"I do not think you need fear," said I, trying to speak lightly. But
how far my heart went down! The future master of the Fells Farm was a
fixture at Brocklebank: but the future parson of some parish might be
carried a hundred miles away from us. A few months, and we might see
him no more. Just then, Father set his foot on one of the great logs,
and it blazed and crackled, sending a shower of sparkles up the chimney,
and a ruddy glow all over the room. But my fire was dying out, and the
sparkles were gone already.

Perhaps it was as well that just at that moment a rather startling
diversion occurred, by the entrance of Sam with a letter, which he gave
to Flora.

"Here's ill tidings, Sir!" said Sam to Father. "Miss Flora's letter was
brought by ane horseman, that's ridden fast and far; the puir beastie's
a' o'er foam, and himsel's just worn-out. He brings news o' a gran'
battle betwixt the Prince and yon loon they ca' Cumberland,--ma certie,
but Cumberland's no mickle beholden to 'em!--and the Prince's army's
just smashed to bits, and himsel' a puir fugitive in the Highlands. Ill
luck tak' 'em!--though that's no just becoming to a Christian man, but
there's times as a chiel disna stop to measure his words and cut 'em off
even wi' scissors. 'Twas at a place they ca' Culloden, this last week
gane: and they say there's na mair chance for the Prince the now than
for last year's Christmas to come again."

Father, of course, was extreme troubled by this news, and went forth
into the hall to speak with the horseman, whom Sam had served with a
good supper. Ambrose followed, and so did my Aunt Kezia, for she said
men knew nought about airing beds, and it was as like as not Bessy would
take the blankets from the wrong chest if she were not after her. Hatty
was not in the room, and Flora had carried off her letter, which was
from my Uncle Drummond. So Ephraim and I were left alone, for, somewhat
to my surprise, he made no motion to follow the rest.

"Cary," he said, in a low tone, as he took the next chair, "I have had
news, also."

It was bad news--in a moment I knew that. His tone said so. I looked
up fearfully. I felt, before I heard, the terrible words that were
coming.

"Duncan Keith rests with God!"

Oh, it was no wonder if I let my work drop, and hid my face in my hands,
and wept as if my heart were breaking. Not for Colonel Keith. He
should never see evil any more. For Annas, and for Flora, and