Once I remember I rode to Carnwath, and looked again on the bleak house where the girl Elspeth had sung to me in the rain.

I found it locked and deserted, and heard from a countrywoman that the folk had gone.

"And a guid riddance," said the woman.

"The Blairs was aye a cauld and oppressive race, and they were black Prelatists forbye.

But I whiles miss yon hellicat lassie.