They were in a state of society where
bright lights are strongly contrasted with deep shadows."
"It is to that point I would bring you, MA BELLE COUSINE; and
therefore they are most proper subjects for composition."
"And you want to turn composer, my good friend, and set my old
tales to some popular tune? But there have been too many
composers, if that be the word, in the field before. The
Highlands WERE indeed a rich mine; but they have, I think, been
fairly wrought out, as a good tune is grinded into vulgarity when
it descends to the hurdy-gurdy and the barrel-organ."
"If it be really tune," I replied, "it will recover its better
qualities when it gets into the hands of better artists."
"Umph!" said Mrs. Baliol, tapping her box, "we are happy in our
own good opinion this evening, Mr. Croftangry. And so you think
you can restore the gloss to the tartan which it has lost by
being dragged through so many fingers?"
"With your assistance to procure materials, my dear lady, much, I
think, may be done."
"Well, I must do my best, I suppose, though all I know about the
Gael is but of little consequence.
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