But before he was a mile
farther he became aware that the sky had clouded over, the stars had
vanished, and rain was at hand. The day had been sultry, and relief
was come. Lightning flamed out, and darkness full of thunder
followed. The storm was drawing nearer, but his mare, though young
and high-spirited, was too weary to be frightened; the rain
refreshed both, and they made a little more speed. But it was dark
night, with now grumbling now raging storm, before they came where,
had it been light, Donal would have looked to see the castle.
CHAPTER LXXIII.
IN THE NIGHT.
When he reached the town, he rode into the yard of the Morven Arms,
and having found a sleepy ostler, gave up his mare: he would be
better without her at the castle!--whither he was setting out to
walk when the landlord appeared.
"We didna luik to see you, sir, at this time!" he said.
"Why not?" returned Donal.
"We thoucht ye was awa' for the simmer, seein' ye tuik the yoong
gentleman wi' ye, an' the yerl himsel' followt!"
"Where is he gone?" asked Donal.
"Oh! dinna ye ken, sir? hae na ye h'ard?"
"Not a word."
"That's verra strange, sir!--There's a clean clearance at the
castel. First gaed my lord Forgue, an' syne my lord himsel' an' my
lady, an' syne gaed the hoosekeeper--her mither was deein', they
said. I'm thinkin' there maun be a weddin' to the fore.
Pages:
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
559
560
561
562
563
564
565
566
567
568
569
570
571
572
573
574
575