but the elopement of
Effie, which took place on the third night after her liberation, rendered his
residence at St. Leonard's so detestable to him, that he closed at once with the
proposal which had been made him, and entered with pleasure into the idea of
surprising Jeanie, as had been proposed by the Duke, to render the change of
residence more striking to her. The Duke had apprised Archibald of these
circumstances, with orders to act according to the instructions he should
receive from Edinburgh, and by which accordingly he was directed to bring Jeanie
to Roseneath.
    The father and daughter communicated these matters to each other, now
stopping, now walking slowly towards the Lodge, which showed itself among the
trees, at about half-a-mile's distance from the little bay in which they had
landed.
    As they approached the house, David Deans informed his daughter, with
somewhat like a grim smile, which was the utmost advance he ever made towards a
mirthful expression of visage, that »there was baith a worshipful gentleman, and
ane reverend gentleman, residing therein. The worshipful gentleman was his
honour the Laird of Knocktarlitie, who was bailie of the lordship under the Duke
of Argyle, ane Highland gentleman, tarr'd wi' the same stick,« David doubted,
»as mony of them, namely, a hasty and choleric temper, and a neglect of the
higher things that belong to salvation, and also a gripping unto the things of
this world, without muckle distinction of property; but, however, ane gude
hospitable gentleman, with whom it would be a part of wisdom to live on a gude
understanding (for Hielandmen were hasty, ower hasty). As for the reverend
person of whom he had spoken, he was candidate by favour of the Duke of Argyle
(for David would not for the universe have called him presentee) for the kirk of
the parish in which their farm was situated, and he was likely to be highly
acceptable unto the Christian souls of the parish, who were hungering for
spiritual manna, having been fed but upon sour Hieland sowens by Mr. Duncan
MacDonought, the last minister, who began the morning duly, Sunday and Saturday,
with a mutchkin of usquebaugh. But I need say the less about the present lad,«
said David, again grimly grimacing, »as I think ye may hae seen him afore; and
here he is come to meet us.«
    She had indeed seen him before, for it was no other than Reuben Butler
himself.
 

                              Chapter Forty-Second

 No more shalt thou behold thy sister'