My bonnet--my bonnet, mother; I must be instant in my departure." These expressions made it plain that poor Hamish was unconscious that two nights and a day had passed since he had drained the fatal quaigh, and Elspat had now to venture on what she felt as the almost perilous, as well as painful, task of explaining her machinations.
"Forgive me, my son," she said, approaching Hamish, and taking him by the hand with an air of deferential awe, which perhaps she had not always used to his father, even when in his moody fits.
"Forgive you, mother!--for what ?" said Hamish, laughing; "for giving me a dram that was too strong, and which my head still feels this morning, or for hiding my bonnet to keep me an instant longer?
Nay, do YOU forgive ME.

Give me the bonnet, and let that be done which now must be done.

Give me my bonnet, or I go without it; surely I am not to be delayed by so trifling a want as that--I, who have gone for years with only a strap of deer's hide to tie back my hair.

Trifle not, but give it me, or I must go bareheaded, since to stay is impossible." "My son," said Elspat, keeping fast hold of his hand, "what is done cannot be recalled.

Could you borrow the wings of yonder eagle, you would arrive at the Dun too late for what you purpose--too soon for what awaits you there.