, 1859-07-22

been considerable risk in Hamilton venturing
into lnverary and especially this particular Ham
iton, had he been known; but Kenelm trusted
that the darkness Of the night would prevent
his being seen by any but the landlord Of the
inn where he meant to sleep, to whom he was
personally unknown, and who would not be like
ly to suspect that solitary hpTseman, unattended
by single retainer, could bear so proud name.
In this suppOsition he was proved to have
judged rightly. Kenelm rode unmolested and
unObserved through the little town, the streets Of
which were, in fact almost deserted; as the
tempestuous weather had driven all the inhabi.
tants into their houses, and he saw, to his great
satisfaction, that even the door Of the inn was
shut-a sufficient proof that no guests were ex-
pected at the "Argyle Arms" that night. The
landlord, q Campbell, Of course, and as sturdy q
Scot as one could wish to see, himself came to
the door to welcome the stranger, and after send
ing his tired horse to the stable, he ushered him
into the huge stone kitchen, briefly remarking
that he must be content with such cheer as the
family provisions could afford, for that he little
expected any visitor on o night so "uncanny."
Hamilton assured him he was not disposed to
be iastidious, and having thrown of his dripping
mantle, and disencumbered himself Of his heavy
riding boots, he sat down on the oaken settle op-
poste the huge fireplace, while Campbell went out
to see that the horse was attended to.
Left to himself Kenelm began to look around
him, and he was much struck with the scene
which presented itself within the room. The
huge fireplace, which was filed with wood, sent
q bright and ruddy glow over the whole room,
and lighted up with brilliant glare the figure
Of young woman, who sat at one corner Of the
ample hearth, and who was the only occupant Of
the apartment besides himself There was some
thing very peculiar in the appearance Of this girl,
which rivetcd Hamilton's gaze in spite Of himself
She sat perfectly motionless, excepting for the
rapid movement Of her fingers, which she was
employing in knitting; her plaid, thrown back
from her head left her pale face exposed to view,
which was marked BY singularly frigid, and yet
by no means vacant expression. This was
caused in part, no doubt, BY the fixed stare Of
her large light blue eyes, which never moved In
their sockets, nor Frightened with . sparkle Of
life; it was evident that she was stone blind,
while there lurked certain lines around the thin
compressed lips which seemed to indicate that
she had all the acuteness, amounting almost to
cunning, which often characterizes persons thus
afflicted. n1
The cOuntenance was far from beautiful-
scarcely even pleasing-yet it impressed Hamil-
ton with sense Of power such as We oflen feel
aud yet cannot define In the presence Of persons
unknown 10 us. She gave no sign Of being con-
scious Of his presence, but he felt she was aware
watch her, sitting there in her strong impassive-
ness, an indetinable feeling Of shrinking and dread
took possession Of him, for which he could not
account He had been thinking Of his rivals
bloody death, and II struck him that the implac-
able ''maiden" who had taken Argyle's young life
might have been fitly represented BY this weird
damsel, who sat there so like blind, memorable
fate, weaving . web Of inevitable doom.
The gallant knights Of those times, who feared
neither death nor danger, were greatly prone to
superstition, and Hamilton, hot bloodsd and i'm
petuous as he was, proved no exception to the
rule. He was, therefore, heartily glad when the
innkeeper returned and broke the Ominous ST.
le &C which had 50 oppressed him.
"Here, Espeth," said Campbell, addressing
the figure in the broad Scotch Of those days,
which We viii not attempt TO reproduce; "here's
agentleman cold and hungry; come and see what
you can find for bis supper"
Hamilton listened anxiously for the sound Of
her voice feeling as II L would be relief to hear
her speak but she never opened her lips. She
rose up, however, at once, and began 10 move
about in strange, mechanical manner, her blind
ness becoming more apparent as she guided her
self by the touch, while the staring, CLASSY eyes
seemed 10 him absolutely ghastly, as she passed
near him. She placed some oatmeal cakes and
dried fish on the table, along with jug Of whis-
Ky, and then returned to her place by the fire,
where she sat immovable as before.
ais that your daughterf" said Hamilton to the
innkeeper, as be invited him to draw near and
eat
"My only child, and blind from her birth"
was the reply, uttered almost with sternness, as
IL the subject were painful. "Elspeth's not like
other folks, and you had better take no heed Of
her."
Hamilton took the hint and said no more,
while he applied himself to the rude fare set be-
fore him with keen set appetite. Nor did be
spare the whisky, which was wonderfully cheer
ing after his wet ride; and when he had finished
his repast he felt, as be said, like new man A.
together. Filling his glass again, be invited
Campbell to join him, and the two began to con
verse together on the events Of the day. Ken
elm sat with bis back to the blind girl, and as she
never moved or spoke, be soon forgot her pre-
sence altogether, and had well-nigh forgotten,
also, the necessity Of eonccallng his name and
lineage from those retAiners Of his foes, when he
was startled into sudden remembrance Of his
position. Abiding to some political event, he
mentioned that he had been at Holyrood the day
before.
aye come from Edinbro', then" said the inn
keeper, kindling with q sudden Herceness; and,
clenching his fist he struck It on the table with
q violent blow, exclaiming: courses on the
bloody city !-the city Of murderers land may
the fire Of heaven come down upon Il and con-
sumo III"
"Amenl" said deep, stern voice, almost at
Kenelm's ear; and ho started Involuntary as he
saw that 1t had come from the blind woman's
lips. Something too, in the sudden passion Of
the Campbell had stirred the angry blood within
himself; and, whilst g. involuntary instinct told
him what train Of thou 1t had thus fired the re-
taner Of Argyle, he had .uch ado to hide his own
antagonistc feeling
"You speak sharply, Master Campbell" he
10 you in truth"
"Ay," said the Highlander, his brow growing
red with suppressed rage; but why should