This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XII CONCLUSION WHY did she not go? Why did they all not go? The West Coast of Scotland was no longer the place for such as they; especially now that the calm, blue, frosty days of October were past, and wild weather had set in. Every afternoon closed with an angry, threatening sunset, which lit up the whole sky with its flare. Then a night of wind would follow, and the morning show strewn branches, tossed up shingle, scattered peat-stacks, --while the boats drawn up for safety out of the tide's reach had a forlorn, uncanny air, intimating rough play in the weird hours of darkness. Once a terrific storm shook the coasts. It was unexpected, having been preceded by a lull, and an there was anxiety and foreboding in many a home. The boats kept returning--some of them bottom uppermost. Sir Patrick scarcely left the shore, lending his strong arm wherever it was wanted, affording the consolation of his presence when nothing else could be done. Whilst the storm prevailed he did not think so much of Mary. That is to say, he could manage to keep off conscious, consecutive thoughts of Mary. She was always there; he heard her voice through the wild music of the wind and sea, saw her image in the fitful sunlight--but he did not muse and ponder over her. He had made up his mind, his steady, resolute mind; and active occupation, and much thinking for others helped him. In time he hoped that all would be well. But whilst she still lingered in the immediate vicinity, it was a harder matter to be firm than it would be once the entire episode were at an end. He could not always shut his ears, and Miss Harborough's name was for ever coming up unexpectedly. His simple people fancied that it pleased him to hear of the young English lady's beauty and goodness. She had be...