Macleod of Dare

was about to enter without any great circumspection, when he was suddenly met by a white phantom, which threw him off his legs, and

and made joyfully after him. But Oscar knew that he had acted wrongly, and was ashamed to show himself; so he quietly slunk along at his master's heels. The consequence of this was that the few loiterers about beheld the very unusual

ssed the Pavement, and entered the passage. The

ng a step forward, for the man had got hold o

r dog, sir

self free and taking refuge by his mast

ing aside to let the Empress Maria Theresa pass by in her resplendent costu

behind him, "if Mr. -- will let me, I will

od tu

bby-faced boy in the kilts, who had his pipe

id the young musician. "

ig!" Macleod said. "He will foll

ed on the forms along the walls. The children, who were half asleep at this time of the night, woke up with sudden interest at sight of the beautiful collie; and at the same moment Little Piper explained to the gentleman who was in charge of these young o

ater, sir, if he wants it,

expects for a kindness. And I hope you will learn the Gaelic soon, my boy. And do you know 'Cumhadh na Cloinne?' No, it is

lean can play it,"

is

ed that John Maclean was the eldest of the juveni

own in a little time to make the acquaintanc

rs. Macleod became his fellow-spectator of what was going forward. A beautiful Tyrolienne, in a dress of black, silver, and velvet, with her yellow hair hanging in two plaits down her back, passed into the room, accompanied by Charles the First in a large wig and cloak; and the next moment they were whirling along in the walt

n. "I think it mean. I sha'n't come in a fancy dr

e throng to look about him. And soon he perceived, in one of the little stands at the side of the hall, the noble lady who h

ng to the charity; they are all below, and they are sitting doing nothing, an

ust be marched round: they show that we are

pretty compliment here: for this lady was charming

amusement, if you will only keep the director of them, that is, Mr. -

you mea

nce. Why should you have

onsible. What shall

nsidered f

to the Crystal Palace for a day, if it is permissable; and

ious

the grounds, and six pipers to play for the

ove whom he knew. He was not fond of dancing, though he knew the elabo

Lady -- to say that she would like to see you for a moment or tw

at any moment," sai

such a hurry as

airs; and the moment he was

the reel, you will keep to this end. Boys, come out. You that can dance a reel, come to this end; the others will soon pick it up. Now, piper boys, have you got th

e six pipers, all standing in a row, with the drones o

boys and girls, are all ready? P

ly shy and embarrassed, began to make such imitations of the reel figure, which they had seen often enough, as led to a vast amount of scrambling and jollity, if it was not particularl

cleod cried out, "Well played, boys!

grew more furious than ever-when suddenly there was an awful silence. The pipers whipped the chanters from their mouths; the children, suddenly stopping in their merriment, cast one awe

" said his Royal Hi

d bowe

we could have had a peep unobserved, or we shoul

hness could make amends

an inquiri

f the children has an orange, and a tart, and a shilling, it

ce, as he turned to leave. "And I am glad t

a dancing-master,"

Highlanders; and very smart indeed the boy-officer looked in his uniform. Mrs. Ross was here too and she was busy in assisting to get up the Highland quadrille. When she asked Macleod if he would join in it, he answered by asking her to be his partner,

ressed crowd formed a lane to let the homely-clad lads and lasses pass

ast of the child

art, and an orang

, s

aid to himself, as he went out of the room; "a

his neck across his breast: other ornament there was none. His companion, however, drew all eyes toward her as the two passed into the ball-room. She was dressed in imitation of Gainsborough's portrait of the Duchess of Devonshire; and her symmetrical figure and well-poised head admirably suited the long trained costume of blue satin, with its fichu of white muslin, the bold coquettish hat and feathers, and the powdered puffs and curls that desc

there was some further speech; the band began to play a gentle and melodious waltz; the middle of the room cleared somewhat; and presently her Grace of Devonshire was whirled away by the young Highland officer, her broad-brimmed hat rather overshadowing him, notwithstanding the pronounced colors of his plaid. Macleod could not help following this couple wi

h Macleod

held out his hand. The folds of the velvet hanging down from the cap rather shadowed his face; but

ite?" s

leman said, with a smile. "It is a foolish notio

a bewildered way to that gay c

Miss White

ecognize her? I am afraid she will be ve

us smile! He could have believed this old man to be mad. Or was he only the father of a witch, of an illusive

ognize her. I thought the lady who c

voice in creating the illusion at which she aims. I do not know whether actresses, as a rule, are careless about it, or only clumsy; but they rarely succeed in making their appearance homogen

d not," said M

comes. Loo

its new excitement of color, its parted lips and lambent eyes, was throwing its fascination upo

e fact of her having danced with young Ogilvie? Or the ugly reference made by her father to her eyebrows? He had greatly admired

ote herself to her father and him, refusing invitations to dance, and chatting to them-with those brillian

nd Mr. Ogilvie is!" said sh

not a

r," she continued. "I don't think I sh

, somewhat

is blood, he will fight when the proper time comes. And we have a good Gaelic saying-it has a great d

or second her eyes met his; but she immediately with

bard until it is drawn,'" said he, careless