But it hurt Sir Philip
Forester no more than the hail hurts the hearthstone. He was as
well received in society as ever, and dined with the Duke of A---
the day the poor girl was buried. She died of heartbreak. But
that has nothing to do with my story.
Now, you must listen to a single word upon kith, kin, and ally; I
promise you I will not be prolix. But it is necessary to the
authenticity of my legend that you should know that Sir Philip
Forester, with his handsome person, elegant accomplishments, and
fashionable manners, married the younger Miss Falconer of King's
Copland. The elder sister of this lady had previously become the
wife of my grandfather, Sir Geoffrey Bothwell, and brought into
our family a good fortune. Miss Jemima, or Miss Jemmie Falconer,
as she was usually called, had also about ten thousand pounds
sterling--then thought a very handsome portion indeed.
The two sisters were extremely different, though each had their
admirers while they remained single. Lady Bothwell had some
touch of the old King's Copland blood about her. She was bold,
though not to the degree of audacity, ambitious, and desirous to
raise her house and family; and was, as has been said, a
considerable spur to my grandfather, who was otherwise an
indolent man, but whom, unless he has been slandered, his lady's
influence involved in some political matters which had been more
wisely let alone.
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