nation, the residence of a long line of monarchs, by whom that
noble city was graced and dignified - shall such a city, for the fault of an
obscure and unknown body of rioters, be deprived of its honours and its
privileges - its gates and its guards? - and shall a native Scotsman tamely
behold the havoc? I glory, my Lords, in opposing such unjust rigour, and reckon
it my dearest pride and honour to stand up in defence of my native country while
thus laid open to undeserved shame, and unjust spoliation.«
    Other statesmen and orators, both Scottish and English, used the same
arguments, the bill was gradually stripped of its most oppressive and obnoxious
clauses, and at length ended in a fine upon the city of Edinburgh in favour of
Porteous's widow. So that, as somebody observed at the time, the whole of these
fierce debates ended in making the fortune of an old cook-maid, such having been
the good woman's original capacity.
    The court, however, did not forget the baffle they had received in this
affair, and the Duke of Argyle, who had contributed so much to it, was
thereafter considered as a person in disgrace. It is necessary to place these
circumstances under the reader's observation, both because they are connected
with the preceding and subsequent part of our narrative.
    The Duke was alone in his study, when one of his gentlemen acquainted him,
that a country-girl, from Scotland, was desirous of speaking with his Grace.
    »A country-girl, and from Scotland!« said the Duke; »what can have brought
the silly fool to London? - Some lover pressed and sent to sea, or some stock
sunk in the South-Sea funds, or some such hopeful concern, I suppose, and then
nobody to manage the matter but MacCallummore. - Well, this same popularity has
its inconveniences. - However, show our countrywoman up, Archibald - it is ill
manners to keep her in attendance.«
    A young woman of rather low stature, and whose countenance might be termed
very modest and pleasing in expression, though sun-burnt, somewhat freckled, and
not possessing regular features, was ushered into the splendid library. She wore
the tartan plaid of her country, adjusted so as partly to cover her head, and
partly to fall back over her shoulders. A quantity of fair hair, disposed with
great simplicity and neatness, appeared in front of her round and good-humoured
face, to which the solemnity of her errand, and her sense of the Duke'