The exhilaration of their exploits seemed to haunt the memories of their descendants alone, and the shame to be forgotten.
Pride glowed in their bosoms to publish their relationship to "Andrew Ellwald of the Laverockstanes, called 'Unchancy Dand,' who was justifeed wi' seeven mair of the same name at Jeddart in the days of King James the Sax." In all this tissue of crime and misfortune, the Elliotts of Cauldstaneslap had one boast which must appear legitimate: the males were gallows-birds, born outlaws, petty thieves, and deadly brawlers; but, according to the same tradition, the females were all chaste and faithful.

The power of ancestry on the character is not limited to the inheritance of cells.

If I buy ancestors by the gross from the benevolence of Lyon King of Arms, my grandson (if he is Scottish) will feel a quickening emulation of their deeds.

The men of the Elliotts were proud, lawless, violent as of right, cherishing and prolonging a tradition.

In like manner with the women.