Hannibal journal. (Hannibal, Mo.) 1853-1853, 1853-03-21
SuuS sslsttsS StOrp.
MAY ANDERsoNs MARRIAGE.
on, rnE LEGEND OF ELmFoRD.
Ito be Continued, 3D.,

l.' on, THE LEGEND OF ELmFoRD. .
Previous to the union Of Scotland and Ireland
into one kingdom, the border inhabitants living
on the Scottish side Of the Tweed were scarcely
better than bands Of robbers. Even the landed
proprietors could be looked upon only as rob-
ber-ohiefs. In those days half a dozen stout
lads could maintain lordly establishment by
stealing cattle from the English farmers. The
union Of the two kingdoms put a sudden stop'to
these robberies, and many Of the Scottish lairds
who lived by plumber were completely ruined,
and many Of them compelled TO leave the coun-
try to save their necks from the gallowS. A
mong the latter was William Musgrave, the
proprietor of Ashford Manor. Ashford had
belonged to the Musgrayes for centuries. But
riot and dissipation had so thinned them out, that
the present laird was the only surviving male Of
the once illustriOus house. To save criminal
prosecution for his oattle-stealng propensities,
Musgraye fed to France. His estates were
instantly seized by creditors, and Ashford pass
ed into the hands OF new proprietors. Years
passed away, and fourth owner Of these es-
tates Ga rich Scotch weaver named Anderson,
had resolved to retire from business and take
up his abode at Ashford. .. '
! Meantime William Musgrave had gained
sort offooting in France, and was even receiv-
ed at Court. He was remarkably handsome
man and now, after years Of exile, he was al
lowed to return to his native BOrder--even
looser in moral principle, and more dangerous to
society from polished manners, and the power
Of masking a vicious disposition under q most
prepossessing appearance and address.
William Musgrave did obtain from the debris
OF his dlsmembered estate small sum Of money,
just sufficient to enable him to re-appear on the
Borders as gentleman: and ore sweet summer
evening, while May Anderson was engaged in
her fiower-garden, and her father was smoking
before the hall-door, ''his custom j the after
noon," visitor waa announced, and Musgraye
was ushered to the presence Of the new possess
or Of Ashford. To both, this unexpected meet
ing was embarrassing, but both determined to
overcome it. Anderson by kindness, Musgrave
by hauteur. 10" .'.' ....'. - b. '. r..
you are welcome to this house. said the re-
tired tradesman courteously. .Nh' b" "
There was time / should have been So was
the reply. .h't,''"
This is my daughter, Sir.'.tr .'."HasN
MusgraYe, with the ease he had acquired Of
st. German, and which the familiarity Of the
times permitted, advanced and kissed the blush.
ing girl. Poor Mayl That oeremoniOus salute
proved the opening of a fatal attachment.
Most Hospitality, andwith every Difference %
his feelings, Anderson entertained the ruined
laird. He was man Of shrewd character and
sound understanding, and far too wise 10 act the
Pdrpe'Iu proprietor at q time when property still
fingered with the aristocracy. In point Of fact.
the most OF the Border families were desperate.
embarrassed, if not altogether ruined; but still
they nominally possessed estates from which
their creditors, now that the order Of thiups had
changed and right no longer was synonymous
with might, were enabled to obtain the greater
proportion Of the income. Still the broken pen.
tlemen looked down upon wealth obtained bv
honorable industry with contempt; and the least
assumption of equality, or an attempt 70 place
riches against red blood as set.Of, would have
elected as strong an outburst from Borderer,
as honest Baltic Nicut JJarvie evoked from h;'
kinsman, the Highland cateran, when in return
Tor Offering handsomely to take his son annren-
lice without fee, Rob Roy CONSIGNED the wor.
thy magistrate, with his looms, trsldles and all
to warmer locality even than the West Indies
Mr.: Anderson with great tact avoided ali an.
Pearance Of display and pretenoe---lSept on the
nolselesS tenor OF his way--ohered no ofenoe
to his fiery heighbors-and in return. escana5
those sights and insults to which others smitor4
1 ly oircumstanced as himself, but without II.
prudence were continually exposed. hiI mo
\ MusgrRve's ierraAd, OF pretended .sr...s 81
Ashford' WAS to make inquiries after t,S0 ~
three family pbttraits, which he understood Ma
Ibeen accidentally discovered ID a eatret. & Mr.
Anderson told bin, hatAis infsruSiioR was COR,
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