"I will not trust to a messenger, nor will I send a letter, because, if I could write one, I think he could not read it.

He will suffer anxiety in the mean while, but I will ride to Perth tomorrow by times and acquaint him with your designs." The time of separation now approached.

It was a bitter moment, but the manly character of the old burgher, and the devout resignation of Catharine to the will of Providence made it lighter than might have been expected.

The good knight hurried the departure of the burgess, but in the kindest manner; and even went so far as to offer him some gold pieces in loan, which might, where specie was so scarce, be considered as the ne plus ultra of regard.

The glover, however, assured him he was amply provided, and departed on his journey in a northwesterly direction.