Dinmont, who had been furnished with a horse by one of his
acquaintance, now loudly called out that all was ready for their
return; and Bertram and Hazlewood, after a strict exhortation to
the crowd, which was now increased to several hundreds, to
preserve good order in their rejoicing, as the least ungoverned
zeal might be turned to the disadvantage of the young Laird, as
they termed him, took their leave amid the shouts of the
multitude.

As they rode past the ruined cottages at Derncleugh, Dinmont said,
'I'm sure when ye come to your ain, Captain, ye'll no forget to
bigg a bit cot-house there? Deil be in me but I wad do't mysell,
an it werena in better hands. I wadna like to live in't, though,
after what she said. Od, I wad put in auld Elspeth, the bedral's
widow; the like o' them's used wi' graves and ghaists and thae
things.'

A short but brisk ride brought them to Woodbourne. The news of
their exploit had already flown far and wide, and the whole
inhabitants of the vicinity met them on the lawn with shouts of
congratulation. 'That you have seen me alive,' said Bertram to
Lucy, who first ran up to him, though Julia's eyes even
anticipated hers, 'you must thank these kind friends.'

With a blush expressing at once pleasure, gratitude, and
bashfulness, Lucy curtsied to Hazlewood, but to Dinmont she
frankly extended her hand. The honest farmer, in the extravagance
of his joy, carried his freedom farther than the hint warranted,
for he imprinted his thanks on the lady's lips, and was instantly
shocked at the rudeness of his own conduct. 'Lord sake, madam, I