FROM this time forward, I was haunted by a painful dread that Lord Lascelyne and his wife might some day or other return to Barrmains, and a strong desire of removing myself beyond the chance of being again exposed to their eyes, in my present situation, began to stir within me. That I had, however, some other feelings, which warred, though with fluctuating and uneven power, against this, I certainly cannot conceal from you. The tenor of my life, meantime, held on in its usual stream; and how, or at least how soon, I might have decided, I cannot tell;—for fortune cut short my hesitations.

Sir Claud Barr was found dead in his bed one morning; and as soon as the decorous sorrow of Lady Juliana permitted her to fix her thoughts upon such matters, it was announced that the establishment at Barrmains was forthwith to be broken up; that her Ladyship meant to reside for some years in England; that the young Baronet was to go to Eton school; that Miss Blamyre was to accompany the family southwards; and that, my services being no longer requisite, the friends of the family would, without delay, exert themselves in procuring for me some other situation of the same kind. I learned also, that it was not understood that Miss Joanne was any longer to form a part of the Lady Juliana Barr's household; and indeed this intelligence, although it could not but interest, did by no means surprise me.

That part of the news which most directly concerned myself, was confirmed next day by the factor, who on the instant paid me the arrears that were due to me; which promptitude I could not but understand as a hint that it was not expected I should protract my stay at the mansion-house. I lost no time, therefore, in packing up the few books and clothes I possessed, and in sending my trunk to my good friend Doctor Dalrymple’s, who had, immediately after Sir Claud's death, invited me in the most cordial manner to make his house my home, until I should have had an opportunity of arranging my future schemes with deliberation.