the northern English are one tribe. But I
was going to say, when you were so rude as to interrupt me, English and
Scots, young gentleman."

Angus growled out, "Beg your pardon."

"Take it," said Mr Cameron, pleasantly. "Now for the question. On
what good qualities do we plume ourselves? Well, I think, on
steadiness, independence, loyalty, truthfulness, firmness, honesty, and
love of fair play. How far we are justified in doing so, perhaps other
nations are the better judges. They, I believe, generally regard us as
a proud and surly race--qualities on which there is no occasion to plume
ourselves."

"Much loyalty we have got to glory in!" said Angus.

"We have always tried," replied Mr Cameron, "to run loyalty and liberty
together; and when the two pull smoothly, undoubtedly the national
chaise gets along the best. Unhappily, when harnessed to the same
chariot, one of those steeds is very apt to kick over the traces. But
we will not venture on such delicate ground, seeing that our political
colours differ; nor is this the time to do it, for here is the inn where
we are to dine."

When we drove up to the manse on Wednesday, the floor stood open, and in
the doorway was Helen Raeburn, who had evidently seen our chaise, and
was waiting for us. Flora was out the first, and she and Helen flew
into one another's arms, and hugged and kissed each other as if they
could never leave off. I was surprised to find Helen so old. I thought
Elspie's niece would have been between thirty and forty; and she looks
more like sixty. Then Flora flew into the house to find her father, and
Helen turned to me.

"You're vara welcome, young leddy," said she, "and the Lord make ye a
blessin' amang us. Will ye come ben the now? Miss Flora, she's aff to
find the minister, bless her bonnie face!--but if ye'll please to come
awa' wi' me, I'll show ye the way.--Maister Angus, my laddie, welcome
hame!--are ye grown too grand to kiss your auld nursie, my callant?"

Angus gave her a kiss, but not at all like Flora; rather as if he had it
to do, and wanted to get it over.

"Well, Helen!" said Mr Cameron, as he came down from the chaise, "and
how goes the world with you, my woman?"

"I wish ye a gude evening, Mr Alexander," said she. "The warld gaes
vara weel wi' me, thanks to ye for speirin'. No that the warld's onie
better, but the Lord turns all to gude for His ain. The minister's in
his study, and he'll be blithe to see ye. No