k it very ill at first; he said some
very cruel things to her; and, indeed, it was only after seeing how
I took the lassie's side, and approved of all she had done, that he
yielded and gave way. But he isn't what he used to be, Tony. Old age,
they say, makes people sometimes sterner and harder. A grievous thing
to think of, that we 'd be more worldly just when the world was slipping
away beneath us; and so what do you think he does? The same day
that Dolly writes that letter to M'Gruder, he makes her write to Dr.
M'Candlish to say that she 'd take a situation as a governess with
a family going to India which the doctor mentioned was open to any
well-qualified young person like herself. 'Ye canna say that your "heart
will be broke wi' treachery" here, lassie,' said her father, jeering at
what she said in her tears about the marriage."

"You oughtn't to suffer this, mother; you ought to offer Dolly a home
here with yourself."

"It was what I was thinking of. Tony; but I did n't like to take any
step in it till I saw you and spoke to you."

"Do it, by all means,--do it to-morrow."

"Not to-morrow, Tony, nor even the next day; for Dolly and the doctor
left this to pass a few days with the M'Candlishes at Articlave, and
they 'll not be back before Saturday; but I am so glad that you like the
plan,--so glad that it came from yourself too."

"It's the first bit of pleasure our new wealth has given us, mother; may
it be a good augury!"

"That's a heathenish word, Tony, and most unsuited to be used in
thankfulness for God's blessings."

Tony took the rebuke in good part, and, to change the topic, laughingly
asked if she thought Garibaldians never were hungry, for she had said
nothing of supper since he came.

"Jeanie has been in three times to tell you it was ready, and the last
time she said she 'd come no more; but come, and we'll see what there's
for us."

CHAPTER LXII. SKEFF DAMER'S LAST "PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL"

After some four or five days passed almost like a dream--for while he
stood in the midst of old familiar objects, all Tony's thoughts as to
the future were new and strange--there came a long letter from Skeff
Darner, announcing his approaching marriage with Bella,--the "dear old
woman of Tilney" having behaved "beautifully." "Short as the time has
been since you left this, my brave Tony, great events have occurred. The
King has lost his throne, and Skeff Darner has gained an estate. I would
have s