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Corporal Cameron

Chapter 2 THE GLEN OF THE CUP OF GOLD

Word Count: 2320    |    Released on: 06/12/2017

eep among the hills,-a glen that when filled with sunlight on a summer day lies like a cup of gold; the gold all

sapphire, according to the sky above that smiles into its depths. On dark days the lo

ns where the soil lies waiting for the seed. Beyond the sunny fields the muirs of brown heather and bracken climb abruptly up to the dark-massed firs, and they to

g clustering near, could be seen. About the old Manor House the lawn and garden told of neglect and decay, but at the farmhouse order reigned. The trim little garden plot, the trim lawn, the trim

neck; the kerchief that had fallen from her sunny, tangled hair was of simple lawn, spotless and fresh; among her fowls she stood, a country lass in habit and occupation, but in face and form, in look and poise, a lady every inch of her. Dainty and daunty, sweet and strong, she stood, "the bonny like o' her bonny mither," as said the South Country nurse, Nannie, who had always lived at the Glen Cuagh House from the time that that mother was a baby; "but no' sae fine like," the nurse would add with a sigh. For she remembered ever the gent

h in the routine of the House and in the care of the farm, the more peacefully flowed the current of their life. It seriously annoyed the Captain at intervals when he came upon his daughter directing operations in barnyard or byre. That her directing meant anything more than a girlish meddling in matters that were his entire concern and about which he had already given or was about to give orders, the Captain never dreamed. That things about the House were somehow prospering in late years he set down to his own skill and management and his own knowledge of scientific farming; a knowledge which, moreover, he delighted to display at the annual dinners of the Society for the Improvement of Agriculture in the Glen, of which he was honourary secretary; a knowledge which he aired in lengthy articles in local agricultural and other perio

testified. As to the worth of his correspondence his daughter, too, held the highest opinion, estimating her father, as do all dutiful daughters, at his own valuation. For the Captain held himself in high esteem; not simply for his breeding, which was of the Camerons of Erracht; nor for his manners, which were of the most courtly, if occasionally marred by fretfulness; nor for his dress, which was that of a Highland gentleman, perfect in detail and immaculate, but for his many and public services rendered to the people, the county, and

her domestic and farm activities from disturbing incursions. This spring morning Moira's apprehensions awakened by an extremely light mail,

have I spoke to you about this-this-unseemly-ah

all know me, and they behave so much better when I feed them myself. Do they not

, whose particular duty was to hold a reserve supply of food for

ature! Look out, Papa, he does not like your kilts!" The bubbly-jock, drumming and scraping and sidling

kicking vainly at the wrathful bird, and at the

ff! He's just jealous of your fine appearance, Papa." With her kerchief she flipped into submission

s mess! Besides, I wish to speak to you on a matter of importance." They passed through the ga

unny cheek grew white. "About Allan!" she sai

I must away to Edinburgh this very day, so you'll need to hast

ng with Allan." Her voice was quiet, but with a certain insistence

, I have just sa

" Again the girl'

matter you cannot understand. But it must be serious if Mr.

ood in the hall with her father's bag ready packed. "Oh, I am glad," she said, as sh

child!" cried the

or the police,'" she quoted, scornfully, handing her father the letter. "'A matter for the police' indeed! My but that Mr. Rae i

an and a very able lawy

him so for me." She was trembling and white with a wrath her father h

my brother Allan clean through to the heart. He is wild at times, and might rage perhaps and

ith in her brother and scorn of his traducer. "My child, my child," he said, huskily, "how like you a

while her voice broke in a sob, "you know Alla

I hope not," he replied,

ed wildly, "say

u. Thank God, I do believe

ers who might seek to do him harm. At the House door she stood watching her father drive down through the ragged firs to the highroad, and long after he had passed out of sight she still stood gaz

ed. "Mother, Mother! You

hanged. But half an hour ago and the Cuagh Oir was lying glorious with its f

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