This she had purposely removed,
from a fear that he might awaken and depart in the night-time,
without her knowledge.
"My bonnet--my bonnet," cried Hamish; "it is time to take
farewell. Mother, your drink was too strong--the sun is up--but
with the next morning I will still see the double summit of the
ancient Dun. My bonnet--my bonnet, mother; I must be instant in
my departure." These expressions made it plain that poor Hamish
was unconscious that two nights and a day had passed since he had
drained the fatal quaigh, and Elspat had now to venture on what
she felt as the almost perilous, as well as painful, task of
explaining her machinations.
"Forgive me, my son," she said, approaching Hamish, and taking
him by the hand with an air of deferential awe, which perhaps she
had not always used to his father, even when in his moody fits.
"Forgive you, mother!--for what?" said Hamish, laughing; "for
giving me a dram that was too strong, and which my head still
feels this morning, or for hiding my bonnet to keep me an instant
longer? Nay, do YOU forgive ME. Give me the bonnet, and let
that be done which now must be done.
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