young woman - I mean of the situation of men in my
circumstances, that the public ascribe to them influence which they do not
possess; and that individuals are led to expect from them assistance which we
have no means of rendering. But candour and plain dealing is in the power of
every one, and I must not let you imagine you have resources in my influence,
which do not exist, to make your distress the heavier - I have no means of
averting your sister's fate - She must die.«
    »We must a' die, sir,« said Jeanie; »it is our common doom for our father's
transgression; but we shouldna hasten ilk other out o' the world, that's what
your honour kens better than me.«
    »My good young woman,« said the Duke, mildly, »we are all apt to blame the
law under which we immediately suffer; but you seem to have been well educated
in your line of life, and you must know that it is alike the law of God and man,
that the murderer shall surely die.«
    »But, sir, Effie - that is, my poor sister, sir - canna be proved to be a
murderer; and if she be not, and the law take her life notwithstanding, wha is
it that is the murderer then?«
    »I am no lawyer,« said the Duke; »and I own I think the statute a very
severe one.«
    »You are a law-maker, sir, with your leave; and, therefore, ye have power
over the law,« answered Jeanie.
    »Not in my individual capacity,« said the Duke; »though, as one of a large
body, I have a voice in the legislation. But that cannot serve you - nor have I
at present, I care not who knows it, so much personal influence with the
sovereign, as would entitle me to ask from him the most insignificant favour.
What could tempt you, young woman, to address yourself to me?«
    »It was yoursell, sir.«
    »Myself?« he replied - »I am sure you have never seen me before.«
    »No, sir; but a' the world kens that the Duke of Argyle is his country's
friend; and that ye fight for the right, and speak for the right, and that
there's nane like you in our present Israel, and so they that think themselves
wranged draw to refuge under your shadow; and if ye wunna stir to