Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1870-09-15
THE MILLER'S MAID.

The parish of New Abbey in Kirk
cubbright derives its name from Cos
tercian Abbey found in the beginning
of the thirteenth century by Devorgil-
da, Devorgilia, or Donorguilla; (for her
is very variously spelled, J daugh-
ter of Allen, Lord of Galloway; wife to
Lord Baliol, Lord of Castle Barnard,
and mother of John Baliol, King of
Scotland.
The abbey was at first called the
Abbey of Sweetheart, from the heart
of:the husband of the fair founder hav-
ing been embalmed and placed in an
ivory box bound with silver, which
was built into the walls of the church
near the altar. But the name was af-
terward altered to that of "New Abb
bey."
The ruins of the abbey exhibit the
remains of beautiful lofty building of
the light Gothic style of architecture.
Its church is 1874 feet long, 102 feet
broad at the cross, and &c feet at the
ends, with tower upward of 80 feet
high.
This structure stands in the middle
of fine level field of about 80 acres,
called the Precinct, inclosed by stone
wall or 10 feet high, built of granite
stones of great size. Some of them,
even near the top of the wall, seem to
be no less than tun weight.
There used to be, if there is not at
the present day, a lonely mill close by
the little picturesque monastery of
Sweetheart's Abbey; and this lonely
mill is said to have been the scene of
the following story, which, whether it
be regarded as an instance of pres
ence Of mind in female, or as a special
interposition of Providence, is equally
remarkable and worthy of attention.
1t twas on Sunday, cages long ago."
that the miller of this mill and his
whole family went forth to hear the
holy mass, at the church attached to
Sweetheart's Abbey.
The mill, which was also his resi-
dence, was left in charge of a servant
girl named Jenny, stout-hearted lass,
who had long lived with him in that
capacity. An infant child, of an age
unfit for church, was left in her charge
likewise.
The girl was busily engaged in pre-
pairing the dinner, when who should
enter but an old sweetheart of hers
named Rerrick Lochdee. Rerrick was
an idle, graceful fellow, whom the
miller had forbade the house; but
whom Jenny only liked, perhaps the
better, because others gave him no
countenance. She was glad to see him,
and she told him SO, and gave him
something to eat, and gossiPped with
him as be dispatched the food she set
before him. AS he ate, however, he
let fall his knife.
"Pick up that, my lass," said he,
in joking way, to the good-natured
girl.
She stopped down, accordingly, to
pick up the knife.
AS she was in the act of rising, how
ever, the treacherous villain caught her
by the nape of her neck, and gripping
her throat firmly with his fingers to
prevent her screaming the while, drew
dagger from under his coat.
"Now, lass," swearing as he spoke,
F"where is your masters money? l
will have that or your life, so take your
choice
She implored him not to take such
horrible resolution, "Master's money
or your life, lass" was all he would
say.
"Well, well, Rerrick,' said she re-
signedly; rwhat is to be must be; but
if you take the money will even go
along with you. This will be no home
for me any more. But ease your gripe
of my neck a little; don't squeeze so
hard-I can't move-you hug me SO
tight. Besides, time presses, and if it
be done at all it must be done quickly,
for the household will shortly be back.