and features of the man whom we had so unfortunately met; but she ran out into such a horrid description of a hedgeruffian, that I was deprived of all courage and disposition to own my attachment to one of such appearance as she attributed to him.  I must say Miss Bertram is strangely biassed by her prepossessions, for there are few handsomer men than poor Brown.  I had not seen him for a long time, and even in his strange and sudden apparition on this unhappy occasion, and under every disadvantage, his form seems to me, on reflection, improved in grace and his features in expressive dignity.  Shall we ever meet again?  Who can answer that question?  Write to me kindly, my dearest Matilda; but when did you otherwise?  Yet, again, write to me soon, and write to me kindly.  I am not in a situation to profit by advice or reproof, nor have I my usual spirits to parry them by raillery.  I feel the terrors of a child who has in heedless sport put in motion some powerful piece of machinery; and, while he beholds wheels revolving, chains clashing, cylinders rolling around him, is equally astonished at the tremendous powers which his weak agency has called into action, and terrified for the consequences which he is compelled to await, without the possibility of averting them.

’I must not omit to say that my father is very kind and affectionate.  The alarm which I have received forms a sufficient apology for my nervous complaints.  My hopes are, that Brown has made his escape into the sister kingdom of England, or perhaps to Ireland or the Isle of Man.  In either case he may await the issue of Hazlewood’s wound with safety and with patience, for the communication of these countries with Scotland, for the purpose of justice, is not (thank Heaven) of an intimate nature.  The consequences of his being apprehended would be terrible at this moment.  I endeavour to strengthen my mind by arguing against the possibility of such a calamity.  Alas! how soon have sorrows and fears, real as well as severe, followed the uniform and tranquil state of existence at which so lately I was disposed to repine!  But I will not oppress you any longer with my complaints.  Adieu, my dearest Matilda!  ‘Julia Mannering.’

NOTES

Note 1, p. 25

The groaning malt mentioned in the text was the ale brewed for the purpose of being drunk after the lady or goodwife’s safe delivery.  The ken-no has a more ancient source, and perhaps the custom may be derived from the secret rites of the Bona Dea.  A large and rich cheese was made by the women of the family, with great affectation of secrecy, for the refreshment of the gossips who were to attend at the ‘canny’ minute.  This was the ken-no, so called because its existence was secret (that is, presumed to be so) from all the males of the family, but especially from the husband and master.  He was accordingly expected to conduct himself as if he knew of no such preparation, to act as if desirous to press the female guests to refreshments, and to seem surprised at their obstinate refusal.  But the instant his back was turned the ken-no was produced; and after all had eaten their fill, with a proper accompaniment of the groaning malt, the remainder was divided among the gossips, each carrying a large portion home with the same affectation of great secrecy.