The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-12-14
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Castle stands perched like an eagles nest on
the frowning hight which crowns one Of the
loveliest and widest glens in the Argyle
SHIRE 1t was built about the end of the
thirteenth century. From its position and
massive construction it must originally
have been place of considerable strength.
such buildings were common in Scotland
In the turbulent days when the Highland
clans lived III state Of perpetual feud, and
the Will OF the strongest bore sway over
their less powerful nelghbors. The greater
part OF the edifice had long since fallen into
decay. What remained was, however, in
excellent repair. and although not satisfying
modern ideas of comfort it sufiiced for the
simple state which Lady Falconridge kept
and the limited number of visitors that she
was ever known to entertain.
As they reached the crest of the Hill Win
fired could not refrain from clapping her
hands with delight, whilst she held her
breath with Gstonshment at the wonderful
panorama OF mountain and locn, with the
sea not far away, dotted with islands, and
the distant horizon closed in with the hills
Of Skye. She had never gazed OF a scene
IN which the sublime and the beautiful
were so happily blended.
But, quickly recovering herself, she adj
vanced TO meet Lady Falconridge, who
stood on the cps of the Castle smiling and
nodding her welcome. The tall, stately
lady took Winifred in her arms and kissed
her affectionately, and whilst Mr.. Maclean
followed his horse to the stables as it was
led away by the groom, Winifrei was con-
Quoted by the chatelaine of the Castle to
the rooms set apart for her use and made
free Of Glen-Oroch with a stately yet kind
ly courtesy that brought the tears to her
eyes
"Oh, thank you so much, Lady Falcon
ridge she cried. Your goodness really
overpoweTs me. l do not know what to
say"
Then don't say anything, Miss West"
said Lady Falconridge, laughing. But
stay, we hal better come to an understand
ing at once" she added. miss West is too
formal and cold. If you will allow me,
shalt call you by your christian name.
Winifred, is it notP
And so matters were settled on a footing
of perfect intimacy, and Winifred found
"a Highland welcome" of Glen-Orloch Cas-
tie.
The dinner hour at Glen-Orlocn was late,
and as luncheon was served Immediately on
Winifred's arrival there was ample time for
a survey of the Castle and grounds, which,
though not of large extent, were beautifully
kept. An awkward climb to the roof of
the high tower. accomplished amidst many
peals Of merry laughter, was reserved to the
last.
Here magnificent view OF mountain and
loch, glen and sparkling cascades, rushing
streams and the broad Atlantic lay
stretched out at tnelr feet. Some fresh
scene Of grandeur met their view with
every turn OF the body. On one side, far
away, could he seen the entire length of
Loeb Awe, with the ruined Castle of
Kilchurn rising sheer out Of the water, Civ
ing che observer the impression of some vast
object floating on the CLASSY bosom Of the
lake. Great mountains rolled far away on
every side Of them except one, where q
break gave distant view Of the sea beyond
Oban. The impression of beauty and
majesty which Winifred received filed her
with thoughts too deep for tears" and she
trembled with the emotions that surged
through her, as she placed her hand i'll
Claude's. that he might steady her footing
on the windy hight
After dinner, Lady FalconrIdge and her
guests adjourned to the room that seryed
tGe purpose of drawing room, though it
was as unlike a modern drawing room,
with its miscellaneous gim-crackery, as pos
sible
The room was large end lofty, lighted by
one immense Oriel window, looking west,
and wainscotted from basement to ceiling
with solid OAK whose cornices and shafts
! we're richly carved with figures of native
birds animals and fruits. The ceiling also
was of paneled oak, and black with age. A
huge, open fireplace. with old fashioned
dogs, occupied one end Of the room, AID on
the hearth log fire was brightly burning.
The room was illuminated with wax candles
set in massive silver sconces. A large Per-
sian hearth-rug and three or four skins of
the red deer pleasantly varied the polished
black floor. There were no pictures Oh the
walls, which stood in little need of such or
rameatatiol.
Over the fireplace hung the head of a
large stag with ten tynes-a splendid Royal
thanked on all sides by some Of the most
curious specimens of the early gunsmith' g
art. On the side of the room opposite the
window stood an immense oak cabinet,
heavily embossed with choice carving, ON
which was displayed an array Of rare and
costly silver, that caught the reflection of
the wax lights and lent an appearance of
brightness as well as of splendor to the
otherwise sombre effect Of the room. A
third wall was covered with an assortment
of Scotch weapons used in war and artistic
ally arranged; finely polished dirks and
hunting knives, with quantity carved han
dies; boar speIrs and salmon spears, and
claymores of every variety Of workman
shin. many of them with handles richly
dight'' with precious stones. There were
swords. too, from Damacus, centuries old,
with richly chased blades; curiously fash
Toned hunting belts and purses, and cumber-
some looking pistols of antique workman
ship. that seemed more likely to prove
dangerous to the aggreSsor than the as
sailed.
The effect produced on Winifred's mind
as she surveyed the room with mingled ad-
mirarion and pleasure was as If the tide Of
be centuries had been rolled back suddenly,
and the old DAYS of medl9yalism had re-
turned. 1t fired her imagination, and for the
moment she could only with difficulty real
ize that she was living in the nineteenth
century. There was nothing modern III the
room except themselves and a handsome
grand piano.
Whilst the ladies sat chatting, Claude
Maclean, who had joined them early. stood
at table examining the contents Of large
portfolio, and 70 ward him Winitred could
not help, ever and again, turning an anxious
glance. BY and by she noticed that the
pleased look OF interest with which he be-
gan his task was exchanged for one OF grave
seriousness. She watched him turn toe
draw ings over, submitting them 10 a crit-
cal inspection, With growing concern, and
her cheeks became pale with anxiety. She
began 20 think Sue had been weak and fool
ish 20 indulge him ia bis wish that she
should bring her portfolio With her 10 Glen
OrlOch.
Presently be broke a long silence, which
was beginning 20 grow oppressive.
Miss VEST be said, grageiy, with a
strange light IN his clear, penetrating eyes,
a. 49, 80 sstsf an