" "Ye waited on her for a
quarter," said the paralytic woman, "and got twa red pieces, or I am far
beguiled?"
"Ay, ay," answered Ailsie, with a bitter grin; "and Sir William Ashton
promised me a bonny red gown to the boot o' that--a stake, and a chain,
and a tar-barrel, lass! what think ye o' that for a propine?--for being
up early and doun late for fourscore nights and mair wi' his dwining
daughter. But he may keep it for his ain leddy, cummers."
"I hae heard a sough," said Annie Winnie, "as if Leddy Ashton was nae
canny body."
"D'ye see her yonder," said Dame Gourlay, "as she prances on her grey
gelding out at the kirkyard? There's mair o' utter deevilry in that
woman, as brave and fair-fashioned as she rides yonder, than in a' the
Scotch withces that ever flew by moonlight ower North Berwick Law."
"What's that ye say about witches, ye damned hags?" said Johnie
Mortheuch [Mortsheugh]; "are ye casting yer cantrips in the very
kirkyard, to mischieve the bride and bridegroom? Get awa' hame, for if I
tak my souple t'ye, I'll gar ye find the road faster than ye wad like.
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