In the emphatic language
of Scripture, which in that idiom does not
greatly differ from her own, she arose, she washed
and changed her apparel, and ate bread, and was
refreshed.
She longed eagerly for the return of her son, but
she now longed not with the bitter anxiety of doubt
and apprehension. She said to herself, that much
must be done ere he could in these times arise to
be an eminent and dreaded leader. Yet when she
saw him again, she almost expected him at the head
of a daring band, with pipes playing, and banners
flying, the noble tartans fluttering free in the wind,
in despite of the laws which had suppressed, under
severe penalties, the use of the national garb, and
all the appurtenances of Highland chivalry. For
all this, her eager imagination was content only to
allow the interval of some days.
From the moment this opinion had taken deep
and serious possession of her mind, her thoughts
were bent upon receiving her son at the head of
his adherents in the manner in which she used to
adorn her hut for the return of his father.
The substantial means of subsistence she had not
the power of providing, nor did she consider that
of importance. The successful caterans would bring
with them herds and flocks.
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