mrades of the old overman--every member of this great
family of miners forming the population of New Aberfoyle.

In the outer world, the day was one of the hottest of the month of
August, peculiarly oppressive in northern countries. The sultry air
penetrated the depths of the coal mine, and elevated the temperature.
The air which entered through the ventilating shafts, and the great
tunnel of Loch Malcolm, was charged with electricity, and the barometer,
it was afterwards remarked, had fallen in a remarkable manner. There
was, indeed, every indication that a storm might burst forth beneath the
rocky vault which formed the roof of the enormous crypt of the very mine
itself.

But the inhabitants were not at that moment troubling themselves about
the chances of atmospheric disturbance above ground. Everybody, as a
matter of course, had put on his best clothes for the occasion. Madge
was dressed in the fashion of days gone by, wearing the "toy" and the
"rokelay," or Tartan plaid, of matrons of the olden time, old Simon wore
a coat of which Bailie Nicol Jarvie himself would have approved.

Nell had resolved to show nothing of her mental agitation; she forbade
her heart to beat, or her inward terrors to betray themselves, and the
brave girl appeared before all with a calm and collected aspect. She had
declined every ornament of dress, and the very simplicity of her attire
added to the charming elegance of her appearance. Her hair was bound
with the "snood," the usual head-dress of Scottish maidens.

All proceeded towards St. Giles's chapel, which had been handsomely
decorated for the occasion.

The electric discs of light which illuminated Coal Town blazed like so
many suns. A luminous atmosphere pervaded New Aberfoyle. In the chapel,
electric lamps shed a glow over the stained-glass windows, which shone
like fiery kaleidoscopes. At the porch of the chapel the minister
awaited the arrival of the wedding party.

It approached, after having passed in stately procession along the shore
of Loch Malcolm. Then the tones of the organ were heard, and, preceded
by the minister, the group advanced into the chapel. The Divine blessing
was first invoked on all present. Then Harry and Nell remained alone
before the minister, who, holding the sacred book in his hand, proceeded
to say, "Harry, will you take Nell to be your wife, and will you promise
to love her always?"

"I promise," answered the young man in a firm and steady voice.