28o Four-in-Hajid in Britain. 



boat. Here was the scene so finely given in " Marmion," 

 which I tried, however, in vain to recall as I gazed upon 

 it. If Dunfermline and its thunders had not been in the 

 distance, I think I could have given it after a fashion, 

 but I failed altogether that morning. 



" But northward far, with purer blaze, 

 On Ochil mountains fell the rays, 

 And as each heathy top they kissed, 

 It gleamed a purple amethyst. 

 Yonder the shores of Fife you saw, 

 Here Preston Bay, and Berwick Law ; 

 And broad between them rolled, 

 The gallant Firth the eye might note. 

 Whose islands on its bosom float, 

 Like emeralds chased in gold." 



And truly it was a morning in which nature's jewels 

 sparkled at their best. Upon reaching the north shore 

 we were warmly greeted by Uncle and Aunt, and Maggie 

 and Annie. It was decided better not to risk luncheon 

 in the ruins of Rosythe Castle, as we had intended, the 

 grass being reported damp from recent rains. We ac- 

 cordingly drove to the inn, but we were met at the door 

 by the good landlady, who, with uplifted hands, ex- 

 claimed : " I'm a' alane! There's naebody in the house ! 

 They're a' awa' to Dunfermline ! There'll be great goings 

 on there the day." 



A hotel without one servant. The good woman, 

 however, assured us we might come in and help our- 



