Chapter 4

Ne'er be I found by thee unawed,
On that thrice hallow'd eve abroad.
When goblins haunt from flood and fen,
The steps of men.
COLLINS'S Ode to Fear.


As the country became more settled, the Lady of Avenel would have
willingly returned to her husband's mansion. But that was no longer in
her power. It was a reign of minority, when the strongest had the best
right, and when acts of usurpation were frequent amongst those who had
much power and little conscience.

Julian Avenel, the younger brother of the deceased Walter, was a
person of this description. He hesitated not to seize upon his
brother's house and lands, so soon as the retreat of the English
permitted him. At first, he occupied the property in the name of his
niece; but when the lady proposed to return with her child to the
mansion of its fathers, he gave her to understand, that Avenel, being
a male fief, descended to the brother, instead of the daughter, of the
last possessor. The ancient philosopher declined a dispute with the
emperor who commanded twenty legions, and the widow of Walter Avenel
was in no condition to maintain a contest with the leader of twenty
moss-troopers. Julian was also a man of service, who could back a
friend in case of need, and was sure, therefore, to find protectors
among the ruling powers. In short, however clear the little Mary's
right to the possessions of her father, her mother saw the necessity
of giving way, at least for the time, to the usurpation of her uncle.

Her patience and forbearance were so far attended with advantage, that
Julian, for very shame's sake, could no longer suffer her to be
absolutely dependant on the charity of Elspeth Glendinning. A drove of
cattle and a bull (which were probably missed by some English farmer)
were driven to the pastures of Glendearg; presents of raiment and
household stuff were sent liberally, and some little money, though
with a more sparing hand: for those in the situation of Julian Avenel
could come more easily by the goods, than the representing medium of
value, and made their payments chiefly in kind.

In the meantime, the widows of Walter Avenel and Simon Glendinning had
become habituated to each other's society, and were unwilling to part.
The lady could hope no more secret and secure residence than in the
Tower of Glendearg, and she was now in a condition to support her
share of the mutual housekeeping. Elspeth, on the other hand, felt
pride, as well as pleasure, in the society of a guest of such
distinction, and was at all times willing to pay much greater
deference than the Lady of Walter Avenel could be prevailed on to
accept.

Martin and his wife diligently served the united family in their
several