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been able to do So though Ibeen away, it "

"And it was by your brother's earnest wish," said Ermine; "it was not as

if you had stayed away for your own pleasure"

"No! Poor Keith repeatedly said he could not die in peace till he had

secured our having the sole charge of his son It was a strong instinct

that conquered inveterate prejudice! Did I tell you about the will?"

"You said I should hear particulars when you cauardianship is left to us first, then to Alick and

Rachel, with £300 a year for the expenses Then we have Auchinvar The

estate is charged with an equivalent settlement upon Mary, a better

plan, which I durst not propose, but with so long a minority the

estate will bear it Alick has his sister's fortune back again, and

the Menteith children a few hundreds; but Menteith is rabid about the

guardianship, and would hardly speak to Alick"

"And you?"

"They always keep the peace with

present--a pair of lad to rescue, though, as she politely told me, I elcome to them,

for they were hideously dressed, and she wanted the fraraphs of Garibaldi and the Queen of Naples"