"He seems carelessly.

a sort of a tyrant, I think?" observed Henry,

"Ye're richt there, sir. It's been a sair job wi' the tenants o' Rockhart, since Maister Rackrent got the pooer."

"Ah! he oppresses, then, does he?"

"To the very dust, sir. If the young laird is like his uncle, and lets him gang on as he's been daein', the estate will sune gang to ruin."

"Have you lived long on the property?" asked Henry, hoping to get some useful information from his companion.

66

Lang on't, sir! I never lived ony where else. I was born when Sir Henry was a laddie. My faither afore me had the Home Farm, and sae had I when this Edward got the estate; but Rackrent got in to be factor, and took a notion o' my farm, and never rested till he pat me oot o't. And now I'm only a day-labourer on the property. Wae's me! it was a black day for us a' when Maister Ringald and Sir Henry dee'd."

"You liked Mr Ringald, then?" observed Henry, with emotion.

"Every body liked him, sir," replied the old man, warmly. "He was as bonny, and kind, and generous a young man as ye could see. I only hope his son will be like him. But I fancy ye're gaun to the Ha' to see him come, like me?”

66

Yes, my errand thither concerns that event. Do the tenants mean to be present at his arrival ?”

66

Ay, we a' got orders to gather afore the hoose to welcome him. He's to come wi' the lawyers frae Edinburgh. But here we are, sir, and I daursay we're hindmost; for see sic a croud's yonder!"

Henry and the old man went round the angle of the building, and mingling with the people, soon learned that the party from Edinburgh had not yet come, but were expected every moment. A good deal of excitement prevailed, and many conjectures were hazarded as to what changes might take place under the new laird.

Conspicuous among the throng was Rackrent, walking imperiously to and fro, giving a thousand orders, and directing, in a loud voice, how every one was to behave. His quick eye caught sight of the youth and the old man as they approached; and stalking forward, with anger on his countenance, he shouted,

"How now, sirrah? Have you dared to come here after the threatening you received a little ago?"

"I have business here, Mr Rackrent," answered Henry, while all eyes were turned upon him.

"Business!" echoed the factor; "I have no time for business to-day. Sir Henry Rockhart, the new baronet, is expected immediately, and no one is permitted to be present here but the tenauts and labourers on the property. You will therefore

go back

the way you came, and be thankful that I do not give you in charge

to the constable."

"I am sorry I cannot comply with your request, sir," observed Henry; "but my business is somewhat important in its nature." you perhaps; but who are you, pray?" retorted Rackrent. "However, let me hear what your business is, and I will soon settle it."

"To

"It is not entirely with you," responded Henry; “and I can wait a little."

66

Here, Dickson, take this fellow into custody," shouted the factor; and the constable came forward, a strong, firmly-built fellow, who seized Henry by the arm.

"I warn you to beware, Mr Rackrent," remarked the young man. 'I have neither the means nor the inclination to resist you at present; but I tell you fairly, that by-and-by I will have both. For your own sake, then, be warned in time.”

Rackrent deigned no answer to this hint, but ordered the constable to hold his prisoner fast, and put handcuffs on him if he became restive.

The attention of the people was now taken from this scene, by the cry that a carriage was coming up the avenue, and the crowd hastily formed on both sides of the lawn. A large flag was run up the staff on the tower, and some fiddlers stationed on the terrace struck up a merry tune. On came the vehicle, and eager was every look to catch the first sight of the new baronet. It was an open carriage, in which sat two elderly gentlemen-one of whom was at once recognised as the factor's brother, and the other, though unknown, could not, from his age, be Sir Henry. The cheers therefore grew less loud as they drove up to the Hall, and all eyes were directed down the avenue, in expectation of the appearance of another carriage, which, however, was not visible.

Has Sir Henry come?" asked the lawyer at his brother, when the vehicle had stopped.

"Come!" echoed the factor. "No, we expected him to be with

you."

66

'He left town yesterday with Mr Everly, and was to come from Netherton this morning."

"And is here," cried a voice in the crowd, which caused every one to look where Henry stood, guarded by the constable.

"God bless me, Sir Henry! what does this mean?" cried Strickland, leaping from the carriage, and running forward.

"It means that I am a prisoner, Mr Strickland; but perhaps this worthy gentlemen will now release me, seeing that I can scarcely get run away."

It would be vain to endeavour to describe the consternation that seized the factor, and the look of astonishment that rested on every

countenance. The constable mechanically took his hand from the arm he held, and shrank back, leaving the youth to stand alone. "What does it mean?" repeated Strickland, looking at the young man in the extremity of wonder.

"This gentleman can explain it as well, or perhaps better, than I," answered Henry, glancing at the horrified factor.

66

Really, Sir Henry," stammered Rackrent, pale as a sheet of "had I known that-that you were— I mean paper, —who you were, -I certainly should not have-have

"Enough, sir," said Henry, haughtily. "You can only flounder deeper by an attempt at explanation."

"Hurrah! Sir Henry for ever!" cried a voice in the crowd, and immediately the air resounded with enthusiastic shouts of welcome. The men tossed up their caps, the women waved their aprons and handkerchiefs. Joyous smiles rested on every face, and gladdened tearful eyes told how true was their delight.

In the midst of this enthusiasm, Henry and Strickland ascended the steps which led to the main-door, and on the threshold they paused, while the youth turned round, and uncovered his head, producing by the act an expectant silence.

66

Friends," said Henry, in his clear, rich voice, "from the bottom of my heart I thank you for the very kind welcome you have just given me. My arrival for the first time at the house of my fathers, and amongst the devoted adherents of our house, has been unusual in its nature; but I rejoice that it has been so, since I have thereby learned much, that I might otherwise have been ignorant of. I cannot speak further to you at this time, but can only assure you that I will do the utmost to promote your comfort and happiness, and very soon I expect to become personally acquainted with every one of you."

Deafening cheers again rent the air as the youth concluded, and, conducted by the two lawyers, proceeded into the building. "He's a braw, bonny-lookin' gentleman!" cried an old woman, earnestly.

"Blessin's on his sonsy face!" exclaimed another.

"Guidness me! little did I ken that it was the young Sir Henry I cam alang the road wi'!" ejaculated the labourer, who had conducted Henry to the mansion. "And yet," he added, reflec tively, "I thocht there was something curious aboot him, and nae wonder! for he's the very image o' Maister Ringald."

"Rackrent's reign's ower, or I'm sair mista'en," observed a round-faced farmer, with great satisfaction—a prophecy which seemed peculiarly palatable to all his hearers.

66

Ay, he's gotten a bite o' his bridle noo," said a portly dame, the wife of one of the cottars. "But, my certy, he's ran lang and

far."

While these remarks were being made outside, Henry and his party had proceeded to the library, where Rackrent, the lawyer, formally delivered over the title-deeds and all other papers, Strickland watching to see that all was legally performed.

The factor had followed them, and stood at a little distance, with a mien as humble as before it was imperious. When the process of taking possession was gone through, and Sir Henry declared sole and indisputable proprietor of Rockhart Hall, he advanced, and, with a low, fawning bow, inquired if it was the baronet's desire to examine his accounts on an early occasion.

"Immediately, sir," answered Henry, sternly. "I require them to be delivered up at once."

"I trust, Sir Henry, that you do not mean to resent my conduct to you this morning," began the factor, in a deprecating tone. "You will be pleased to remember that I did not know you, and that I was acting for the good of the estate."

"In what way, sir?" demanded Henry. "Is that road in no sense public?"

"It was once attempted to be claimed as such by the people, but I promptly interfered for the good of the property.

"But this I understand you had no right to do. The road, it seems, is an old church-road, and therefore public to foot-passengers. But, sir, I mean to be my own factor, and have therefore no further need of you."

"O very well, Sir Henry," said the mortified factor, forcing a laugh. "Then I will be able to bestow my undivided attention on my farm. Fortunately, my lease is a perpetual one.”

"It expires at Martinmas, sir," answered Henry; "and the tenant you had the cruelty and selfishness to eject resumes his rights. You see I know you thoroughly."

"You mean to rule with a high hand, Sir Henry," remarked Rackrent, the lawyer, striving to hide his vexation.

"I mean to be just, Mr Rackrent," replied Henry, significantly. They adjourned to the dining-hall, where a plentiful repast had been prepared; and this being discussed, the two brothers left the mansion, their departure proving a great relief to its new owner and the worthy lawyer his friend. By this time the crowd outside had likewise dispersed, and the place was left to its usual silence.

66 Now, Sir Henry, we are left alone, and can converse as we choose," said Strickland, rubbing his hands vigorously. "I must compliment you on the firmness you have displayed towards these two fellows. They are black sheep both, I don't doubt. Now, shall we have a peep at the mansion?"

In answer to their summons, an elderly woman appeared-one who had not yet presented herself.

"O pray,

Sir Henry, don't blame me," she exclaimed, with

emotion. "I knew nothing about it-nothing, as I hope to be saved."

"What is the matter, my good woman?" asked Henry, kindly. My husband, sir. He has ruined us. I-I am Jem Dogwood's

wife."

I fully acquit you, and

"Ah! indeed. Don't distress yourself. will see that you are not molested. Come, and show us over the building."

Mrs Dogwood, thus assured and relieved, escorted them through the various rooms, and showed them, in particular, the apartments in which Diamond was kept, and the way in which she made her escape. Henry looked with much interest at the portrait which still hung in the bed-room, and felt many a throb of filial emotion as he gazed on the noble features.

The private room of the former possessor was the last place visited, and this had to be broken open, as the ex-baronet had taken the key with him. Dismissing Mrs Dogwood, Henry and the lawyer entered, and their eyes at once fell on the bureau. Henry had his keys, and applying them, found that they answered the drawers. He also touched that spring with which he was acquainted, and the panel flying back, discovered two papers. He took them out, and found them to be the two letters mentioned in the early part of our story.

"Ah! I knew he must have come upon such things as these," observed Strickland, nodding his head.

"Ah! well the drama is done now," said Henry, with a sigh. Not yet, young man, not yet; and perchance, ere the curtain falls, it may turn out a tragedy. Its first act was performed ere your affairs came to be mixed up with it, and before you were called on to play your part. Your particular share in it may indeed be nearly performed, but those with whom you have acted are not done with theirs. That young man, for instance that friend of yours at Netherton-thinks it as yet very incomplete, and the chief portion of his part as yet undone. He has been waiting and watching to do a dread work, and that work is not accomplished; and think you he will be content to say the drama is over? No; his vengeful heart thirsts for a more terrible denouement, and, mayhap, the claims of justice and equity cannot be satisfied without it. There is the high-handed wrong-doer. Is there no punishment in store for him? Are mercy, truth, and love to be outraged with impunity? Is there no redression for the laws that have been broken? Dread questions! Let the future reply; but as yet, young man, say not that the drama is done.