impune lacessit' of chivalry! Ye had ancestors in that degree, Duncan, and they were an ornament to the nobles of Scotland."
Heyward, who perceived that his superior took a malicious pleasure in exhibiting his contempt for the message of the French general, was fain to humour a spleen that he knew would be short lived; he, therefore, replied with as much indifference as he could assume on such a subject—
"My request, as you know, sir, went so far as to presume to the honour of being your son."
"Ay, boy, you found words to make yourself very plainly comprehended! But, let me ask ye, sir, have you been as intelligible to the girl?"
"On my honour, no," exclaimed Duncan, warmly; "there would have been an abuse of a confided trust, had I taken advantage of my situation, for such a purpose!"
"Your notions are those of a gentle man, Major Heyward, and well enough in their place. But Cora Munro is a maiden
