Nicky doubted, from his appearance, that he would be nice, and she had no patience with nice men; but Nicky’s fears vanished when she saw, as she expressed it, “how pleasantly he ate the sheep’s head, although he had never seen one in his life before.”

The younger ladies thought Captain M’Nab had a finer complexion, and wondered whether Colonel Lennox (like him) would be dressed in full regimentals at his marriage.

But, alas! “all earthly good still blends itself with harm,” for on the day of Mary’s marriage—­a day consecrated to mirth, and bride-cake, and wedding favors, and marriage presents, and good cheer, and reels, and revelry, and bagpipes—­on that very day, when the marriage ceremony was scarcely over, arrived the accounts of the death of Sir Sampson Maclaughlan!  But on this joyous day even Grizzy’s tears did not flow so freely as they would have done at another time; and she declared that although it was impossible anybody could feel more than she did, yet certainly it would not be using Colonel and Mrs. Lennox well to be very distressed upon such an occasion; and there was no doubt but she would have plenty of time to be sorry about it yet, when they were all sitting quietly by themselves, with nothing else in their heads; though, to be sure, they must always think what a blessing it was that Colonel Lennox was to succeed.

“I wish he may ever fill Sir Sampson’s shoes!” said Miss Nicky, with a sigh.

“Colonel Lennox cannot propose a better model to himself than Sir Sampson Maclaughlan,” said Miss Jacky.  “He has left him a noble example of propriety, frugality, hospitality, and respectability; and, above all, of forgiveness of his mortal enemies.”

“Oh, Mary!” exclaimed Miss Grizzy, as they were about to part with their niece, “what a lucky creature you are!  Never, I am sure, did any young person set out in life with such advantages.  To think of your succeeding to Lady Maclaughlan’s laboratory, all so nicely fitted up with every kind of thing, and especially plenty of the most charming bark, which, I’m sure, will do Colonel Lennox the greatest good, as you know all officers are much the better of bark.  I know it was the saving of young Ballingall’s life, when he came home in an ague from some place; and I’m certain Lady Maclaughlan will leave you everything that is there, you was always such a favourite.  Not but what I must always think that you had a hand in dear Sir Sampson’s death.  Indeed, I have no doubt of it.  Yet, at the same time, I don’t mean to blame you in the least; for I’m certain, if Sir Sampson had been spared, he would have been delighted, as we all are, at your marriage.”

Colonel and Mrs. Lennox agreed in making choice of Lochmarlie for their future residence; and in a virtuous attachment they found as much happiness as earth’s pilgrims ever possess, whose greatest felicity must spring from a higher source.  The extensive influence which generally attends upon virtue joined to prosperity was used by them for its best purposes.  It was not confined either to rich or poor, to caste or sect; but all shared in their benevolence whom that benevolence could benefit.  And the poor, he sick, and the desolate, united in blessing what heaven had already blessed—­this happy Marriage.