Margaret
Murdockson's returned letter, and the other memoranda which he had kept
concerning the affair.
    Whatever might be Sir George Staunton's feelings in ripping up this
miserable history, and listening to the tragical fate of the unhappy girl whom
he had ruined, he had so much of his ancient wilfulness of disposition left, as
to shut his eyes on everything, save the prospect which seemed to open itself of
recovering his son. It was true, it would be difficult to produce him, without
telling much more of the history of his birth, and the misfortunes of his
parents, than it was prudent to make known. But let him once be found, and,
being found, let him but prove worthy of his father's protection, and many ways
might be fallen upon to avoid such risk. Sir George Staunton was at liberty to
adopt him as his heir, if he pleased, without communicating the secret of his
birth; or an Act of Parliament might be obtained, declaring him legitimate, and
allowing him the name and arms of his father. He was indeed already a legitimate
child according to the law of Scotland, by the subsequent marriage of his
parents. Wilful in everything, Sir George's sole desire now was to see this son,
even should his recovery bring with it a new series of misfortunes, as dreadful
as those which followed on his being lost.
    But where was the youth who might eventually be called to the honours and
estates of this ancient family? On what heath was he wandering, and shrouded by
what mean disguise? Did he gain his precarious bread by some petty trade, by
menial toil, by violence, or by theft? These were questions on which Sir
George's anxious investigations could obtain no light. Many remembered that
Annaple Bailzou wandered through the country as a beggar and fortune-teller, or
spae-wife - some remembered that she had been seen with an infant in 1737 or
1738, but for more than ten years she had not travelled that district; and that
she had been heard to say she was going to a distant part of Scotland, of which
country she was a native. To Scotland, therefore, came Sir George Staunton,
having parted with his lady at Glasgow; and his arrival at Edinburgh happening
to coincide with the sitting of the General Assembly of the Kirk, his
acquaintance with the nobleman who held the office of Lord High Commissioner
forced him more into public than suited either his views or inclinations.
    At the public table of this nobleman, Sir George Staunton was placed next to
a clergyman of respectable appearance