God knows, my dear brother, I do not covet in your behalf the extensive power which the lords of these ruins are said to have possessed so long, and sometimes to have used so ill.

But, O that I might see you in possession of such relics of their fortune as should give you an honourable independence, and enable you to stretch your hand for the protection of the old and destitute dependents of our family, whom our poor father's death--' 'True, my dearest Lucy,' answered the young heir of Ellangowan; 'and I trust, with the assistance of Heaven, which has so far guided us, and with that of these good friends, whom their own generous hearts have interested in my behalf, such a consummation of my hard adventures is now not unlikely.

But as a soldier I must look with some interest upon that worm-eaten hold of ragged stone; and if this undermining scoundrel who is now in possession dare to displace a pebble of it--' He was here interrupted by Dinmont, who came hastily after them up the road, unseen till he was near the party: 'Captain, Captain! ye're wanted.
Ye're wanted by her ye ken o'.' And immediately Meg Merrilies, as if emerging out of the earth, ascended from the hollow way and stood before them.

'I sought ye at the house,' she said, 'and found but him (pointing to Dinmont).

But ye are right, and I was wrang; it is HERE we should meet, on this very spot, where my eyes last saw your father.