all I can say is, that when we
have taken our leave of the young folks, who are going to France, it is
Mrs. Pringle's intent, as well as mine, to turn our horses' heads
northward, and make our way with what speed we can, for our own quiet
home, among you. So no more at present from your friend and pastor,

Z. PRINGLE.

Mrs. Tod, the mother of Miss Isabella, a respectable widow lady, who had
quiescently joined the company, proposed that they should now drink
health, happiness, and all manner of prosperity, to the young couple; and
that nothing might be wanting to secure the favourable auspices of good
omens to the toast, she desired Miss Isabella to draw fresh bottles of
white and red. When all manner of felicity was duly wished in wine to
the captain and his lady, the party rose to seek their respective homes.
But a bustle at the street-door occasioned a pause. Mrs. Tod inquired
the matter; and three or four voices at once replied, that an express had
come from Garnock for Nanse Swaddle the midwife, Mrs. Craig being taken
with her pains. "Mr. Snodgrass," said Mrs. Glibbans, instantly and
emphatically, "ye maun let me go with you, and we can spiritualise on the
road; for I hae promis't Mrs. Craig to be wi' her at the crying, to see
the upshot--so I hope you will come awa."

It would be impossible in us to suppose, that Mr. Snodgrass had any
objections to spiritualise with Mrs. Glibbans on the road between Irvine
and Garnock; but, notwithstanding her urgency, he excused himself from
going with her; however, he recommended her to the special care and
protection of Mr. Micklewham, who was at that time on his legs to return
home. "Oh! Mr. Snodgrass," said the lady, looking slyly, as she
adjusted her cloak, at him and Miss Isabella, "there will be marrying and
giving in marriage till the day of judgment." And with these oracular
words she took her departure.

CHAPTER X--THE RETURN

On Friday, Miss Mally Glencairn received a brief note from Mrs. Pringle,
informing her, that she and the Doctor would reach the manse, "God
willing," in time for tea on Saturday; and begging her, therefore, to go
over from Irvine, and see that the house was in order for their
reception. This note was written from Glasgow, where they had arrived,
in their own carriage, from Carlisle on the preceding day, after
encountering, as Mrs. Pringle said, "more hardships and ex