The sneck was drawn, and the Countess your mother entered my dwelling.

I thought I had seen a spectre, for even in the height of my favour, this was an honour she had never done me, and she looked as pale and ghastly as if she had risen from the grave.

She sat down, and wrung the draps from her hair and cloak,--for the night was drizzling, and her walk had been through the plantations, that were a' loaded with dew.

I only mention these things that you may understand how weel that night lives in my memory,--and weel it may.

I was surprised to see her, but I durstna speak first, mair than if I had seen a phantom-- Na, I durst not, my lord, I that hae seen mony sights of terror, and never shook at them.