'
'It is the testamentum militare,' quoth the Baron, 'whilk, amang the
Romans, was privilegiate to be nuncupative.' But the soft heart of Mrs.
Flockhart was melted within her at the Chieftain's speech; she set up a
lamentable blubbering, and positively refused to touch the bequest, which
Fergus was therefore obliged to resume.
'Well, then,' said the Chief, 'if I fall, it will go to the grenadier
that knocks my brains out, and I shall take care he works hard for it.'
Bailie Macwheeble was again tempted to put in his oar; for where cash was
concerned he did not willingly remain silent. 'Perhaps he had better
carry the gowd to Miss Mac-Ivor, in case of mortality or accidents of
war. It might tak the form of a mortis causa donation in the young
leddie's favour, and--wad cost but the scrape of a pen to mak it out.'
'The young lady,' said Fergus,'should such an event happen, will have
other matters to think of than these wretched louis-d'or.'
'True--undeniable--there's nae doubt o' that; but your honour kens that a
full sorrow--'
'Is endurable by most folk more easily than a hungry one? True, Bailie,
very true; and I believe there may even be some who would be consoled by
such a reflection for the loss of the whole existing generation.
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