“Young ladies are much more house wifely in Scotland than they are in this country,” continued the Doctor, seating himself as close as possible to Mary,—­“at least they were when I knew Scotland; but that’s not yesterday, and it’s much changed since then, I daresay.  I studied physic in Edinburgh, and went upon a tower through the Highlands.  ’I was very much pleased with what I saw, I assure you.  Fine country in some respects—­nature has been very liberal.”

Mary’s heart leapt within her at hearing her dear native land praised even by Dr. Redgill, and her conscience smote her for the harsh and hasty censure she had passed upon him.  “One who can admire the scenery of the Highlands,” thought she, “must have a mind.  It has always been observed that only persons of taste were capable of appreciating the peculiar charms of mountain scenery.  A London citizen, or a Lincolnshire grazier, sees nothing but deformity in the sublime works of nature,” ergo, reasoned Mary, “Dr. Redgill must be of a more elevated way of thinking than I had supposed.”  The entrance of Lady Juliana prevented her expressing the feelings that were upon her lips; but she thought what pleasure she would have in resuming the delightful theme at another opportunity.

After slightly noticing her daughter, and carefully adjusting her favourites, Lady Juliana began:—­

“I am anxious to consult you, Dr. Redgill, upon the state of this young person’s health.—­You have been excessively ill, my dear, have you not?  (My sweetest Blanche, do be quiet!) You had a cough, I think, and everything that was bad.—­And as her friends in Scotland have sent her to me for a short time, entirely on account of her health (My charming, Frisk, your spirits are really too much!), I think it quite proper that she should be confined to her own apartment during the winter, that she may get quite well and strong against spring.  As to visiting or going into company, that of course must be quite out of the question.  You can tell Dr. Redgill, my dear, all about your complaints yourself.”

Mary tried to articulate, but her feelings rose almost to suffocation, and the words died upon her lips.

“Your Ladyship confounds me,” said the Doctor, pulling out his spectacles, which, after duly wiping, he adjusted on his nose, and turned their beams full on Mary’s face—­“I really never should have guessed there was anything the matter with the young lady.  She does look a leettle delicate, to be sure-changing colour, too—­but hand cool—­eye clear—­pulse steady, a leettle impetuous, but that’s nothing, and the appetite good.  I own I was surprised to see you cut so good a figure after the delicious meals you have been accustomed to in the North:  you must find it miserable picking here.  An English breakfast,” glancing with contempt at the eggs, muffins, toast, preserves, etc. etc., he had collected round him, “is really a most insipid