act the part he liad done in the plot : therefore the result of an examination of this nature may easily be imagined. Bothwell was declared by the court to be perfectly innocent of the king's death, having any hand in it, or by any means contriving it ; but a decision of this partial nature, and the manner the trial had been conducted in, so far from appeasing the minds of the people, in- flamed them to a still increased degree of rage against the supposed murderer and his associates, and they broke out into ex- pressions and threats of the most alarm- ing nature. But the intrepid earl of Bothwell, per- fectly inattentive to the general opinion of his actions, and elated by his success, and by the affection which the queen so evi- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 95 dcntly had for bim, and which even the stigma and suspicions he laboured under did not at all seem to diminish, encouraged him in the most daring hopes, even to the uniting himself to her : but as he could not be insensible, however he might brave it, how obnoxious he was at present to all ranks of people, and how impossible it would be for the queen to accept of his proposals, both on that account, and from the death of the lord Darnley being so re- cent, he determined on a shorter way of accomplishing his wishes, and of adding fresh disgust to the general odium, by a second outrage : for he contrived to seize the queen, and her attendants, as she was on a short excursion, and conveying her to his castle, he there confined her for several days, supposed forcibly ; in conse- quence, it became necessary to her wounded honor, that she should immediately marry Bothwell, and the marriage accordingly took place very soon after her return to Edinburgh. How far she was to blame 9(5 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. respecting this most unfortunate transac- tion of her Hfe, must be reserved for the historian to prove. But from this unhappy period, continual disorder and confusion ensued, loyalty and obedience to the royal authority were no longer regarded, but despised and abused. No entreaties to the queen could induce her to separate herself from the hated Bothwell ; and she frequently declared that she would relin- quish her crown and kingdom rather than forego his society. Unhappy or infatuated Mary !-the consequences of such a reso- lution could not fail of being fatal ; and subsequent events proved ho\y dreadfully so. The extraordinary circumstances, and wonderful revolutions which had filled Mary^s short but eventful reign, had so quickly succeeded each other, that they had scarcely admitted time to lord and lady Chiviot to think of the castle's beloved in^ habitants ; whose health and welfare they MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 97 however heard of as frequently as was pos- sible ; and the marquis often congratulated himself, that his highly prized children were so far removed from the turbulent scene of continual contention Edinburo'h exhibited ; and the marchioness's attach- ment was so warm to the failing Mary, that notwithstanding the great extent of her maternal feelings, as she well knew her children were well and happy, she couFd not bring herself to leave her dear sovereign in the distressing difficulties she was DOW in, nor could she bear the idea of implied ingratitude, wdiich might natu- rally have been supposed, had she- now quitted her when the consolation of a true and faithful friend was so great a comfort, and so absolutely necessary. Added to this, the marchioness had a natural turn for political intrigue, and often suggested, to her royal mistress, ideas which were beneficial to her ; and was, on all occasions, an able adviser, and in- VOL. I. F ^S MALCOLM DOUGLAS. defatigable friend, and never forsook her in every subsequent misery which she had to encounter, till all was lost ; and that the forlorn, wretched, and deserted Mary, deprived of her crown, of her kingdom, of her child, and all she held dear on earth, threw herself into the false protection of the cruel, hypocritical Elizabeth, her mor- tal enemy, her unjust and inexorable per- secutor : and that the government was firmly settled on the infant king, nothing then remained, no attachment, no advice, no friendship could now assist the hapless sufferer, no power could release her from the fatal asylum she had so precipitately chosen. Ill-fated queen! if a little longer you had endured in your own kingdom, the hearts of your own subjects would have com- miserated your afflictions, and would have relieved the burthen of them. But it was not to be. Over the faults and errors of your life, let charity and humanity draw a :!HALCOLM DOUGLAS. 96 veil ; let the circumstances which urged them be duly weighed, and well considered; let the time and manners of the age they were transacted in be recollected; let the education which you had received, the ex- amples you had witnessed, and the prin- ciples, in consequence, imbibed, be re- membered ; and, above all, let the dread- ful retribution which you have experi- enced, balance and extenuate all your ble- mishes : and, when again, your youth, your beauty, your accomplishments, and many princely endowments are reflected on, where is the heart so cold, or mind so in- flexible, which can refuse the tribute of a sigh to the memory of one so lovely, so illustrious in birth, and so unfortunate ? Nothing, now, was left to the marchi- oness, but to retire, and deplore a destiny in no human power to alter or alleviate ; for the marchioness was too well versed in politics to be deceived for one moment, by the specious and ostentatious display F 2 loo MALCOLM DOUGLAS. of Elizabeth's friendship and pity for th^ forlorn, and forsaken queen, who had taken refuge in her dominions. Happy would it have been for Mary had her discernment been equally acute ; for, though at that time, no idea entered hdy Chiviot^s thoughts of personal danger to Mary, she yet did not entertain the least doubt but -that she w^ould be for ever considered by Ehzabeth as a state prisoner. This distressing apprehension embittered 'every hour, and the thought of shortly embracing her dear children, was the only comfort she was capable of attending to; and she earnestly urged the marquis to re- turn to the castle, for two years had now elapsed since she had beheld those dear objects of her affection ; and so much had her time and her thoughts been engrossed by the important transitions, which, during that period had taken place, that she could scarcely believe so long a space had inter- vened since their separation. But now MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 101 that all hope of the restoration of Mary was for ever extinguished, and those being in power whose principles and in- terests were inimical to the marquis, — they resolved immediately to leave Edin- burgh, the seat of so much anarchy ;— and turned their thoughts now only on the pleasure they should experience, in seeing the great improvements which had taken place in their children, and the sur- prize they expected to find in their in- creased growth and improved looks. The numerous distractions which at this time divided and disturbed the nobi- lity, the various opinions and interests which each adopted according to his ideas, and the extraordinary current of public affdirSj had caused so much alineation amongst those who had originally been friends ; and the extreme jealousies and animosities reli^fious controversies occa- sioned, prevented the Chiviot family from having so many regrets as might have been F 3 102 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. expected at Jeaving the capital, where they had so long resided ; and when the pre- parations for that purpose were complete, they bid adieu to it without regret ; one only pang they felt, and that was inflicted by the mournful recollection of the un- happy Mary. .MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 103 CHAP. XY. All that the marquis and his lady tiad pictured to themselves of the improvement of their children, fell short, far short of the pleasing reality, which when they were pre- sented to them on their arrival at Chiviot, they observed and repeatedly declared ; the joy which this gave to the hearts of the fond parents, can only be conceived by those who have experienced a similar sensation ; and the mutual joy they testified at seeing their loved and respected parents, added 104 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. to their delight. Lady Grace still retained her usual sweetness of disposition and sim- plicity of manners, and the extreme and overbearing vivacity of lady Catherine ap- peared to be corrected in a great measure, by the prudent and good management of Mrs. Morton ; who, with unwearied ap- plication, had done all that w^;s in the power of cultivation to render lady Ca- therine what she wished her to be. But if their joy was great at the mani- fest improvement of the young ladies, it amounted to rapture when tliey embraced their darling and only boy, lord Melrose, who was so greatly altertd, and his health so much amended, that they could hardly re- cognize, in the full-grown form, and rosy cheeks, which now presented then^selves to their view, the pale, delicate, and sickly child they had left ; and in this happy moment, all the political toils they had been so long engaged in were foroot ; and the- blooming looks of their darling MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 105 Theodore (now in his fifteenth year) seemed amply to repay all the anxieti s which they had undergone, and they truly felt, and gratefully to heaven acknow- ledged, their sense of it, for they found (a truth which no sophistry can controvert) domestic happiness is the greatest earthly felicity. The introduction of Janet Macdonald, and the subsequent intimacy it had occa- sioned, was now mentioned to the mar- chioness, when lady Catherine broke forth into such extravagant praises of her dear Janet, and of her own great affection for her, that lady Chiviot expressed a de- sire to see Janet, whom it was now so long since she had noticed, both on account of the warm manner lady Catherine expressed herself in, and likewise to observe whether nature had been more liberal to her chil- dren than she had been to Janet Mac- donald ; she, therefore, according to lady 10(5' MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Chiviot's desire, immediately entered the room. So much struck was the marchioness by the appearance of this young girl, that she was some minutes before she spoke, — but when she did, it was in terms of great en- couragement and condescension; for not- withstanding the marchioness's high ideas, there was a fascination about Janet, which even she defended by all her consequence, could not resist ; the very strong likeness which she bore to lady Grace, was the thing which had so greatly astonished the mar- chioness at the moment of her introduc- tion ; for though she had, before, frequently remarked it in her childhood, two years and upwards since she had seen her, had so confirmed and increased it, that it filled her with amaze, and greatly added to the favorable impression Mrs. Morton's ac- count had made on her mind. Neither was the marchioness unac- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 107 V quainted with the generally received opi- nion respecting Macdonald's birth, and the circumstance she was then contemplating ; the similarity of form and feature Janet bore to lady Grace, seemed to put the matter past dispute, confirming so sub- stantially every report of that nature. This circumstance served more to estab- lish Janet in the marchioness's good graces — and she likewise knew that as Mac- donald was rich, and this his only child, she would always be enabled to hold a genteel situation in life ; and that from the great probability of her being allied to the family, she thought it a kind of duty to permit a continuance of the friendship professed by her daughters for Janet ; and, that her own personal merit deserved the, countenance given to her : she therefor^, did not express any disapprobation w^hen. she was informed how much of Jqinet's time had been spent v/ith the young. ladies>. or of Mrs. Morton's attention to. her edu?^.- 108 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. cation ; and with great kindness and con- descension, gave a general permission to Janet, to be with the young ladies in the same manner that she had, before her re- turn from Edinburgh. The happy and triumphant Macdonald, on hearing this intelligence, congratulated himself warmly on the success of his plans, and in the notice the marchioriess had al- ready taken of his beloved Janet, hailed more th?jn the dawn, of his future great- ness, as he conceived it rapidly approach- ing its meridian ; joyfully he caressed Ja- net, loaded her wnth praises on the pro- ^iety of her behaviour, and gave her the strictest charges to cultivate the friendship of the young ladies with the greatest assi- duity ; to pay the utmost respect to the marchioness, who had done her so much honour ; and to improve herself to the ut- most of her abilities, from the opportuni-' ties she now had the advantage of ending his irtstructions and advice, by observing* MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 109 she did not know what might be her future fate ; and that it was most probable, if she minded what she was about now, she might be as good a lady as the best of them. This was not lost upon the penetrating Janet ; she felt the justness of the-obser- vations, and her own designing mind al- ready conceived her father's ideas; the con- sequence of which was a fixed determi- nation to exert her utmost efforts to pre- serve that situation in the estimation of the family she had already had possession of. . The great variety of circumstances which had so rapidly taken place during the mar- quis's residence in Edinburgh, and the many distresses which had befallen the il- lustrious Mary, had been of so serious a nature, that they, ever since he had left Chiviot Castle, had so entirely engaged his attention, that the extraordinary event 110 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. which had taken place the night before he left it, was nearly banished from his me- mory ; and even though the wood, where the mystic scene had taken place, bounded the prospect from his chamber windows, it had never occurred to him since his re- turn, till forcibly recalled by a chance walk near the spot, with the marchioness and the rest of his family ; when, to his utter consternation, he observed some dy- ing embers exactly in the same spot, and in the same state he had witnessed them on that memorable night. — Gracious hea- ven ! said he, starting with astonishment, as he beheld this emblem of the horror he had suffered. — Gracious Providence, what can this mean ? The marchioness turned her eyes on her husband, and the paleness of his cheek filled her with alarm. — What causes this agitation, my dear lord, replied the mar- chioness, has any sudden disorder affected you ? MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Ill The marquis had by this time recovered his composure of mind, and resolved, let what would be the consequence, not to fill her mind with imaginary fears ; and at the same lime knowing he must account for his sudden exclamation, availed him- self of her enquiry, and replied that a sudden pain had darted through his heart, so excruciating it had caused him to speak as he had done, but assured her it was now nearly removed. Her fears, on this account, made her pass the spot without observing the embers, or if she had, most probably she would not have thought them worth a remark or question ; and finding that his spirits ap- peared much altered, and that the paleness continued, entreated him to return to the castle for some cordial to revive him. The marquis was glad of an excuse to return, and saying he would rest a while upon his couch ; they then, wishing him 112 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. a repose which would perfectly restore him, left hi in to his meditations. Glad was the marquis of the relief of being left to himself, that he might freely reflect on the circumstance which caused him an alarm which he could not con- quer. There can remain no doubt, said the marquis, that the wood is the scene of some nightly incantation, and the horrid hag I saw, whose hideous figure can never be erased from my ideas, and w^hose dread- ful words make my blood chill to reflect on, is one who joins these rights ; detested beings whose only delight, whose only bu- siness is, to perplex and bewilder, ever distressing and harrassing the imagination, without ever giving a clue to your mys- terious and mischiveous denunciation : but I will not, continued the marquis, be the dupe of artful deceptions and ambiguous inaendoes. — 1 will, without delay, tho- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 113 roughly investigate the business, and I hope discover the source of their contriv- ances, and the origin of the prediction which, at the time, gave me so much un- easiness. The marquis here paused — he paced his room, deeply ruminating on the subject, and at last determined, without giving the slightest intimation to any one of the past circumstances, or his present suspicions, at midnight to return to the wood, and watch for the mysterious and supernatural flame, for such he denominated it, and did not entertain a doubt but it was. In some degree composed by this re^ solve, the marquis again joined his family, and said he found himself perfectly re- covered from the trifling indisposition which he had compl lined of, which gave them great pleasure, but he was abstracted and silent ; he longed for the approach of night, and never had hours appeared so 114 MALCOLM DOUGLAS; long to him ; for, having formed his design, which nothing could liave dissuaded him from, he was impatient for its execution ; and time had never before appeared so irksome to him. At length the castle clock proclaimed the long-wished and welcome hour of re- tiring, which he trusted was the prelude to his mind being relieved from the per- plexing doubts which filled it ; therefore, making an excuse to the marchioness for his not retiring at the same hour which she did, which was perfectly satisfactory, he took an affectionate leave of her, and with a palpitating heart entered his study, there to remain till all was quiet, and the family gone to their repose. Not long had he remained there, when the universal silence which prevailed as- sured him all were in their respective apart- ments ; he tlien, with great caution, un- bared the folding doors which led to the MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 115 terrace, and hastily bent his way to the mystic wood. But far different were the sensations with which he now pursued the walk, to what they were the first night he went it, then allured by the bright lustre of the full orbed moon, whose softened beams stole over the beauteous landscape, beg^iiling his steps- to pleasure, and the fragrant breath of an autumnal evening, cheering him with its sweetness, and inspiring the most pleasing ideas: but now, how changed the scene; it was winter, chilling and bleak ; the richly-furred plaid which he had thrown over his shoulders, was scarcely sufficient to protect him from the howling blast which whistled round him, and from the inclemency of its influence : the trees stripped of that verdure which had before charmed his eye, presented only a distres- sing memento of the fleeting joys of frail mortality ; even circumstances and his own ideas were changed like the times, 11(5 :malcolm douglas. and like the season ; his sovereign was then at the summit of her glory, lovely and beloved ; hapj^ness and prosperity went hand in hand ; at that time he had pursued this walk unconscious of feur, and without apprehension ; but now, sad re- verse in every particular: he had to mourn the royal Mary^s cruel fate, and most likely, at this moment, it might be his destiny to meet a confirmation of the worst fears, which could be presented to his imagina- tion. Yet, notwithstanding these unplea- sant cogitations, the beating of the winter's tempest, and the unknown and indescrib- able horrors he might encounter, he still went on, — insatieible curiosity, that resist- less pleader, urging him on, regardless of the storm, or future consequences. He had gained the wood, and now with encreased caution, and a less degree of susceptibility of cold, as his attention be- came more engaged, he entered it — he paused — fearful to advance — and yet de- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 117 termiiied not t ) retreat ; all was silent and diear, but collecting all his resolution, he proceeded further into it, and as he conceived, proceeded towards the place \vhere the trees were situated lioni whence he had observed the flame to issue, for this he trusted entirely; to chance, as no friendly gleam of light directed his gloomy way ; and finding his steps much impeded by the shrubs and dry sticks which lay in abundance on the ground, he stopped a while to consider which way he should proceed ; when, instantaneously, to his appaled sight, the terrific fire broke forth, with a clear, bright and blue flame, casting a broad reflection on all around, and dis- covering to the marquises fixed and asto- nished eyes, that he was on the exact spot where he had first witnessed it ; and that the same tremendous, and gigantic figure he had at first seen, stood opposite him, with eyes of malignant pleasure earnestly fixed on him, whilst she repeated, in the same wild strain as before, the following: lis MALCOLM DOUGLAS. words, which the petrified marquis at- tended to, the statue of horror : Slu2:gard marquis — hence away. Seek thy heir, without delay ; But hark, 1 hear the raven sing, To-morrow's dawn, will tidings bring. From fosterM vipers— harms ensue, A foster'd viper ! may sting you : The mystic fire, may mischief bring, Avoid thou that — and viper's sting. Enough of destiny — ^you "know Man's short life — is toil and woe ; Sluggard marquis — haste away. Sorrow waits the coming day. At the conclusion of these words, the fire suddenly vanished, and left the mar- quis in total obscurity. Overpowered be- yond the bounds of description, he stood for some minutes deprived of the powers of speech or motion. The aweful silence which reigned around, the apparently in- creased gloom, from the great contrast of MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 119 the glowing light which had but a moment before illuminated the scene, encreased the terrors and apprehensions of his mind, whilst the strange and fatal prophecies, the dive mystical words conveyed, sank into his heart, and filled it with doubt and sorrow. Again his thoughts rested on his dear Theodore : I must lose that beloved youth, said he, that certainly must be implied, else why so often comm^anded to seek my heir ? bftt sure, continued he, convulsed with agony as the thought crossed his mind, surely he will be spared to me be- yond to-morrow. What direful misfortune do these words portend ? — what viper's sting — have I to dread ? — can that imply some secret enemy which I have, who, perhaps, at this moment, meditates my destruction ! a nearer calamity may pro- bably now threaten me. My Theodore ! he retired to his bed well and healthy — but a thousand dangers may attend him HO MALCOLM DOUGLAS. in his slumbers; fits, assassins, fire, some human viper may now assail him, some dreadful nialady effect him, whilst I, his father, stand here ruminating on possibili- ties, and not at hand, to protect him from the midnight dangers which may approach his couch. This supposition instantly banished from the marquis's mind, all further fear of supernatural appearances ; and though his steps were not firm, a universal trembling having seized his wdiole frame, from the great agitation of his mind ; yet the ready suggestions of danger which might aflfect his Theodore, so tar conquered it, and added such rapidity to his steps, that in a very short time he regained the castle ; where, to his infinite satisfaciion, he found all things just exactly as he had left them, and all in the same state of quiet and re- pose ; nothing gave him any reason to suppose that the family had had the most trifling disturbance since his absence ; no MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 121 symptom of fire, assassins, or other nightly horrors appearing to have taken place ; in a great measure tranquilized by this favor- able circumstance, he took the light which he had left burning upon his table, and with cautious tip-toe steps, ascended the stairs which led to lord Melrose's aparment; in breathless silence and anxiety he list- ened at his door, all was still ; but his ap- prehensions not yet being appeased, he gently tried the lock, w^hich, to his infinite joy, did not resist his efforts ; and though he mentally blamed the carelessness of his attendants for leaving the door unsecured, it was a very great happiness to him to find it so. He entered the room with the same caution with vi^hich he had before proceeded, to prevent alarm, and soon saw the object of all his care, of all his terrors, in a calm and profound sleep, perfectly un- conscious of, and unannoyed with the least idea of his father's wretchedness on his account. VOL. I. G 122 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. The marquis clasped his hands together, in fervent thanks to heaven for the bless- ing it presented to his delighted eyes, his dear Theodore in perfect safety, and sink- ing on his knees by the bed-side of his son, earnestly innplored the blessing of the Al- mighty on him, and to preserve him from every threatening danger ; then pressing a fervent kiss on his glowing cheek, and finding the night far spent, and no appear- ance of the least interruption of repose, he gently, and with the same precaution he had entered, withdrew ; and closing the door as securely as he could, left him in the same undisturbed repose in which he had found him. Greatly relieved by these circumstances, the marquis again began severely to re- proach himself for his folly and credulity, for letting so strange a deception (for such he now wished to persuade himself it was) so far get the better of his judgment and reason, as to fill his mind with such un- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 123 manly trepidations and terrors. Every ar« gument which his own good sense could furnish him with he brought forward, to stagger the validity of what he had seen and heard, and to comfort his truly har- rassed and depressed spirits ; and being in reality much fatigued, and the approach of day near, he sought his bed, and soon in nature's sweet oblivion, forgot all which had so recently distressed and agitated his mind. G 2 124 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. CHAP. VIIL The morning no sooner dawned, than the marquis started from his repose, for, with redoubled force, the horrid circumstances of the preceding night rushed on his re- collection ; and he wondered how it had been possible for bim to compose himself to sleep, when matters of so great import- ance filled his thoughts. Hastily calling on one of his domestics, his first anxious enquiry was after lord Melrose ; and he heard, with heart-felt satisfaction, that he MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 125 was perfectly well, and about to prepare to receive his morning lessons; but the anxi- ous father, fearful of trusting him one minute out of his sight on this portentous day, sent back immediately to request his tutor would obhge him by omitting the morning studies, and that he would per- mit lord Melrose to come to him immedi- ately. This message was instantly obeyed, and the agitated parent beheld his loved Theodore enter his apartment in all the gaiety of youthful sprightliness. At this joyful sight the marquis again blamed himself for giving way to such ideal distress ; he folded his boy to his heart, in all the fondness of paternal love, and with that kind of extasy, as though just deli- vered from some dreadful situation, or rescued from the brink of a precipice ; re- peatedly he enquired after his health, with an earnestness of solicitude which asto- nished the hearers ; and whilst he mentally accused himself of weakness and credulity, G 3 126 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. he found it impossible to conquer the dread he had conceived of the terrific de- nunciation which still sounded in his ears : the horror of which still operating on his mind, caused him again more firmly to resolve not to let his treasure be for one moment out of his sight till this dreaded day had passed. They now descended to the breakfast- room, where the marchioness soon joined them ; and by lord Chiviot's particular re<- quest, the young ladies were sent for, to come and partake the meal. Never had the marquis's heart expanded with such genuine pleasure — never had he experienced such supreme delight as at this moment, when he beheld his bloom- ing children in health and cheerfulness, seated by his side ; his mind had been wound up to the highest pitch of terror and alarm ; he had dreaded the return of day as the harbinger of misery ; and he MALCOLM IdOUGLAS. 127 now beheld and enjoyed its return with ten-fold happiness, surrounded, as at this moment, by all which constituted his fe-r licity : the great and mutual satisfaction all felt had induced them to prolong the breakfast far beyond the usual time allotted for it : and the marquis was deeply en- gaged in recounting some entertaining ju- venile adventure of his, to his attentive and delighted auditors, when a messenger in the Chiviot livery, breathless with haste, rode up to the castle gate, and loudly blew the bugle ; the marquis, who was all eye and ear, and ready to catch at the most trivial cause of alarm, was the first to ob- serve him, and starting up, in the greatest perturbation, loudly called for his instant admission ; but already had the porter opened the gate, and the messenger was admitted ; who being, by his desire, in- stantly conducted to the presence of the marquis, bowing low, with great respect, but in profound silence, he delivered into his hands a sealed paper, and then retired 128 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. to a distant part of the room, to wait his commands. With trembling fingers the marquis tore it open ; he fixed his extended eyes upon the letter ; in a few moments it fell from his hands, w^hich, clasping together on his forehead in the greatest agony, he sunk down on the sofa behind him, without ut- tering a word, or breathing a groan. The alarmed marchioness and attend- ants flew to his assistance with such resto- ratives as the moment offered, but some minutes elapsed before the marquis exhi- bited any signs of recovery : but when in some degree restored, he motioned the servants from his presence, and then ad- dressed lady Chiviot : My dear Margaret, said he, in the most pathetic accents, we have lost our dear, our beloved brother Charles ! — he paused, for grief choaked his utterance ; — read. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 129 continued he, that fatal billet, which com- municates the distressing, the heart-rend- ing intelligence. The marchioness now nearly experi- enced the same emotion as her lord, — twice she perused the distressing paper be- fore she was convinced she was correct, but still the same statement was presented, which was, that lord Charles Douglas, having been in company where he had been greatly irritated, by some severe and cruel reflections on his royal mistress, had warmly resented it ; aggravation on each side having proceeded to the last extre- mity, a duel was the consequence, in which lord Charles had fallen the unfortunate victim of his faithful and sincere attach- ment to his oppressed and unhappy queen, leaving his widowed lady inconsolably for his loss. When the marquis had a little recovered from the first shock this intelligence had 130 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. given him, (which was doubly severe from the enervated state his mind was in from the horrors of the preceding night) and had given some vent to his fraternal sorrow, tenderly taking the hand of lady Chiviot, — This, my beloved, said he, is but the dawn of those sorrows for which it is ne- cessary w^e should prepare ourselves ; little do you now conceive for what we are re- served, and unwilling am I to wound your affectionate heart with the dire presages which distract mine ; but we shall soon loose 1 plainly see it is heaven's de- cree — we shall lose our adored Theodore ; and every other known and valued branch of our family. The astonished marchioness trembled at the strange and incoherent words of her lord, and could by no means account for so dreadful and singular a declaration, but from supposing the sudden shock had, for the moment, affected his brain with a slight degree of delirium ; in the most soothing MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 131 accents, she therefore said, do not, my most dear lord, let this grievous misfortune which we have met with, however unex- pected and distressing, cause you impa- tiently to murmur at the dispensations of Providence, which are always just and proper ; for though, by his permission, we are now deprived of a dear and amiable friend, in the prime of life cut off, from our hopes ; — yet repine not beyond the limits of reason and discretion, but turn- ing your eyes on the blessings which you yet enjoy, know the value of them, and be thankful, — recal to your recollection, how much more severe is the fate of our dear queen, whose fame your valued bro- ther so nobly, though fatally, defended ; we have our darling children in our care, and have liberty and affluence, whilst our wretched and disconsolate • sovereign mourns alike her imprisonment ; and be- ing denied a mother's comfort to embrace her only child. Contrast then, my love. 182 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. our situations, and let it Ibrtify us to bear our lot with patience. Ah ! little, dear Margaret, answered the marquis, can you judge the sorrow which preys upon my mind ! but, checking him- self, he forbore to add what might raise her curiosity, and lead to an explanation, which would add so greatly to her afflic- tion, without in any respect mitigating the severity of what he felt; hastily, therefore, dropping the subject, as fearing to trust him- self to say more, he requested the mes- senger might again be called into his pre- sence, to enquire of him more particularly into the nature of this misfortune. The servant instantly attending ; the marquis was by him informed that lord Charles had been provoked by his antagonist beyond the limits of human forbearance, that not only the most sarcastic observations had been cast on the queen, but many had glanced likewise on his beloved Arabella, for no other reason than being allied to MALCOLM DOUGLAS. l;33 Mary. This last provocation, added to all the other insults which he had received, could not be any longer endured, and no alternative was left but what lord Charles had chosen ; and in the re-encounter which immediately took place, lord Charles was run through the heart, and instantly ex- pired. With the most fixed attention and deep- est grief, the marquis listened to this re- cital ; he loved his brother with the ten- derest aftection, and they had always lived together in the strictest terms of amity; his sudden loss then must naturally be supposed greatly to affect him ; and it was not this loss alone, which now dis- tracted his mind. His alarms and grief were heightened by the dreaded apprehen- sion of the future; one branch of his family was now for ever severed from the tree ; and the fatal prognostications of the mystic wood, every moment appeared with accu- 134 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. mulated horrors to his distressed imagi- nation. The unhappy state of the widowed Arabella now claimed his regard, and he resolved immediately to set our for her re- sidence, and to offer every consolation in his power ; but on this occasion he was equally determined to take lord Melrose with him, as he never more intended to leave him for one moment, without his own particular protection. Having written a letter, in which he said all his own distracted heart could dictate, by way of consolation to the af- flicted and amiable widow, he sent off the messenger, ordering him to say, that the marchioness and himself, in two days, would follow; that they might mutually render every service, and administer every comfort in their power, and arrange plans for conducting the remains of lord Charles to the family vault, in the chapel of Chi- MALCOLM DOUGLAS* 135 viot castle ; after which aweful ceremony, they hoped she would remain their guest until the first effusions of her sorrow was mitigated. This temporary relief given to the dis- turbance of his mind, the marquis ordered Macdonald to be called to him ; his inten- tion was to make enquiry of him whether he knew of any remote, or poor relation of his house, of whose circumstances and re- lationship he might be enabled to give some particulars ; but when Macdonald, in con- sequence of the marquis's orders, attended, his resolution failed, the words faultered and died on his tongue ; it appeared to him the completion of his destiny, the death of his son ; and he felt, that if he should ask Macdonald the necessary ques- tions, and any person he named, that he should be so much affected by it, as to be totally incapable of those exertions which he was now called on for ; and for the dis- charge of those duties humanity required 136 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. towards ladv Arabella Doadas : he there- fore merely said, that lie had intended to consult with him on a subject of some im- portance ; but as yet, it was time enough, and that he should defer the intended dis- course till more convenient leisure offered ; he then acquainted him with his intention of going to lady Arabella, to attend the mournful procession of his brother^s fu- neral back to Chiviot castle; and recom- mended the peculiar care of his family to him during his absence ; which he added, should be but for as short a space as pos- sible, or the nature of the unhappy busi- ness permitted ; and he desired that all the preparation for receiving the respected remains of his brother, might be such as became his affection, and the high rank of lord Charles Douglas. With great attention and respect, Mac- donald promised to see these things pro- perly and faithfully performed. He ex- pressed his unfeigned affliction at this me- AIArXOLM DOUGLAS. 137 lancholy and untimely event, and his dis- tress when he contem|jlated lady Ara- bella's loss ; with, his earnest hope that time would sooth the sufferings of the whole family. He then humbly thanked the marquis for the very great honor he had conferred on him, by permitting his daughter to associate so much with the young ladies, and the very great advantage which she had derived from it, both from the improvement of their conversation, and by the kind attentions of Mrs, Morton ; for which he never could sufficiently ex- press his gratitude: and requested to know whether his lord and lady would still con- tinue to her so high and estimable a favor during the absence which was about to take place. By all means, Macdonald, replied the marquis ; it always gives me pleasure to render vou a service, for I ever have con- sidered you as having peculiar claims upon riie, independent of what the good services 138 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. of your situation in my family has merited ; but setting all that aside, I hear so very favorable an account of your daught-r from all parties, that, on her own account aiont% and as a reward for her good qualities, I am perfectly well disposed, and I am sure »o is lady Chiviot, to give her every pos- sible encouragement. With the most obsequious acknowledg- ments, Macdonald retired, but inwardly swelling with increased pride, and strength- ened hopes of future greatness, so tacit an avowal as the marquis had now made of his claims upon him, he had never expected to hear ; he supposed it proceeded from his heart being softened, and humbled by affliction ; but whatever the cause, the ef- fect was the same : he concluded it no- thing less than the marquis's acknowledg- ing him for a brother, and determined from this time forward to consider himself such, and in no other light, and as his elder, so his superior ; and whatever in» MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 139 terest he might have in his attention to the rhities of his employment, should hence- forward be exerted only in the prospect of promoting his own expectations, and the only warm wish his heart was capable of, or had ever formed, that of seeing his daughter future marchioness of Chiviot. In Janet he had ever yet found a most apt and ready scholar, and a true, though un- conscious, promoter of all his plans, for a similarity of sentiment caused her to act as much in unison with her father's wishes, as though she were fully acquainted with them. Her daily care was, to render her- self acceptable to all the family ; and she would have been happy to have been par- ticularly so to the young lord ; but, by some fatality attendant on her exertions, he proved the only one of the family on whom her attractions, attentions, and fas- cinations, were lost and inefFectual, But Janet was not of a disposition to liO MALCOLM DOUGLAS. give way to despair at trifling disappoint- ments ; and though she could not lielp feeling how different lord Melrose^s beha- viour to her was from the rest, yet she attributed it to his being a rude, unthink- ing boy, but that in a short time, bis sen- timents towards her might be very differ- ent ; and that she would still continue every method in her power to obtain his regard. Macdonald, when he reflected on his late conversation with the marquis, almost despised him for not having sufficient pe- netration to fathom his plans; he repeat- edly congratulated himself on his superior understanding, and how much greater his merit would be in acquiring titles and riches by his own good management, than in having them in consequence of birth ; and he found infinite satisfaction in the idea that, though the laws had made the marquis his superior in society; that na- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 141 ture, unrestrained by those punctilios, had given him powers of imagination sufficient to circumvent the legitimate line, and place himself and family in their deserted situ- ation. The marquis and his family set out on their painful visit, according to appoint- ment, to the house of the afflicted mourner, lady Arabella, and in two weeks after- wards, the pensive cavalcade, who with slow and solemn steps advanced, bearing the body of the amiable nobleman, whose loyalty to his deserted sovereign his death had so fatally and incontestibly proved, entered the court-yard of the castle of Chiviot. Magnificently aweful was the solemnity ; no honor, which could be shewn to his memory, was omitted ; and he was con- signed to the earth amidst such heart-felt exclamations of sorrow, from all his family 142 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. and dependants, as fully and more honor- ably proved his true nobility, than the nu- merous escutchions which adorned the velvet herse ; and the grief of his heart- broken lady, of the sorrowing brother, and lady Chiviot, (in a manner superior to all other panegerics) bespoke his domestic virtues. This melancholy ceremony concluded, and lord Charles deposited in his premature grave, each tender connection endeavoured as much as possible to conceal his own particular grief, fearful of encreasing the af- fliction of each other ; this resolution was mutually serviceable, as each really ex^ erted himself to conquer the feelings of a misfortune for which there was no remedy; the pleasure too, which each found in the society of the charming children, was the grand source from whence (at this moment of distress) the stream of comfort and of consplation fjowed ; their innocent and MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 143 enlivening conversation, often chased the tears from the fine eyes of lady Arabella, and caused a smile of love and approba- tion — and often drove from the marquises the corrodin,2^ apprehensicm, which but too much, and too greatly oppressed it. 144 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. CHAP. IX. Lord William Douglas, the marquis's youngest brother, who had attended with trul}^ fraternal atfection lord Charles's fu- neral, had lately sustained so great an af- fliction, that his mind, as yet, had by no means recovered from its effects ; and this second calamity added so greatly to it, that it appeared to him insupportable It has been before observed, that he had fixed his affections on Alice Graham, a young lady who was about the person of the queen. MALGOLM DOUGLAS. 145 She was a model of beauty, and goodness of heart, and the admiration which her charms had excited, soon became a con- firmed and settled affection, when the many amiable qualities she possessed became fully known to him, and a mutual passion sub- sisting, and every part of each family highly approving : the time appointed for their nuptials was fast approaching, when (a few months previous to the untimely death of lord Charles) this amiable and lovely lady was seized with the small pox, and had fallen a victim to that devastating disorder, and the late blooming and beau- teous Alice died a figure so changed, that even the fond and partial eyes of her ador* ing lover could not recognize. The consequences of this loss had been of the most fatal nature to lord William ; at the moment he was on the point of calling the lovely Alice his, to see her' snatched from his hopes by so cruel a dis- ease, was a wound no time could heal. VOL. I. H 146 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. his grief had been deep, silent and unob- trusive, but it had preyed on his vitals, and exhibited the most alarming symptoms in his person ; his family were shocked when they beheld his sunk and fireless eyes, and emaciated frame, vi^hich, at first, they attributed to the excess of his sorrow, but hoped that time would alleviate and re- store his usual looks of health and com- posure, but for this favorable change they looked in vain : the marquis, in trembling apprehension, beheld his care-worn bro- ther with an anxiety the most distressing. The health of his dear brother became a consideration of the utmost importance to him ; and as every sense of danger to his family was in the marquis doubly acute, he was ever in dread, ever distressing his mind with unfounded terrors, and paying attention to minute trifles which, though his affection would ever have been equally great, he would never have regarded ; but from the mysterious warning in the wood, this filled his heart with more than feme- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 147 nine weakness, in observing every miniitia respecting the health of his highly-prized relatives : this filled him with horrors on the most insignificant complaint, and he was continually conceiving, in dreadful perspective, the dreary tomb again open- ing, to receive some other of his most dearly loved family. Urged on by these distressing ideas, and the fear of losing his now only brother, he endeavoured to rouse and amuse lord Wil- liam. The marchioness too, alarmed on his ac- count, from not observing any amendment in him, but on the contrary, an increased dejection of spirits (though totally unac- quainted with her lord^s dreadful surmises), exerted herself to the utmost in every kind effort and tender office which might be likely to contribute towards the re-estab- lishment of his health ; for as she was a, stranger to the source of the marquises H 2 148 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. fears, she had better spirits and more reso- lution : even the grief, oppressed, and heart-broken lady Arabella Douglas, joined in the charitable task of striving to cheer the drooping lord William ; and well did 6he know how to sympathize with him. She, too, had experienced the pang of se- paration from the object of a first and ar- dent affection, she therefore strove ear- nestly to give that consolation she herself so greatly needed, and found so difficult to attend to. But with lord William, though perfectly sensible of, and full of gratitude for the kind ness of his family, every act of friendship, or affection proved ineffectual towards re- moving the weight of sorrow from his heart ; grief and disappointment had made so rapid an inroad on a constitution na- turally delicate, which the loss of his Ahce, so soon followed by the unhappy and unexpected death of his best beloved brother, so far encreased the malignity of MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 149 the effects of the first sorrow, that he fell into a deep decline, which baffled every care, assistance, or advice, the almost frail- tic marquis's most liberal rewards could procure or administer : and six months after the death of lord Charles, the la- mented lord William breathed his last sigh, in the arms of the agonized marquis, who, totally overcome by mental horrors, present and future, and by bodily exertions in watchings and attendance on his beloved brother, fainted away on the inanimate body he had been for the last two hours sustaining in his arms, and whose expir- ing convulsions his bursting heart had felt. With difficulty was the marquis re- moved from this melancholy scene to his his own apartment. The lady Chiviot's distress was beyond description ; for she dreaded the effect these multiplied cala- mities w^ould have on the mind of her hus- band ; but had she known the full extent orwhat he suffered, how much more would H 3 150 MALCOLM DOUGLAS, her terrors have been excited ? — how much worse than him would she have supported herself ? The wretched marquis rested his form on the couch where they had laid him, but his distracted mind w^as torn with trouble too great for human fortitude. One only tie now remained, one only prop of hope — if that failed — he durst not think — he could not turn .his ideas to so black, so dire an alternative; — and he groaned in anguish over the fallen hopes and honors of his house ; not one moment now doubting the fulfilment of the cruel destiny predicted. Again the silent, gloomy vault of Chiviot chapel opened, to receive the deeply de- plored remains of the beloved lord Wil- liam ; again its venerable walls were hung with sable, and the long procession, with the same aweful solemity as before, slowly MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 151 paced its aisles, to deposit in its last man- sion the mouldering clay. Humiliating idea ! when we reflect that the most ex- quisite masterpiece of nature's beauty, the most benevolent heart, the rarest genius, the most profound scholar, and the most lively and entertaining, alike are condemned to this oblivious state, with the most despi- cable and unworthy, no merit, no talents, claiming the pity of that inexorable tyrant death — who, triumphing over all, renders unavailing the sigh of bitter anguish, the tear of heart-rending distress ; so was lord William consigned to his tomb: such were the tributes paid to his memory, to his merits, and to his misfortunes. lo2' MALCOLM DOUGLAS CHAP. Xe It was now that the marquis, more deeply than ever ruminating on a fate which ap- peared to him inevitable, resolved to call forth all his fortitude and philosophy, and set on foot the necessary investigation which had been so strangely commanded ; and though the implied consequence of such an enquiry were far worse than a sentence of death to himself, he yet con- ceived it was a duty impossible for him to omit performing, or if he did. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 153 some still more terrific circumstance might take place. Having fixed this resolve, his next reso- lution was, as he had experienced such a succession of domestic distresses since his return to Chiviot, to leave it for a time, and return to Edinburgh with all his fa- mily ; for though so warmly attached to the queen, and in general disliking the parties in power, as either knowing or sup- posing them her enemies ; yet he conceived the recent misfortunes of his family would be sufficient excuse for his declining tak- ing part, or opinion in any public affairs, and for the excluding manner in which he meant to live for retirement and solitude, which w^as now best suited to the late gay and magnificent marquis of Chiviot. The hor- rifying words " Seek thy heir,'^ were for ever sounding in his ears ; they haunted his nightly dreams, and were his daily me- ditation ; and the burthen of his thoughts on this subject became so insupportable. 154 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. that he found it became absolutely neces- sary for the preservation of his reason, that he should ease his heart, by communicat- ing the harrowing cause of his affliction : and again Macdonald appeared the only proper person for his confidence, and one the best qualified to assist him, and direct his search after the obscure branches of his family, and likewise to feel for, and sooth his sorrows by sympathy and com- miseration. A trembling seized the whole frame of the marquis as he, the next day, faulter- ingly gave orders for Macdonald^s instant attendance ; it again appeared to his tor- tured imagination, that the desire to make this investigation was the death-blow to his beloved Theodore. The next m.oment he would cheer himself with the hope that no other legitimate branch of his family existed ; and that in lord Mel- rose, the only true heir be found ; and thus the perplexing words of the cruel MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 155 syble be interpreted : but this favorable representation the sentence would not long admit of ; it was too pointed to allow so soothing a deception ; all therefore which he could now hope for, was some slight relief, from his unbosoming himself to ^lacdonald, and in him to obtain a faith- ful confident and adviser. Macdonald, now entering, roused the marquis from the train of melancholy thoughts which he had sunk into ; but the words died on the lips of lord Chiviot, as he wished to introduce the interesting dis- course; at last, after a violent effort, and recollecting the dreadful origin of his mi- sery, Macdonald, said he, tell me with- out reserve, have you ever heard any par- ticular story or traditional legend concern- ing the wood which bounds the eastie terrace ? I have heard many ridiculous ones, my lord, answered Macdonald, much too trifl* 156 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. jng to make any impression on the mind of a rational person, or even were I to re- collect them, to attempt to repeat to your lordship. I am, at present, in a humour, returned the marquis, to listen with patience to any anecdote you can recollect, however in- consistent or ridiculous ; I have particular reasons for it, and you will oblige me by relating any thing which you may have heard or seen. I have heard then very often, my lord, returned Macdonald, but never with the. least degree of credit, that the wood is the haunt of a witch of the most formidable art, and demoniac appearance, and of a disposition more malignant than even her detestable form can convey the idea of: it is recorded 6f her that her predictions are infallible ; and that whoever has once seen her, can never be happy afterwards. MALCOLM DOUGLAS, 157 1 firmly believe it, returned the marquis, with an emphasis, which greatly astonished Macdonald — proceed, I conjure you : Your lordship is, I perceive, laughing at the folly of this recital, continued Macdo- nald, which I never should have presumed te take the liberty of mentioning, but in obedience to your lordship's commands ; but I can assure your lordship, that though I was born on the estate, and have at all hours passed the wood, I never in my life saw any thing for which T could not fully account • but sometimes a light like a flame, which I knew not from what cause it proceeded'; but as there isa pool of water near the place where I have observed it, I have always imagined itsome vapour which proceeded from it, and never felt the least curiosity to examine its source. It is of a nature very different to what you suppose, replied the greatly agitated marquis. Now more firmly than ever con- 158 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. viuced of the reality of what he had seen seen and heard : the light which you have seen is from a fire, but whether a real one, or raised by the incantations of witchcraft, 1 shall leave to your own judgment to de- cide, when I have recounted to you a cir- cumstance which happened to myself, and which I shall now commit to your discretion. The marquis, then very faithfully and circumstancially recounted to the won- der-struck steward all which had taken place in the wood both before he left the castle, and since his return ; all that he had suffered in consequence ; the fatal events which had since taken place in his- family ^correspondent to the warnings which he had received ; his horrors for fear of any accident to lord Melrose ; and finally, his fixed intention of complying with the re- peated injunction, to seek out those who,, in any degree, belonged to his family ; to discover their situation^ and endeavour to MALGOLiM DOUGLAS. 159 render them worthy of the honors which mifrht be theirs, if it was the decree of his hard and cruel fate to deprive him of his beloved child. For some minutes after the marquis had ceased speaking, Macdonald answered not, so deeply was he absorbed in surprize and meditation on this most wonderful re- lation ; and lord Chiviot himself was sa much affected by what he had been say- ing, that he paid no attention to Macdo- nald^s long continued silence, but patiently sat expecting his answer, but not appear- ing at all surprized at its delay. At length Macdonald having collected himself, and being a little recovered from the confusion that a quick succession of ideas which the marquis's discourse had given rise to, said, I beg your lordship^s pardon, but this strange relation has filled me with so much amaze, i knew not what answer immediately to make. — But 160 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. I am just now struck by a sudden re* eollection which may throw some light on the matter your lordship wishes to enquire into.^ rhave heard my late dear lord, your fa- ther — (on these words he put a particular stress, as implying the word our^ ought to be substituted) speak of a circumstance which had taken place in his family, though many years before his remembrance, which may have some connection with this affair. I have heard him say (and I dare say your lordship will remember it) that a younger brother of his great grandfather's Gracious heaven! interrupted the mar- qus hastily, Low is it possible the circum- stance you are going to alhide to, could escape my memory thus long? the younger brother of my great grandfather, which you' now revive in my mind, married a person of great beauty and merit, but of an origin so obscure, that his whole family were so WALCOLM DOUGLAS. 161 much offended, that they universally de- termined to take no notice of his wife.— - This I have heard my father speak of as a remote family anecdote ; but know no particulars, and never troubled myself to enquire further about it, nor indeed ever recollected the event, till now that you recall it to my recollection, but now every thing is of importance ; every thing alarms me — do, good Macdonald, inform me of every incident, of every particular you know. I am but ignorant on this subject, my lord, answered Macdonald, yet what I have heard will quickly inform you, though it is very little in addition to what your lordship has been saying. I have heard that lord Archibald Dou- glas, which was the name of the nobleman who degraded his family by an unequal alliance, when he found the resolution of all his relations to treat with disrespect 162 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. the object of his tenderest affections ; in deep resentment of their conduct, posi- tively declared they never more should re- ceive either of them ; that he should for- ever disown and renounce a family who rejected the most valuable ornament of it, his beloved wife ; and that he would retire with her to some remote part of the world, where they never should trace them, or, know what became of them. This threat of lord Archibald's, which was communicated to the marquis, his fa- ther, rather alarmed him ; and he had it in consideration to make some conciliatory advances to lord Archibald, he being his peculiar favorite : but before they could be announced, lord Archibald and his lady had privately left the paternal domain, and the place of his retreat was never discovered during his father's life time, which hap- pened very shortly after lord Archibald's absence ; and it was supposed the unea- siness that event s^ave his father, rather MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 163 accyerated his death. After the marquis died, no one gave himself the trouble to enquire after the fugitives ; as the elder brother, who succeeded, had ever borne a great jealousy to lord Archibald ; and, it was imagined, had irritated his father against him ; and, by his machinations, to have encreased the resentment of the other branches of the family against him, by misrepresentations, and insinuating, false, and disadvantageous suggestion of his wife. This, my lord, is the extent of my know- ledge of this family. I never heard wher6 they settled, or that any enquiry was ever made on either side ; it is possible some male heir of this stock yet remains ; if so, and your lordship wishes a search made after him, I am ready to pursue any me- thod your lordship may think adviscable for that purpose. Ah ! Macdonald, returned the marquis, whilst an agonizing sigh burst from his 104 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. heart ; — too surely you have^iscovered the clue of this distracting business-; 1 have no doubt remaining but that this is the heir which 1 must seek. — Alas ! beloved Theo- dore, can I possibly support this trial, and hearthe sentence which interdicts your suc- cession ; it is too much, heaven strengthen me to bear my affliction with fortitude ; for in the uncertainty and suspence I suf- fer, in the cruel and distracting fears I am haunted with, I lose you daily ; and more dreadful is the constant apprehension of a dreadful, unknown fate, than in the de- cided certitude, however bad. Be comforted, my lord, returned Mac- donald, and do not let a vague and uncon- nected prediction thus effect your mind ; many are the deceptions and delusion which are practised by these wily wretches to extort charity, or excite wonder and alarm. Your lordship will not, I am per- suaded, permit your good sense to become the victim of such mean artifice. I am MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 1^5 convinced your lordship has too much pe- netration to be imposed on in any respect, much less, by tricks which may, perhaps, be practised for some sinister purpose, or merely for wanton mischief; for it is by no means unlikely, that as the family which I have been speaking of have never been heard of since the time lord Archibald and his lady went away, that they are all long since extinct ; or it is more than probable some branch of the family would, e^er this, have sought out so distinguished a head as the marquis of Chiviot. No, no Macdonald, answered the mar- quis — I am convinced they are not ex- tinct — the horrid and tremendous figure I saw in the wood, particularly mentioned *' high-born, low-born, both is he/^ Your account has fully explained the meaning of that sentence ; and I resign to your good management and trusty care, to make every enquiry after aiiy of the family which may remain of my long-forgotten, fugitive 166 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. relations. This intricate affair I totally resign to you ; but mark me, it is a subject which (at present) must be entirely con- fined to our knowledge only. I shall now go for some time to Edin- burgh, in which place I will, to the utmost of my power, endeavour to banish the gloomy ideas ; these scenes serve only to cherish, and leave the whole of this im- portant concern to your entire transacting. The marquis, too much overcome by this great exertion of resolution, to add more to the conversation, now left the room ; whilst the absorbed Macdonald re- mained in deep study and contemplation on what had passed. Many minutes he mused thus, before he could sufficiently compose the variety of ideas presented to his mind to quit the library, A new field of action, and a new source of hope, now sprang up in the fertile brain MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 167 of Macdoiiald : be was appointed to the important commission of seeking a new and unexpected heir to the house of Chi- viot, his demands for which service were unlimited ; but here for the first time in his life, money was but a secondary con- sideration, — his Janet, there was the prin- cipal ; there rested every hope ; she now was presented to his mind's e3^e, as un- questionably marchioness of Chiviot; that very puny, sickly child, lord Melrose, eja- culated he, though now apparently im- proving in health, every body must be sensible, will never live to inherit his fa- ther's honors ; and if he did, he would be so surrounded by observers, innumerable difficulties would have attended the pur- suit of my arduous design in favor of my dear girl ; and though I should have been content to have braved them all for her advantage ; yet, if a shorter way of going ^0 work presents itself in the most unex- pected and extraordinary manner, shall I not avail myself of it; that hag who makes 168 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Others wretched, will cause my happiness and honor ; in her predictions, fatal to the marquis, dawns my greatness ; by that, titles which the laws with-hold from me, however they may be my natural right, shall return ten-fold to my posterity ; re- venge and jealousy will stimulate me with all diligence to seek this predicted heir ; and if such a one is found, I will ingra- tiate myself into his confidence, and Janet shall into his love. Whilst lord Melrose lives, these manoeuvres will not be at- tended to ; as the new heir will appear insignificant, and be but little attended to ; when he dies, it will be too late to alter a fixed affection ; for long before that event may take place, I hope Janet will have fixed herself in his heart ; for every thing which the art or industry of a man can do to accomplish the warmest wish of hisheart, aided by all the advantages which riches can lend to his aid, are in my power, and in my most fixed intention to the utmost to exert ; my genius and perseverance shall MALCOLM DOUGLAS. IGJ) triumph over my imputed father's ne- glect, and the oppressive and unnatural rules of society which deny my being marquis of Chiviot ; but all shall yet be subservient to my views ; 1 shall see suc- cess crown my efforts ; and my grandson enjoy that envied distinction which never can be mine. But a short time elapsed, after the in- teresting conversation which took place between the marquis and his confidential steward, before the whole family removed to Edinburgh. The children's more ad- vanced age permitting them to accom- pany their parents, where, in due time, arriving, the marquis hoped, by this change of scene, to cheer his disturbed mind, and the rest of the family all entertained the same wish, though each concealed from the other their observations of the marquis's increasing melancholy, unwiU ling, by any comment, to add to it. VOL. I. I ITO MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Macdoiiald now, in accordance to his own ardent desire, and to the particular orders of his lord, began his enquiries for the person who, by one side, was so much dreaded, by the other, so much hoped for ; on whom so much depended, on whom so many anxious and varied ideas rested. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 171 CHAP. XI The marquis's family were now settled in their mansion in Edinburgh, as comfort- ably as the nature of circumstances would allow. But the unsettled and distracted government, where mutual jealousies and factions were continually taking place dur- ing the minority of the king, disturbed all ranks of society ; and engaged, almost, all in contentions and animosity ; but the marquis, availing himself of his domestic losses and misfortunes, lived with all the I 2 17*2 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. privacy his rank would permit ; far diffe- rent to the eclat his late appearance had occasioned ; engaging now as little in pub- lic affairs and opinions, as he possibly could. The unhappy fate of his brother he painfully recalled, and from that recol- lection restrained the warmth of his na- tural disposition, which he often found much worked on by a variety of provoca- tions ; and he fully acquitted lord Charles of impetuosity, when he found with what difficulty he conquered and restrained his own passions. " The young people were highly amused by the change of scene the capital af- forded, and could not forbear, doubly, to deplore the family misfortunes which de- prived them of so many pleasures they would otherwise have shared. But no deprivation could possibly grieve lady Ca- therine so much as the loss of Janet Mac- donald's society ; the attachment this ar- dent, though volatile girl, had formed for MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 173 her, was extreme, and earnestly, though unavailingly, had she solicited for her ac- companying her to Edinburgh ; but great as was the partiality of the marchioness to Janet, and much as it was her wish to gralify her children, affliction had not yet so far conquered her natural pride, that she could reconcile the idea of taking an obscure young person with her, whom every stranger would, at first sight, con- ceive to be the twin-sister of lady Grace ; and she found that the supposition of Janet's being her daughter, would be ex- tremely mortifying and degrading to her feelings ; and this would most naturally have been the case when the ladies were all seen together, under the superintend- ance of the same preceptress. The artful Macdonald had himself, too, strenuously opposed the proposal of Ja- net's going to Edinburgh, which, but a few weeks before, he would have so anxi- ously strove to obtain ; but now having I 3 174 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. Other views, with great appearance of modesty and humility, he urged the great impropriety of such girls as his daugh- ter associating in public, or in any way too much, with those so greatly their su- periors, as it tended to render them unfit for their proper sphere in life, and averse to such views as their parents might have for them. The marchioness warmly coincided with Macdonaldin these sentiments, and praised him very highly for his judicious senti- ments ; but the true fact was, that being now perfectly indifferent about lord Mel- rose, he wished to have her entirely under his own care and tuition, that he might model her to his own opinions and inter- ests ; and though he had never found her refractory, but always remarkably docile whenever any plan for her advantage or pleasure was proposed, yet, this being an affair of so much consequence, and if an heir should be found, uncertainwhat kind of MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 175 person he might be, whether old or young, beautiful or deformed, he conceived it bestj at all events, to keep her under his own eye, whilst he was paving her way to nobilitv and orandeur. Janet, who at this time could not fa- thom her father^s schemes, or form the most distant prospect of his views, was in- consolable, and overcome by disappoint, ment, when she saw the travellers depart, and that she was again a lonely inmate ia her father's house, and she sorrowfully re- flected how soon she might be forgot, and all the laborious foundation of friendship she had so long been laying, be, perhaps, overturned by the first new face. But her father comforted her by saying, foolish girl, why all this nonsensical grief? if they forget you, there are more lords and ladies yet left in the world besides lord Melrose and his sisters. Cheer up, ^y gj'*^> you know not yet what plans I 176 MALCOLM DOUGLAS, have in my head for your advantage ; and if you are a good girl, and act in every thing as I would have you, I make no doubt but you will be a lady yourself, and as great as any of them. Elated by this flattering prognostic, Ja- net eagerly promised in all things to obey him, if he thought such a reward would ever be hers ; when Macdonald, very em-' phatically, adding, far more unlikely things have happened ; left her to the pleasing rumination of future grandeur ; though by what means to be accomplished, she could form no conjecture, as she was now sepa* rated, and apparently by her father^s wish, from the persons where the only reasonable hope could be formed, as likely to pro- mote her future expectations. It was now that Macdonald began his earnest enquiries after the long-forgotten wanderers, with the most anxious desire to find out the crack of the self-banished lord MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 177 Archibald ; and being extremely assiduous in the employ, and making use of every means for information which money and industry could effect, it was not long be- fore he obtained some satisfactory intelli- gence ; for he had the great pleasure to hear, that a few years previous to this en- quiry, a family of the name of Douglas, and probably related to the marquis, had for many years resided in a town in the north of Ireland ; but whether they were the identical family he was in search of, or no, at present could not be determined : gratified, however, with any clue which gave a probability of success, Macdonald's enterprizing spirit resolved not to leave the negociating so important a concern to any enquiries but his own ; fearful of de- ception, and ardent for informatiof>, his own minute investigation he alone could depend on ; he, therefore, hadiiearly come to a resolution of setting out for the ob- scure town where this family were, with- out communicating his intentions to any^ 178 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. not even the marquis ; but on further de- liberation, he conceived he had better re- ceive the marquis's further instructions before he commenced his journey ; and in what manner he v^ould wish him to act, if the persons he was going in pursuit of should really prove those he was empow- ered to find. For this purpose he dispatched a mes- senger to Lord Chiviot, stating the intelli- gence already received, his own great in- clination personally to trace the matter to its source, and his des're to receive the marquis's final instructions on this head. The marquis immediately returned an answer of approbation of Macdonald's in- defatigable zeal and industry ; coincided in his idea of going in person to prevent imposition ; and added, that it was his wish if, should he find any, however dis- tantly related lo him, in any difficulties or distress, to render every pecuniary aid 'i^'' MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 179 their necessities demanded ; and if a young lad should be discovered, whose preten- sions gave any probable, or possible chance of his succeeding to the title of Chiviot, to endeavour to persuade him to accom- pany him back, that the marquis might be assured he received that kind of education as ought to adorn his future situation in life. With these instructions Macdonald commenced his journey, in a multitude of perplexing doubts, fears, and hopes. He was now throwing for the grand stake on the success of which all his present hopes rested. Had the production of the expected heir only depended on his fidelity, that passion in him was not so incorruptible but what he would very willingly have substituted a surreptitious one, but he well knew the proofs which would be re- <][uired j and for bis owa sake, he; wished 180 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. his Janet to wed no other than the undis- puted, the true and genuine heirofChiviot, therefore, in this case he neither intended to practice deceit himself, nor let it be practiced on him by others. With this disposition, arriving safe at the place of his destination, it was neither a long or a difficult matter to hear of Ar- chibald Douglas, (the original christian name having been still preserved in the elder male branches), who was esteemed and loved by all of whom Macdonald made enquiries in the small and miserable towii which had so long been the residence of this illustrious, though reduced, family ; and Macdonald^s first questions to the neighbours convinced him he had not la- boured in vain : for that this was the true descendant of lord Archibald Douglas, as every person could abundantly inform him, for the family he found had made it their residence in a succession from father to son, ever since lord Archibald and his MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 181 slighted lady first made it their refuge, down to the present Archibald, and his only son Malcolm, of whom every tongue was eloquent in praise. Lord Archibald, the haughty and in- flexible founder of this obscure family, could never brook, or pardon the ill treat- ment his lady, whom he tenderly loved, had received from his family : and though he had a very great affection for his father, and most probably, had he lived, would have made some concession ; yet, soon after his residence here, by accident hear- ing of his death, which he imagined had taken place without any enquiry after him, or any desire to discover him ; or, for re- conciliation, it encreased the cause of of- fence he before conceived he had received, into a settled antipathy to all his family, more particularly his brother, the then marquis, from whose want of affection to him he attributed the unkindness of his father. 182 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. It is thus, that but too often violent people argue, whose irritable tempers, whatever offence they give, never will be sufficiently composed to permit them to discover how much they themselves are wrong, and that it is proper submission should be made to the offended party ; for lord Archibald never for one moment considered the disappointment it is to the hopes of the fond and careful parent when his child unites himself to one whom his experience conceives will not contribute to his happiness ; and however this opi- nion may be erroneous, and the parent forgetting the passions of his youth, may wish a plan pursued repugnant to the wishes of his son ; still, as a parent, some little concession is due, some little apo- logy, for a difference so material in opi- nion. Had lord Archibald's high spirit submitted to this very proper humiliation, he would have had the pleasure to know (for the reward of his humility) that his father's affections were unchanged, and MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 183 that the ready pardon hung upon his lips, and that he need not to have banished himself and his posterity to a wretched residence, amongst a set of people who were, in every respect, so very different to what he had been accustomed to asso- ciate with, and where his posterity must be deprived of those advantages and dis- tinctions their rank demanded ; however, lord Archibald reconciled himself to this change of situation extremely well. He grew familiar with the manners of the peo- ple, he was charmed with their genuine hospitality and kindness ; and the very great respect which was paid him, he con- trasted with the slights he had received from his own family ; and the consequence was, that he was determined to settle amongst those hardy and almost uncivi- lized, though affectionate people, rather than enter again into all the perplexities of more refined life. For several genera- tions they had continued here, conforming to all the privations and hardships endured 184 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. by the people amongst whom they were established, entirely independent of, and indifferent about the illustrious line from which they had descended : the only am- bition which had invariably been inherited by them was, a desire to do all the good they had an opportunity of doing, and to preserve the reputation of brave, worthy, and honorable men. Such" now was the character, such the virtues, of -the mart whom the indefatigable researches of Mac- donald had discovered. The present Archibald Douglas was the inhabitant of a very humble dwelling, he had lost his wife, and one son about six teen, was his only child ; and this son and one old female servant constituted the whole of his family. At the time of Mac- donald's arrival, Mr. Douglas was confined to his bed by severe indisposition, and his dutiful and affectionate son Malcolm w^as watching by his bed-side, with true filial solicitude. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 185 The enquiries of Macdonald after this insolated family, having been attended with the success he wished, he was soon con- ducted to the little habitation which he had so anxiously sought, and on request- ing to speak to Mr. Douglas, Malcolm im- mediately attended to enquire the stran- ger's business. I am the son, sir, of that gentleman, said the youth, and my father's present extreme illness must plead his excuse for not permitting him the pleasure of seeing you ; but if you will please to inform me of the cause of your coming here, I will directly let him know your business, and return his answer. During this speech, the astonished Mac- donald gazed on the youth who addressed him with w^onder and delight. Never had so interesting, so charming a figure pre- sented itself before his scarcely crediting eyes. The beauty of his face was ex- 186 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. treme, but that was forgotten in the grace and dignity of his person ; his manner of address was elegant, yet modest and dif- fident ; the abundance of his auburn locks fell in such profusion over his ivory fore- head, that several times whilst he was speaking he was under the necessity of shaking back the obtruding, rich, and glossy curls, and his intelligent eyes, in colour and beauty, bore testimony of his consan- guinity to the Chiviot family. He ceased speaking, and in respectful silence awaited the answer of Macdonald. Dear young gentleman, replied Mac- donald, (whose heart really felt warmed by the extraordinary beauty of Malcolm), I have a matter of great importance both to your father and yourself to communicate : I pray you, therefore, to entreat his per- mission for an interview ; believe me, what I have to declare to him, will be of great benefit to you both ; I will rest here, wihilst you deliver this message, and len- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 187 treat you, to use your interest, and endea- vour to prevail on your father to see me, and to give a patient hearing to what I have to say. 1 shall acquaint my father with your request, sir, returned Malcolm, and am persuaded he will exert himself to oblige you ; so saying, he left Macdonald, to deliver his message to his father. 18S WALGOLAi BOUGLAS, CHAP. XIL -<.- Lost in deep reflection on the form and manners of the prepossessing youth who had just left him, and the probable conse- quences which migl^ result to himself from the discovery of such a valuable jewel, Macdonald did not observe that some length of time had elapsed since the departure of Malcolm with his message; however, he was roused from his reverie by his re-appearance ; when, apologizing for his long absence, he said it was owing MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 189 to his father's wish to sit up to receive him, and that his weakness rendered this a laborious task. Tears of tender apprehension started into his bright eyes as he made this declaration ; but quickly passing his hand over them, to conceal them from Macdo- nald, he led the way, and soon conducted him into the small, ill-furnished bed- chamber, in which sat the now only rela- tive of the great marquis of Chiviot, sinking under illness, which required the ablest care and assistance, without any other attendant than his beloved son, and the ancient female before mentioned, except what was offered by the kindness and friendly attention of the few scattered neighbours, w^ho indeed, to the best of their abilities, vied with each other which should do most for the respected invalid and his idolized son, whose beauty, whose affection to his father, and whose affable 190 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. and obliging^ behaviour, won the hearts of all who knew him. Immediately on his introduction, Mac- donald informed Mr. Douglas of the purport of his visit. I am, said he, stew- ard to the marquis of Chiviot, who is one of the best noblemen in the world, and who has done me the great honor to com- mission me to make enquiries after his most distant relations, with the intention to render them any service his ample means permit, or their circumstances may re- quire ; and this, sir, is the cause of my present visit to you. In my lord's name, 1 am authorised to do any thing which you may think will contribute to your comfort ; and I am .convinced, nothing would give the marquis of Chiviot greater pleasure, than to have this young gentle- man committed to his care, that his edu- cation might be cultivated with the same attention as that of his only son — lord Melrose. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 191 I feel highly obliged to the marquis, replied the languid Douglas, for his friendship and kindness ; but it has been too long delayed ; I mean not on my own account, for to me it is now of little moment, but in respect to the former parts of my family, who are now extinct, myself and this dear child being the only survivors : and I cannot help expressing my surprise, that the family have been suffered to remain here for such a number of years, from generation to generation, in obscurity and poverty, without one friend ever enquiring the fate of those so nearly connected with them. Of this the present marquis is entirely guiltless, returned Macdonald, with great quickness, and I should conceive some blame attached to your ancestors for never letting their situation be known. I entreat your pardon for this liberty of speech, but this much I must say in defence of my lord^s conduct, and the 192 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. rest of his family ; and even now, bad it not been for the means which I have taken, he would have still remained in ignorance of having such a relation as yourself. But to do away with all retro- spection of past neglects, and to convince you beyond a doubt of my lord^s kind and honorable intentions, behold here his signet as a proof of friendship and good faith, and as his request that you will resign your son to his care ; he will hold him next in affection to his only son, and in every respect do the duty of a father to him : refuse not, then, to commit him to my lord's protection, and to my care. Macdonald, in this speech, rather ex- ceeded his commission ; for he well knew the marquis dreaded to hear of, or to see, a person whom he had such reason to suppose would supplant his adored child ; however, Macdonald's ardent desire to get this lad into his hands was so vehe- ment, be conceived he was acting right MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 193 to do whatever had a tendency to com- plete his schemes. What ! said Malcolm, starting from bis seat, with great em< tion, as Macdonald concluded, whilst fire flashed from his indignant eyes ; does the lord who sent you, or you yourself, suppose, that for any earthly consideration, for any advan- tage to myself, I would leave my father ? leave hira in his illness, without one friend — without one consolation ? Oh no, no ; not for his title — not for his land — not to save my own life. The pale countenance of Archibald Douglas flushed for a moment with a glow of health, as he strained his beloved son to his heart, in speechless, ecstacy, whilst Macdonald, who could not behold the scene quite unmoved, said. You mis- take me, sir ; the marquis would be equally as anxious for the happiness of his cousin, your respected father, as for VOL. I. K 194 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. yours ; and would not wish, on any con« sideration, to separate you from him, without, at the same time, making every arrangement for his comfort, here, if he preferred it, or in any other situation he might express a wish to be removed to. It is your advantage alone which would be consulted in the proposition ; for you must feel, there are many requisites which your future prospects demand, which in this place cannot be acquired. I am too impetuous, said the blushing Malcolm ; but your goodness will, I trust, forgive me, sir. I am fully sensible of the obligations which I am under to the marquis for his liberal offer to me, and his good intentions to my father ; and likewise to you, for the kind wish you appear to have for my advantage : but for myself, I must again answer, that no inducement which the world could offer, would tempt me from my dear father at this time. When his health is restored. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 195 which T trust in heaven it will soon be, I shall then be guided by his opinion ; but even his request at this moment, added to yours, (could he be so cruel as* to desire me to leave him, and accompany you) would be disregarded ; I could not comply with it ; and that is the only thing in this world which 1 would deny to my father's wishes. Dearest Malcolm ! replied the delighted father, your affection and duty to me is too rare a cordial to my heart to relin- quish for the short time allotted for me to enjoy it, and never, never will I resign it. Bear back then, sir, to your lord, our united grateful acknowledgments for his kind intentions toward us ; but at this time there is not any thing which he can do to serve us, or to render us more happy. I cannot return, said Macdonald, ad- dressing himself to Douglas, without K 2 196 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. your solemn promise, that should you recover your health, you will, as soon as your strength will permit, visit Chiviot castle, for the marquis to have the happi- ness of seeing and acknowledging )ou as his relation and friend, and consult- ing with yoH on a future establishment more consistent than this solitary abode. And for you, sir, he added, taking the hand of Malcolm, let me earnestly be- seech you to attend to what I aiii about to say : if it should be the will of heaven to deprive you of your valuable parent, recollect you have one in the marquis ; should he fail, I will be a father to you — I will protect you — I will support you ; and do not delay one moment (should such a calamity attend 3'ou) to dispatch a messenger to the marquis. Inculcate this injunction, my dear sir, continued he, turning to Douglas, on the mind of your son, for well you must know the necessity of its being attended to. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 19? Macdonald, finding his mission thus funded, and that the inflexible affection of IVJalcohn was not to be allured by any hope of personal advantage to forsake his father, or the hereditary haughtiness of Douglas to be induced to accept of any pecuniary assistance, he was compelled to quit them in a manner very different to his first expectations. He, therefore, took a most respectful leave of them, as their virtues could not fail of inspiring sentiments of respect and admiration, even in hearts where no amiable quality inhabited. And the next day, much dis- appointed at the little success he had had with the Douglasses, Macdonald com- menced his journey back, alone, to com- municate to the marquis the particulars of his negociation. K 3 198 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. CHAP. Xlll. As soon as Macdonald had quitted the house of Douglas, the hinguid inhabitant of it, whom this visit and its consequences had greatly agitated and afiected, called his beloved Malcolm to his bed-side, and taking his hand with the most affectionate emotion, said, the time is now arrived, my most dear child, when you ought to be made acquainted with the history of your family, for 1 feel assured that by you, its honours will be transmitted to posterity ; and well, my dear Malcolm, do you de- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 19^ serve this reward for all your goodness of heart; your virtues will ennol>le the highest rank, and your conduct will ever merit your own, and the world's approbation. — ^ What 1 have to say of our family adven- tures, will be compressed into a very small compass ; as, for many years no circum- stance has taken place amongst them out of the common course of occurrences, or what happens to the generality of people ; I only excepted. I alone, of alt my posterity, have suf- fered affliction's keenest arrows. I have experienced sorrows never to be overcome, and am now sinking into an early grave, far more the victiia of mental distresses than of bodily infirmity. The astonished Malcolm, at this unex- pected discourse, fixed his expressive eyes on his father's face, fearful that the late visit from Ajacdonaid, and the circum- stances attending it, had deranged his fa- ^00 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. culties ; but he observed no change of countenance indicative of such a misfor- tune ; the same resigned composure was manifest, heightened only by a stronger expression of melancholy than he had ever before witnessed in it. He therefore was eagerly going to en- quire the import of words so alarming, when his father, interrupting him, conti- nued thus: I see your surprize and impatience, my dear Malcolm, and, as I before promised, will acquaint you with all which has hap- pened necessary for you to be acquainted with, since our first settling in this coun- try. The attentive Maicoini drawing his seat still closer, to prev^ent, as much as possible, the exertions of his father, fear- ful it should exhaust his debilitated frame, sat in silent expectation of what was to follow : but a dreadful apprehension mixed with his curiosity from the affecting pre- MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 1201 face his father had given, this sentiment was further encreased as his father pro- ceeded in these words : I have often wished to lay before you the particular grief which has for so many years preyed upon my heart, and what must so deeply affect the tender feelings of your own, but it now admits of no longer delay ; — w^e must soon part, my Malcolm, for ever ! — I daily feel the con- viction stronger ; we part, my beloved son, but I trust we shall be reunited again where pain and sorrow never approach ; but, e'er I go, I am doomed to leave you the fatal legacy a knowledge of my suffer- ings must be to you, ^nd the share of my afflictions which you must inherit. The first of our race who settfed in this remote spot, was lord Archibald Douglas, whose story, and whose particular reasons for so doing, as you have heard recited by lord Chiviot's steward, there is no neces- 202 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. sity again to repeat ; but you are not yet informed that this nobleman, whose spirit was inflexible and austeTe, conceiving that the treatment which he had received ought never to be forgiven ; or, perhaps, greatly disappointed that tii?^ search and enquiry after him, which he had expected to take place, was not set on foot ; and that all his family were so easily reconciled to his loss ; swore, in the full resentment of his heart, in the most solemn and binding man- ner, that neither himself, or any of his de- scendants (if he could prevent it) should ever, directly or indirectly acknowledge a connection with the Chiviot family, ex- cept they first condescended to solicit a reunion : and any of those of his imme- diate posterity who deviated from his wishes, or the oath which it was his desire to impose upon all, he prayed, might be heir to all the calamities attendant on broken faith, and a violation of the most sacred request. MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 203 From father to son, ever since, has this been transmitted, as the living and dying charge of our great ancestor, lord Archibald ; and most religiously has it been performed, which fully accounts for the great obscu- rity we have continued in, and the little knowledge our family had of us : but the interdiction is now done away ; the mo- ment of emancipation is arrived ; you, my son, are sought out by the proud head of our house ; and you, dearest Malcolm, (mark and remember my prophecy, when I shall be no more), you shall become the head of it yourself ; a strange presentiment assures my mind, that in you, the honors of our ancient race shall centre. And when that time shall come, then well re- member my last, my most earnest advice to you — let not, my dear Malcolm, do not permit prosperity to harden your feelings, or obscure those tender sentiments which now mantle in your heart. Reflect that you yourself were brought up in obscurity^ (though not in neglect, for the small abi- i204 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. lity which I possessed to instruct you, has been fufiy exerted) ; and from that most probably fortunate circumstance, you have obtained a knowledge and judgment which few great people ever can arrive -at ; — you have been an eye witness of ail the hard- ships and sufferings the indigent daily sus- tain, and the good humour, the fortitude, and patience, with which it is in general supported. Do not, therefore, let a change of fortune ever induce you to forget a knowledge so very necessary to your own happiness, as well as to others, which that will ever con- vey, if properly considered, as I hope you, my dear child, ever will do, and through life endeavour cto lighten the burden as fre- quently as you can, that you find your fel- low-creature doomed to bear; and in your own heart, you will find the rich reward of your benevolence; for the reflection on your silent couch, that you have wiped the tear from the eye of affliction, provided for the MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 205 , fatherless, and smoothed the pillow of death, are genuine pleasures, are consola- tions to the roind, are jewels to adorn the fame, for which no price is too high. Exhausted by this exertion, and the energy with which he inculcated the pre» cepts which he knew his son would so readily imbibe, from the impulse of his own humanity, he paused for a few mi-^ nutes, and then continued : I feel, my dear Malcolm, that I must decline entering on the particulars of my disastrous story till to-morrow, when I hope I shall be recovered from the fatigue which I now feel, and be more composed to relate it. The dutiful Malcolm therefore restrained his ardent desire to hear it at this moment, and waited with the utmost anxiety for the next day, when he hoped nothing would happen to prevent the promised re- 206 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. cital, though he dreaded some melancholy catastrophe, 3'et, of what nature he had no idea. The next day, in due course arrived, and Douglas fuiding himself equal to the effort, did not wait for his son to make a request for his story, but of himself began as follows : You have already been informed, Mal- colm, of the uniform life which, for some ages, your ancestors have lived, and may easily judge how little variety could take place in the way they have all been situ- ated ever since the days of lord Archibald ; and, most certain, it was his prohibitiort which alone could have restrained the many enterprizing spirits which^ since that time, have borne his name, of which num- ber 1 am one, who, with difficulty, have submitted to the cruelly imposed restric- tions ; and I devoutly thank heaven, that you, my beloved Malcolm, are no longer MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 207 subject to such unnecessary and ridiculous ties : but whatever my own private opi- nion of them, you, likewise, must have been bound by them, had they not been broken by the marquis of Cluviot^s volun- tary invitation to you : that being now all passed, I shall make no further comment on it, but proceed to the distressing par» ticulars of my own life. I was then in myyouth, extremely active, full of fire, and gave promise of not so tranquilly submitting to the very restraine^j, rules which had been so long and so regu- larly observed, as the rest had done ; and when I became acquainted with the rank of my family, could still worse brook the confinement of talent and person, which had been so invariably pursued, and often was in amaze to think how it had possibly been endured. I longed for the exercise of arms. My whole thoughts were filled with military achievements. My whole time devoted to the few books which came ^08 ^MALCOLM DOtTGLAS. in my way, which mostly treated of arms, or ehivahic adventures. These studies adding fuel to my romantic disposition, rendered my situation more irksome, and, I believe, likewise inspired in my mind an additional degree of courage and intrepi- dity ; which, if it ever had been called into action, might have been serviceable. One day, according to my usual custom,. I took my horse, and directing him amongst the mountains, with which you know this country abounds, I let the bridle fall on his neck, and at his leisure he pursued what track he chose, all being equally in- different to me, who, lost in deep con- templations on my useless and inactive life, cared but little which way he carried me. For sDme time we had thus pro- ceeded, when I was suddenly roused from a romantic dream of ideal heroism, by the loud screams of a female ; I instantly put my horse forward at his utmost speed, to- wards the place from whence the sound MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 209 proceeded, and soon discovered tliree ruf- fians, who were forcibly endeavouring to place a lady on horseback, whilst another temaje near her appeared nearly suffocated, from a handkerchief being tightly fixed over her mouth. Warm and romantic as I then was, an incident like this, you may be assured, inspired me with sufficient ar- dour to attempt the rescue of the distressed ladies ; but observing how well armed the men were, and myself entirely defenceless, I instantly conceived that I must depend more on stratagem, than on strength ; and before they had time for a moment's re- flection (after they saw me) applying a little bugle horn which I always carried about me to my lips, I blew it with great ve- hemence, and when I had finished the blast, I loudly exclaimed, haste my friends, haste ! — and let us take vengeance on this cowcirdly banditti ! — again I loudly blew the horn, and rode forward, and strange as it may appear to you, the action and the words had the desired effect. The con- 210 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. science-Struck villains doubted not that a hunting party were near, to whom the}^ would be unequal, (for they could not sup- pose one single unarmed man would have dared to have acted so), fled precipitately, and left their victims. But I who fully knew my weakness, and how impossible it would be, should they discover it, to protect the wretched ladies ; lost no time in conversation, in questions, or remarks, but releasing the bound female with all expedition, I placed them both on my horse, and led him as fast as I could back to my father's, who then inhabited this house, and whom you, my dear Malcolm, well remember. Safely arrived here, without the smallest interruption from the ravishers, I had time for observation and enquiry ; and soon found, that the young lady was the daughter of sir James Hamilton, our near neighbour and particular friend, though I had never before seen her, in MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 211 consequence of her having nearly all her I ife"^ resided with an aunt in Dublin ; who having lately died, and left her a genteel patrimony, she had, but a few days pre- vious to this time, returned to her father's housed—the other female was her at- tendant, I found the lady was not unacquainted with the person who had committed so daring an outrage — his name was O'Hara : he had visited at her aunt's, and had fol- lowed her against her positive orders to the contrary, to make proposals to her father on her account ; for, imagining her fortune very great, as sole heiress to her aunt and sir James Hamilton, it had so far influenced him, as to render him totally so callous to the lady's unequivocal and decided dislike, as still to persevere in addressing himself to her father. But being of an abandoned character, a pro- fessed gambler, and a man of ruined for- tune, the answer which he would receive 212 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. from sir James Hamilton may easily be conceived ; and which was still more pointed, from his being the young lady's^ utter aversion. Yet, unabashed by these reiterated re- fusals, he had, with his associates, laid wait for her, as she and her maid, without apprehension of danger, were taking a walk, at but a trifling distance from sir James's house, with an intention to force her to some priest he had hired and pre- pared for the occasion, to perform the marriage ceremony as soon as he arrived with her, in defiance of every opposition in her powder to make ; by which means he would have been enabled to claim her fortune ; with which, most probably, he would have absconded. Shocked beyond expression by hearing of such depravity, I lisrened to the fair speaker, and thought I had never beheld such loveliness, or heard such eloquence ; MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 213 niv eves ^vere rivelted on her : and tliougli the httle history of her dangerous adventures was concluded, I still conti- nued to gaze on her, till the crimson blush, which mantled over her face and neck, first inlbrmed me of the improjiriety of ihy conduct, and 1 instantly witiidrew, in a state of confusion nearly equal to hers. But I will not prolong this part of my story, my dear Malcohii, further than to say, that from this hour my heart was devoted to the lovely Lliza ; and as all successiul love adventures are nearly the same, and furnish but little amusement in the recital, shall only add, that as my sincere affection to her was tenderly re- turned on her part, and as her parents and my father highly approved our mu- tual passion, in a very short time I had the happiness of calling this most amiable woman my wife ; and in one year after- wards, you, my most dear Malcolm, in^- 214 MALCOLM DOUGI?AS, creased our felicity (if that were possible) by your birth. Malcolm raised the hand of his father to his lips, in grateful acknowledgment of the kind and pleasing observation ; but he found the hand which he pressed so affec- tionately trembled with emotion, whilst he thus proceeded : At the period of time which I have been describing, and which to reflect on fills my heart even now with the keenest an- guish, I thought myself the most favored and most happy of heaven^s creatures; but before one short year more elapsed, my wretched doom was fixed, and 1 became the most miserable. A deep sigh, and long pause followed this sentence ; which, though it pierced the heart of Malcolm, he did not speak one word, but sat attentively watching his father's varying countenance, and MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 215 dreading the sequel of a story which so greatly affected him. ' It was in the second year of my mar- riage, continued Douglas, (collecting all his fortitude to proceed) that a gentleman came to pay a visit to my wife's father, Sir James Hamilton ; he was a Bohe- mian nobleman, called the count Osburgh. Many years previous to this time they had been acquainted, though, I believe, but slightly ; but, however that was, so long a time had intervened since they had met, and so great was the aheration it had made in his person, (for when he was first introduced to sir James he w^as but a youth travelling for his improve- ment), that it was with some difficulty sir James recognized him when first an- nounced. However, when recollection took place, he welcomed him with all that hospitality and kindness natural to the general manners of the country, and more particularly to his generous heart. 216 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. He felt higly gratified and pleased by the count's remembrance of him so many years, and more so, when he found he had travelled from a distant part of the kingdom, where he had come from Ger- many, on particular business,, to the north, for the sole pleasure of seeing him, and renewing the friendship which had, on their first acquaintance, subsisted be- tween them, and now so many years in- terrupted. Out of respect and affection to sir James Hamilton, my Eliza and myself received the count Osburgh as a friend ; and, as a nobleman of high rank, shewed him every distinction in our power ; these incidental attentions were entirely owing to the advantages which I mention, for, independent of them, certainly the count possessed no personal merits to claim the least degree of regard ; for there was a haughty reserve about him, which ren- dered bis manners extremely repulsive, MALCOLM DOUGLAS. 217 aiid prevented that genuine cordiality which must ever be the attendant of es? teem and friendship. He was in statue much above the common size ; his coun- tenance, though handsome, was dark, severe, and penetrating ; he had a forbid- ing downcast glance, seldom raising his eyes to the face of the person whom he addressed ; and from his not speaking the language fluently, his conversation was embarrassed and unengaging ; yet, not- withstanding, he was a man of great good sense and learning, had seen much of the world, and was of a very noble family. Unbending as were the manners of the count, and apparently unlikely to esti- mate the value of female excellence, for, on the contrary, he seemed to have a very contemptable notion of their abilities and capacities, it cannot be supposed he was at all calculated to charm delicate and sensible females ; and, indeed, it appeared VOL. I. L 218 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. SO far from bis wish or intention, that h«- paid no respect to them beyond the bounds of what civility demanded. A man so disposed, and of such man- ners and person, was by no means likely to create the least degree of alarm or jealousy, wherever he might be intro- duced ; for to have admired him, would most surely have acquired a strange de- pravity of taste : and so very trifling was the degree of regard which he had in- spired in the breast of my Eliza and her mother, that they both spoke to me with great satisfaction of the count Osburgh's visit terminating in two days more ; and added, how happy it would make them when this disagreeable and consequential man was gone. Though I was entirely of their opinion, I slightly reproved the manner they spoke of a man so highly esteemed by sir James, and one who had mucb merit, MALCOIM DOUGLAS. ^^% if not of pleasing exterior or m^anners, now v/e were on the point of parting, never to meet again. They both laughed at my serious reproof, and said they were well convinced I liked the count no more than they did, and would be equally glad when he was gone. On the evening of the day in which this conversation took place, it was agreed that we should take a ride the next morn- ing to show the count a part of the country which he had not yet seen, but expressed a desire to visit before he left the place he now was in, as hearing it was deserving observation. Your mother, who was an excellent housewoman, was to be of the party, with sir James and lady Hamilton, two other gentlemen, and myself. We passed this evening with a greater degree of conviviality than any one since the count Osburgh had been our guest ; h 2 #220 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. contrary to his usual mode, he was gaj, cheerful, and politely attentive ; and my beloved Eliza remarked, when we retired, that she thought the count improved on acquaintance ; and that she w^as perfectly astonished at his unaccustomed polite- ness, in expressing a wish for her mother and herself to he of the party the next day, having never before, during his visit, made a request of the like nature, there- fore, she never should have imagined he would have made a proposition so oblig- ing. I acknowledged the justice of her observation, again moralized on the cau- tion necessary to be attended to in our description of characters, and added, how utterly impossible it was to form a just and true judgment of any person on a slight acquaintance, the very little in- tercourse which I had had with society having been sufficient to inculcate that lesson. And at this moment I piqued myself on my nice discernment, and admired my own temperate prudence, MALCOLM DOUGLAS. ^H which had not been entirely influenc- ed by my wife's opinion, to think ill of tiie count, for 1 liad frequently fouiKl the most unpleasant deportment con- cealed a valuable heart ; and I doubted not that was the case with the count, who, evidently, possessed many advan- tagesj both from nature and education. As we had promised to meet at an early hour, at the house of my wife's father's, we accordingly went, where we found every thing in perfect readiness for our little excursion. The ladies mounted, and as I was extremely anxious about them, particularly my Eliza, whose situa- tion required attention, and whom I en- deavoured to accommodate in the most comfortable manner I could ; this little delay caused me to be the last to mounts and just as I was about to spring into my saddle, a worthy old man, whom I had known from my infancy, approached with a letter in his hand ; joy and eagerness 222 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. were in his looks, which appeared to be considerably checked when he observed * me just going to set out. I had hoped, sir, said he, to have been time enough to have got you to read this letter ; it is from my dear son, who is in England, and whom I have not heard of for many a year. How unfortunate I am, he continued, whilst his eyes filled with tears ; you will be gone all day, and nobody else can read it to me : a person has just brought it to me so unexpectedly it quite overpowered me with joy, but now — well, I must wait with patience. I saw the poor old man's disappoint- ment strongly painted in his face ; it affected me deeply ; I could not bear to keep him so long in suspense ; I said to the party, who had obligingly waited the result of our conference, ride on, I will soon overtake you, I cannot deny my old friend the trifling boon which he asks. JVIALCOLM DOUGLAS. 223 Let US wait for you, they all said with one voice ; by no means, returned I ; go on, 1 insist upon it, and in a very few* minutes I will join you. 1 then returned into the house, where the old man fol- lowed me, with blessings on my kindness and feeling for him. Alas ! no blessings follovi'ed his prayers; that fatal compliance was my ruin ; and from that dreadfully remembered hour have 1 been completely miserable. I opened the letter, and found it very long, and written in the most perplexed and difficult band to decipher I had ever before met with. I several times deter- mined to give it up ; but finding how greatly the poor old man was interested in the contents, which appeared to me extremely prolix and vagvie, 1 still con^ tinned to proceed in it for some time longer ; and was near approaching the conclusion, to my very great joy, when I 224 MALCOLM DOUGLAS. ^ found a sudden faintness come over me, which, for some moments, totally de- prived me of sense and motion ; this was quickly succeeded by a violent sickness of the stomach, which increased so ra- pidly, as to cause great alarm to myself, the old man, and the few people I had about me. Deadly ill, and fainting as I was, to keep my appointment was not in nature ; instead, therefore, of mounting my horse, in quest of my companions, I was conveyed, almost lifeless, to my bed, where I continued so ill, as scarcely to be able to think v^hat would be conjectured from my absence. END OF VOL. I. Knetett, Arliss^and Bak-ery PrinterSj 87, Bartholomeio Close. '« k c