At the bare idea of this indignity to her person the fury of the incensed fair one blazed forth with such strength as to choke her utterance.

Amazement had hitherto kept Lady Juliana silent; for to such scenes she was a stranger.  Born in an elevated rank, reared in state, accustomed to the most obsequious attention, and never approached but with the respect due rather to a divinity than to a mortal, the strain of vulgar insolence that now assailed her was no less new to her ears than shocking to her feelings.  With a voice and look that awed the woman in to obedience, she commanded her to quit her presence for ever; and then, no longer able to suppress the motions of insulted pride, wounded vanity, and indignant disappointment, she gave way to a violent fit of hysterics.

In the utmost perplexity the unfortunate husband by turns cursed the hour that had given him such a wife; now tried to soothe her into composure; but at length, seriously alarmed at the increasing attack, he called loudly for assistance.

In a moment the three aunts and the five sisters all rushed together into the room, full of wonder, exclamation, and inquiry.  Many were the remedies that were tried and the experiments that were suggested; and at length the violence of passion exhausted itself, and a faint sob or deep sigh succeeded the hysteric scream.

Douglas now attempted to account for the behaviour of his noble spouse by ascribing it to the fatigue she had lately undergone, joined to distress of mind at her father’s unrelenting severity towards her.

“Oh, the amiable creature!” interrupted the unsuspecting spinsters, almost stifling her with their caresses as they spoke:  “Welcome, a thousand times welcome, to Glenfern Castle,” said Miss Jacky, who was esteemed by much the most sensible woman, as well as the greatest orator in the whole parish; “nothing shall be wanting, dearest Lady Juliana, to compensate for a parent’s rigour, and make you happy and comfortable.  Consider this as your future home!  My sisters and myself will be as mothers to you; and see these charming young creatures,” dragging forward two tall frightened girls, with sandy hair and great purple arms; “thank Providence for having blest you with such sisters!” “Don’t, speak too much, Jacky, to our dear niece at present,” said Miss Grizzy; “I think one of Lady Maclaughlan’s composing draughts would be the best thing for her.”

“Composing draughts at this time of day!” cried Miss Nicky; “I should think a little good broth a much wiser thing.  There are some excellent family broth making below, and I’ll desire Tibby to bring a few.”

“Will you take a little soup, love?” asked Douglas.  His lady assented; and Miss Nicky vanished, but quickly re-entered, followed by Tibby, carrying a huge bowl of coarse broth, swimming with leeks, greens, and grease.  Lady Juliana attempted to taste it; but her delicate palate revolted at the homely fare; and she gave up the attempt, in spite of Miss Nicky’s earnest entreaties to take a few more of these excellent family broth.