"This is indeed a reverse! O what joy!" she exclaimed; "and yet 'tis strange," she added, striking her cane with great energy on the clay floor; "very strange withal, that no macer, usher, herald, or deputation of Council hath come to me with intimation hereof. This is marvellous discourtesy in the Earl of Perth, to a dame of honour, who hath had the privilege of the tabouret before the Queens of France and Britain. Young man, were you specially commissioned to tell me this happy intelligence?"
"Not exactly," said Walter, colouring in turn; "but it is so pleasant to be the herald of joy, that I am glad another has not anticipated me. Indeed, as the reversal of your sentence was publicly proclaimed at the cross this forenoon, by the Albany Herald and Unicorn pursuivant, with tabard and trumpet, I am astonished you have not heard of it. But honest Hab's reluctance to admit me--"
"O teach me to be thankful," exclaimed Lady Grisel, raising her bright grey eyes and clasped hands to Heaven; "to be grateful for this great and singular mercy! Then all our persecution is over?"
Another burst of acclamation from Hab shook the cottage, and he kissed Meinie again in the excess of his exultation.
"O nurse Elsie, my dream is read," said Lady Grisel. "Last night I thought I saw Sir Archibald's favourite horse--ye mind his auld trooper, spotless Snawdrift. A white steed, ye know, Elsie, betokens intelligence; and his being spurgalled shewed it would be speedy. His saddle was girth uppermost--"
"Whilk boded luck, and never mair may it leave the house o' Bruntisfield, thanks to the battling Lord!" said Elsie, piously.
"I am unused to receive boons," said the stately dame; "but would be glad to know to what or to whom the house of Napier is indebted for this signal favour of fortune."
"To my generous Lord and Colonel, the princely Dunbarton, whom God long preserve! Here are the pardon and reversed decree of forfeiture; I received them from his countess, who desired me to bear them to you with her best regards."
"O, Mr. Fenton!" exclaimed Lady Grisel, whose artificial pride now quite gave way before the natural warmth and gratitude of her heart. And her broad silver barnacles became dim with tears as she received the documents which bore the well-flourished signature, "Perth, Cancellarius," and the seal of Council. "God knows, good youth," she continued, pressing Walter's hand in her's, "that if I repined much at the sad occurrences of the last few weeks, it was for the sake of this fair child alone. Alake! at her age to be thrown into poverty and obscurity were to die a living death--but now--" Lilian, in a transport of tears and joy, threw her arms around her aged relative and kissed her.