Angus answered somewhat sulkily,that "he was no makebate,or stirrer-up of quarrels;he would rather be a peacemaker.His brother knew as well as most men how to resent his own quarrels --as for Allan's mode of receiving information,it was generally believed he had other sources than those of ordinary couriers.
He should not be surprised if they saw him sooner than they expected."
A promise that he would not interfere,was the farthest to which Montrose could bring this man,thoroughly good-tempered as he was on all occasions,save when his pride,interest,or prejudices,were interfered with.And at this point the Marquis was fain to leave the matter for the present.
A more willing guest at the bridal ceremony,certainly a more willing attendant at the marriage feast,was to be expected in Sir Dugald Dalgetty,whom Montrose resolved to invite,as having been a confidant to the circumstances which preceded it.But even Sir Dugald hesitated,looked on the elbows of his doublet,and the knees of his leather breeches,and mumbled out a sort of reluctant acquiescence in the invitation,providing he should find it possible,after consulting with the noble bridegroom.
Montrose was somewhat surprised,but scorning to testify displeasure,he left Sir Dugald to pursue his own course.
This carried him instantly to the chamber of the bride-groom,who,amidst the scanty wardrobe which his camp-equipage afforded,was seeking for such articles as might appear to the best advantage upon the approaching occasion.Sir Dugald entered,and paid his compliments,with a very grave face,upon his approaching happiness,which,he said,"he was very sorry he was prevented from witnessing."
"In plain truth,"said he,"I should but disgrace the ceremony,seeing that I lack a bridal garment.Rents,and open seams,and tatters at elbows in the apparel of the assistants,might presage a similar solution of continuity in your matrimonial happiness --and to say truth,my lord,you yourself must partly have the blame of this disappointment,in respect you sent me upon a fool's errand to get a buff-coat out of the booty taken by the Camerons,whereas you might as well have sent me to fetch a pound of fresh butter out of a black dog's throat.I had no answer,my lord,but brandished dirks and broadswords,and a sort of growling and jabbering in what they call their language.For my part,I believe these Highlanders to be no better than absolute pagans,and have been much scandalized by the manner in which my acquaintance,Ranald MacEagh,was pleased to beat his final march,a little while since."