The venerable name is now corrupted into
Elderslie, and the estate has become the property of Archibald Spiers,
Esq., M. P. for Renfrewshire. For this topographical account, I am
indebted to a Renfrewshire gentleman.-(1809.)
The tears of the venerable harper bore testimony to his inward resolve,
that this messenger should not be himself. Lady Helen, who had fallen
into a reverie during the latter part of his speech, now spoke, and
with something of eagerness.
"Then we shall hope," rejoined she, "that the oratory has not only
escaped the flames, but perhaps the access of the English soldiers?
Would it not comfort your lord to have that sweet victim entombed
according to the rites of the church?"
"Surely my lady; but how can that be done? He thinks her remains were
lost in the conflagration of Ellerslie; and for fear of precipitating
him into the new dangers which might have menaced him had he sought to
bring away her body, I did not disprove his mistake."
"But her body shall be brought away," rejoined Lady Helen; "it shall
have holy burial."
"To effect this, command my services," exclaimed Murray.
Helen thanked him for an assistance which would render the completion
of her design easy.
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