Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-08-24
MISC ELL A n Y.
a Wicked WIFE.

Here is terrible story, from Burkes Family
Romance, showing show the SCOTS OF Ihlrlestane
came TO beupary." 1t is an Ainsworth's novel, in
half column ''Sir Roberts second wife was an
unprincipled woman, of vindictive temper, and
fierce passions; and by her he had several chill
dren. This woman had all the qualities cacula
tod IN make an oppressive and cruel step dame
and accordingly her jealousy was excited by the
fond affection which Sir Robert displayed towards
his eldes, son. She knew that his rich inherl-
tance would descend to him, while her own sons
would receive very slender provision; besides,
her husbands excessive attachment to his eldest
son rave her no hope Of his being persuaded to
alienate from him any portion OF the family prop
ertv. Her jealousy accordingly grew into dis
ease, and her mind was distracted with rage and
modification. These feelings were still further
aggravated. when Sir Robert built the Tower OF
Gamescleugh, and adorned that property with all
manner OF embellishments, as the future residence
Of his eldest son, who was now about to come OF
ape. and for whom he had arranged suitable and
advantageous matrimonial alliance with beautl-
ful young lady Of high birth. The step-mother
now lost all patience, and was firmly resolved TO
compass the destruction OF her hated sep-son.-
The masou-work ofthe new Castleof Gamescleugh
was completed on the young Lalrd's twentieth
birth day, which was held as high festival at
Thirlestane. The lady resolved that his hours
should be numbered and she accordingly prepar-
ed on the intended festival, to execute her horrd
purpose. She had already secured in her interest
the family piper, whose name was John Laly.-
'rhis man procured three adders. from which he
selected the parts replete with the most deadly
poisor. and having ground them TO fine powder,
LADY Thirlestane mixed them in L bottle OF Wine
Previous to the commencement of the feast at
Thirlestaue, the young Laird went over the Et-
trick River to Gamescieugh, TO inspect the I'm
ished work, and to regale the masons and other
work people, who had eXerted themselves to have
the castle walls completed by his birthday. lie
WAS attended by John Lally In the midst OF
entertainment OF the workmeu, the young Laird
called for wine to drink their healths and John
filed his silver cup from the poisoned bottle,
which the i'll fated youth hastily drank oh. The
piper Immediately lcft the castle, as 1t to return
houle. But he was never more seen. The most
djligent search failed in discovering him and 1t is
supposed that he escaped across the English oor-
der. Young Thirlestane was lnsantaneotisly ia
ken violently i'll, and such was the fofce OF the
poison that he swelled aud burst within an hour
The news was immediately carried to 1hrles-
tame, where a large party OF the klth and KIN OF
Scott had assembled to do honour to the festival.
But il NAV easily be conceived what woeiul
g,tbering il turned out to be- With one accord,
the quests felt and said that the young laird was
poisoued, but were unable to conceive who could
have done 50 foul deed to one SO universally be-
loved. The old baron Immediately caused a bu-
gle to be blown as signal to all the family 10
assemble in the castle court. He then inquired
Are we all here?' A voice from the crowd an
swered All but the piper. John Lally!' Ihls
sounded like knell in the ears OF Slr hooert:-
! He knew the confidence which his lady placed In
! this servant His eyes were at once open to the
| foul deed and the conviction that his most dear
and beloved son had been slam by the machna-
tuns Of his wife, shocked his feelings SO terribly
| that he was almost deprived OF reason. lie stood
very long in state Of utter supetacton, and tnen
| began to repeat the answer which he had IecelV-
ed. And this he continued to do for several days.
we are all here but John Lally, the piper'-
Sir Robert lived in lawless time, justice was not
rirhtly administered and it was difficult to punish
| the crimes of the powerful and noble. Moreover,
| Sir Robert could not be induced to seek TO make
public example Of his own wife. However, he a.
! dnpted singular and complete, though most un-
ust method of vengeance He said that the es-
tate belonged of RIGHT to his son, and that since he
! could not bestUw it upon him while living, he
would, at least spend it upon him whrn dead
Aud he moreover expressed great satisfaction at
the idea of depriving his lady and her offspring OF
that which she had played SO foul part to secure
to them. TIE BODY of the young Laird was ac-
cordinely embamcd with the most costly drugs
and spices, and lay in state at lhlrlestane Tor
I year and day during the whole OF which ume
Sir Robert kept open house, welcoming ana roy
ally feasting all who chose to come, And IN ms
way of reckless and wanton pfousion ne actually
spent or mortgaged his entire estate. Whlle the
whole country, high and low, were thus teasing
at ThirleStane. the lady was kept shut ZIP IN
vault OF the castle, fed upau bread and water
During the last three days Of this extraordinary
feast, the crowds were immense. 1t was as ltthe
whole OF the South of Scotland was assembled al
ThireStane. Butts Of the richest and rarest wines
were carried into the fields; their ends were
knocked out with hatchels, and the liquor was
carried about in stoups. The burn OF IhIlestane
literally ran red with wine. The vault where the
young Laird was inferred. in leaden coffin, Is
under the roof of the church Of Ettrlc6. which Is
distan! from Thirlestane upwards OF mile; anc
50 numerous was the funeral procession. that wheT
the leaders had reached the church, those IN the
rear had not nearly left the castle gates 81
Robert died soon after ;his. and left his family IL
utter eestiution. 1t is said that his wicked lady
died in absolute beggarY."
! er,- 1t is popular delusion to believe that al