the public
indeed, but it was not against her.
    Neither did it seem to her that his share in the death of Porteous, though
her mind revolted at the idea of using violence to any one, was in the relation
of a common murder, against the perpetrator of which every one is called to aid
the public magistrate. That violent action was blended with many circumstances,
which, in the eyes of those in Jeanie's rank of life, if they did not altogether
deprive it of the character of guilt, softened, at least, its most atrocious
features. The anxiety of the government to obtain conviction of some of the
offenders, had but served to increase the public feeling which connected the
action, though violent and irregular, with the idea of ancient national
independence. The rigorous measures adopted or proposed against the city of
Edinburgh, the ancient metropolis of Scotland - the extremely unpopular and
injudicious measure of compelling the Scottish clergy, contrary to their
principles and sense of duty, to promulgate from the pulpit the reward offered
for the discovery of the perpetrators of this slaughter, had produced on the
public mind the opposite consequences from what were intended; and Jeanie felt
conscious, that whoever should lodge information concerning that event, and for
whatsoever purpose it might be done, it would be considered as an act of treason
against the independence of Scotland. With the fanaticism of the Scottish
Presbyterians, there was always mingled a glow of national feeling, and Jeanie
trembled at the idea of her name being handed down to posterity with that of the
»fause Monteath,« and one or two others, who, having deserted and betrayed the
cause of their country, are damned to perpetual remembrance and execration among
its peasantry. Yet, to part with Effie's life once more, when a word spoken
might save it, pressed severely on the mind of her affectionate sister.
    »The Lord support and direct me!« said Jeanie, »for it seems to be His will
to try me with difficulties far beyond my ain strength.«
    While this thought passed through Jeanie's mind, her guard, tired of
silence, began to show some inclination to be communicative. He seemed a
sensible, steady peasant, but not having more delicacy or prudence than is
common to those in his situation, he, of course, chose the Willingham family as
the subject of his conversation. From this man Jeanie learned some particulars
of which she had hitherto been ignorant, and which we will briefly recapitulate
for the information of the reader.
    The father of George Staunton had been bred a soldier, and during service