40 ON THE GRAMPIAN HILLS. 



will answer, ' ' A mere nothing ; " but let him live to 

 attain to the age I am unwillingly compelled to 

 acknowledge, and he will find, if he reaches that late 

 period of life, that the miles are fur-longer than were 

 those of our youth. 



Patience, however, had borne me up the steep 

 acclivity, and surely it would not fail me now; so, 

 assuming a jaunty air, I affected a total unconcern 

 as to the distance yet to be traversed ere the long 

 day's work could be completed. Bravely my com- 

 panion stepped out as we neared our haven of rest and 

 repose ; then, ascending a slight rise that leads to the 

 Manse, we entered gaily, showing but slight signs of 

 fatigue ; and, as I looked upon my light-hearted and 

 agreeable companion, I mentally repeated the words 

 of Scott : 



A foot more light, a step more true, 

 Ne'er from the heath-flower dashed the dew ; 

 E'en the slight harebell lifts its head 

 Elastic from her airy tread. 



