"But I trust Earnscliff will get some speerings o' the puirlassie."

Such were the exclamations of the group, who, having noacknowledged leader to direct their motions, passively awaitedthe return of the sufferer, and determined to be guided by hisdirections.

The meeting between Hobbie and his family was in the highestdegree affecting. His sisters threw themselves upon him, andalmost stifled him with their caresses, as if to prevent hislooking round to distinguish the absence of one yet more beloved.

"God help thee, my son! He can help when worldly trust is abroken reed."--Such was the welcome of the matron to herunfortunate grandson. He looked eagerly round, holding two ofhis sisters by the arm, while the third hung about his neck--"Isee you--I count you--my grandmother, Lilias, Jean, and Annot;but where is--" (he hesitated, and then continued, as if with aneffort), "Where is Grace? Surely this is not a time to hidehersell frae me--there's nae time for daffing now."

"0, brother!" and "0ur poor Grace!" was the only answer hisquestions could procure, till his grandmother rose up, and gentlydisengaged him from the weeping kids, led him to a seat, andwith the affecting serenity which sincere piety, like oilsprinkled on the waves, can throw over the most acute feelings,she exclaimed, "My bairn, when thy grandfather was killed in the wars,and left me with six orphans around me, with scarce bread to eat,or a roof to cover us, I had strength,--not of mine own--but Ihad strength given me to say, The Lord's will be done!--My son,our peaceful house was last night broken into by moss-troopers,armed and masked; they have taken and destroyed all, and carriedoff our dear Grace. Pray for strength to say, His will be done!"