The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1870-11-18
Mistellalleous.
THE MILLER'S MAID.

The parish of New Abbey, in Kir-
cudbright, derives its name from a Cis,
tercian Abbey founded in the begin
ming OF the 18th century by Devorgilda,
Devorgilla, or Donorguilla (for the
name is very variously spelled), daugh-
| ter of Allen, Lord of Galloway; wife
to Lord BaliOl, Lord of Castle Bernard,
and mother to John Baliol, King of
Scotland. 3. . .y 9l8.-.- I'd ...s..
The abbey was at first called the 40.
| beg Of ,S'ceethedrt, from the heart of the
husband of the fair founder having
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 afterwards al
tered to that of "New Abbey" ,.a. .
The remains of the abbey exhibit the
relics of a beautiful lofty building of
the light Gothic style of architecture.
Its church is one hundred and ninety
four feet long, one hundred and two
feet broad at the cross, and sixty-six at
the ends, with tower upwards ofnine.
ty feet high. .-..l -- ..- a-a ....
This structure stands in the middle
of a fine level field of about twenty
acres, called the Precinct, enclosed by
stone wall eight or ten feet high, built
of granite stone of great size. Some of
them, even near the top of the wall,
seem to be no less than ton weight.
There used to be, if there is not at
the present day, 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 presence
of mind in female, or as a special in
terposition of Providence, is equally
remarkable and worthy of attention:
1t was on Sunday morning, "ages
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 the resi-
dence-was left in charge of servant
girl named Jennie, stout. hearted lass,
who had long lived in that capacity.
An infant child, of an age unfit for
church, was left in her charge likewise.
The girl was busily employed in pre-
pairing the dinner, when who should
enter but an old sweetheart of hers,
named Rerrick Lochdee. Rerrick was
an idle, graceless fellow, whom the
miller had forbade the house; but
whom Jennie 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 he despatched 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 the neck, and gripping
her throat firmly with his fingers to
prevent her screaming the while, drew
n dagger from under his coat.
snow, lass,' he said, swearing as he
spoke, "where is your masters money?
! will have that or your life, 80 take
your choice"
She implored him hot to make such
horrible resolution but "Master's
money or your life, lass,' was all he
would say.
"Well, well, Rerrick," said she, re-
what 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 grip of
my neck 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 1t must be done quickly, for the
hnuoahnlh will oann ha haolr