Chapter 4 - Page 2

vocations, and yielded obedience to both mistresses, though
always considering themselves as the especial servants of the Lady of
Avenel. This distinction sometimes occasioned a slight degree of
difference between Dame Elspeth and Tibb; the former being jealous of
her own consequence, and the latter apt to lay too much stress upon
the rank and family of her mistress. But both were alike desirous to
conceal such petty squabbles from the lady, her hostess scarce
yielding to her old domestic in respect for her person. Neither did
the difference exist in such a degree as to interrupt the general
harmony of the family, for the one wisely gave way as she saw the
other become warm; and Tibb, though she often gave the first
provocation, had generally the sense to be the first in relinquishing
the argument.

The world which lay beyond was gradually forgotten by the inhabitants
of this sequestered glen, and unless when she attended mass at the
Monastery Church upon some high holiday, Alice of Avenel almost forgot
that she once held an equal rank with the proud wives of the
neighbouring barons and nobles who on such occasions crowded to the
solemnity. The recollection gave her little pain. She loved her
husband for himself, and in his inestimable loss all lesser subjects
of regret had ceased to interest her. At times, indeed, she thought of
claiming the protection of the Queen Regent (Mary of Guise) for her
little orphan, but the fear of Julian Avenel always came between. She
was sensible that he would have neither scruple nor difficulty in
spiriting away the child, (if he did not proceed farther,) should he
once consider its existence as formidable to his interest. Besides, he
led a wild and unsettled life, mingling in all feuds and forays,
wherever there was a spear to be broken; he evinced no purpose of
marrying, and the fate which he continually was braving might at
length remove him from his usurped inheritance. Alice of Avenel,
therefore, judged it wise to check all ambitious thoughts for the
present, and remain quiet in the rude, but peaceable retreat, to which
Providence had conducted her.

It was upon an All-Hallow's eve, when the family had resided together
for the space of three years, that the domestic circle was assembled
round the blazing turf-fire, in the old narrow hall of the Tower of
Glendearg. The idea of the master or mistress of the mansion feeding
or living apart from their domestics, was at this period never
entertained. The highest end of the board, the most commodious settle
by the fire,--these were the only marks of distinction; and the
servants mingled, with deference indeed, but unreproved and with
freedom, in whatever conversation was going forward. But the two or
three domestics,