Ellangowan Castle was by far the most extensive and important of these ruins, and asserted from size and situation the superiority which its founders were said once to have possessed among the chiefs and nobles of the district.

In other places the shore was of a more gentle description, indented with small bays, where the land sloped smoothly down, or sent into the sea promontories covered with wood.
A scene so different from what last night's journey had presaged produced a proportional effect upon Mannering.

Beneath his eye lay the modern house--an awkward mansion, indeed, in point of architecture, but well situated, and with a warm, pleasant exposure.

'How happily,' thought our hero, 'would life glide on in such a retirement! On the one hand, the striking remnants of ancient grandeur, with the secret consciousness of family pride which they inspire; on the other, enough of modern elegance and comfort to satisfy every moderate wish.

Here then, and with thee, Sophia!' We shall not pursue a lover's day-dream any farther.