The Inheritance — Susan Ferrier

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825 Excerpt: ...heavy-footed maid-servant; and Mr Ramsay, taking a glass of wine, drank a welcome to his niece on her return to Scotland, "and to the bonny creature you've brought with you," added he, again fixing his eyes on Gertrude. "After all," continued he, "the thing's not impossible---Lizzie was a relation of ours--a distant one to be sure; let me see--Lizzie's father and my father were cousin-germains' bairns--but that'll no do, for it's by the other side o' the hoos--it was by my father." Mrs St Clair's colour rose to the deepest crimson, and she seemed struggling to subdue her feelings. At length, making an effort at self-control, she said with affected pleasantry--" I have no doubt my daughter has great reason to be flattered at the resemblance you have discovered for her--but, my dear uncle, you know there are certain prejudices--certain notions that some people entertain--In short, the thing to be talked of amongst ourselves is very well; and it is very flattering to me that my daughter's looks should afford you pleasure--but I own I-I should be sorry--I would rather that a report of such a resemblance were not to reach the Rossville family--they now consider my daughter as one of themselves; and their pride might be hurt, you know, and a prejudice created, that might prove highly detrimental to Gertrude's best interests." "Set them up with their pride!" cried Mr Ramsay--all softer emotions giving way to indignation; " their pride hurt, indeed, at being compared to Lizzie Lundie!--There's no a Rossville or a St Clair among them that e'er I saw was fit to tie Lizzie Lundie's shoe--the Queen upon the throne might have thought it an honour to be compared to Lizzie;"--and the little chamber seemed as thou...