ZACHARIAH PRINGLE.

"The Doctor," said Mrs. Glibbans, as the schoolmaster concluded, "is
there like himself--a true orthodox Christian, standing up for the word,
and overflowing with charity even for the sinner. But, Mr. Snodgrass, I
did not ken before that the bishops had a hand in the making of the Acts
of the Parliament; I think, Mr. Snodgrass, if that be the case, there
should be some doubt in Scotland about obeying them. However that may
be, sure am I that the queen, though she was a perfect Deliah, has
nothing to fear from them; for have we not read in the Book of Martyrs,
and other church histories, of their concubines and indulgences, in the
papist times, to all manner of carnal iniquity? But if she be that
noghty woman that they say"--"Gude safe's," cried Mrs. Craig, "if she be
a noghty woman, awa' wi' her, awa' wi' her--wha kens the cantrips she may
play us?"

Here Miss Mally Glencairn interposed, and informed Mrs. Craig, that a
noghty woman was not, as she seemed to think, a witch wife. "I am sure,"
said Miss Becky Glibbans, "that Mrs. Craig might have known that." "Oh,
ye're a spiteful deevil," whispered Miss Mally, with a smile to her; and
turning in the same moment to Miss Isabella Tod, begged her to read Miss
Pringle's letter--a motion which Mr. Snodgrass seconded chiefly to
abridge the conversation, during which, though he wore a serene
countenance, he often suffered much.

LETTER XXVIII

_Miss Rachel Pringle to Miss Isabella Tod_

MY DEAR BELL--I am much obliged by your kind expressions for my little
present. I hope soon to send you something better, and gloves at the
same time; for Sabre has been brought to the point by an alarm for the
Yorkshire baronet that I mentioned, as showing symptoms of the tender
passion for my fortune. The friends on both sides being satisfied with
the match, it will take place as soon as some preliminary arrangements
are made. When we are settled, I hope your mother will allow you to come
and spend some time with us at our country-seat in Berkshire; and I shall
be happy to repay all the expenses of your journey, as a jaunt to England
is what your mother would, I know, never consent to pay for.

It is proposed that, immediately after the ceremony, we shall set out for
France, accompanied by my brother, where we are to be soon after joined
at Paris by some of the Argents, who, I can see, think And