It seemed to me a
citation unpardonable in a father, and I was amazed that these
ladies could laugh even while they reproved, or made believe to.
Under cover of this mirth, Prestongrange got forth of the chamber,
and I was left, like a fish upon dry land, in that very unsuitable
society. I could never deny, in looking back upon what followed,
that I was eminently stockish; and I must say the ladies were well
drilled to have so long a patience with me. The aunt indeed sat
close at her embroidery, only looking now and again and smiling;
but the misses, and especially the eldest, who was besides the most
handsome, paid me a score of attentions which I was very ill able
to repay. It was all in vain to tell myself I was a young follow
of some worth as well as a good estate, and had no call to feel
abashed before these lasses, the eldest not so much older than
myself, and no one of them by any probability half as learned.
Reasoning would not change the fact; and there were times when the
colour came into my face to think I was shaved that day for the
first time.
The talk going, with all their endeavours, very heavily, the eldest
took pity on my awkwardness, sat down to her instrument, of which
she was a passed mistress, and entertained me for a while with
playing and singing, both in the Scots and in the Italian manners;
this put me more at my ease, and being reminded of Alan's air that
he had taught me in the hole near Carriden, I made so bold as to
whistle a bar or two, and ask if she knew that.
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