He was Alice Lambskin's beau and mine through a long Highland tour." "But when am I to possess these anecdotes?
you answer me as Harley did poor Prior-- 'Let that be done which Mat doth say-- Yea, quoth the Earl, but not to-day.'" "Well, MON BEAU COUSIN, if you begin to remind me of my cruelty, I must remind you it has struck nine on the Abbey clock, and it is time you were going home to Little Croftangry.

For my promise to assist your antiquarian researches, be assured I will one day keep it to the utmost extent.

It shall not be a Highlandman's promise, as your old citizen calls it." I by this time suspected the purpose of my friend's procrastination; and it saddened my heart to reflect that I was not to get the information which I desired, excepting in the shape of a legacy.

I found accordingly, in the packet transmitted to me after the excellent lady's death, several anecdotes respecting the Highlands, from which I have selected that which follows, chiefly on account of its possessing great power over the feelings of my critical housekeeper, Janet M'Evoy, who wept most bitterly when I read it to her.
It is, however, but a very simple tale, and may have no interest for persons beyond Janet's rank of life or understanding.
***** THE HIGHLAND WIDOW.