Life of Flora Macdonald and her adventures with Prince Charles

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A lady friend of Flora was also present, Mrs. Macdonald,
the wife of John Macdonald of Kirkibost, North Uist, who
arrived a few days before from the Long Island, and who
had informed Lady Margaret privately, that, in all pro-
bability, the Prince would soon land in Skye. Among the
rest Flora was delighted to meet her good old friend, Mr.
Alexander Macdonald of Kingsburgh, alias " Alasdair Mac-
Dhomhnuill Mhic Alasdair Mhic Ailein," factor for Sir
Alexander.
When Flora entered the rather crowded room, the whole
company arose to welcome her, as, owing to her long
absence in Edinburgh, they had not seen her for years.
She was amiable and cheerful, and warmly exchanged the
congratulations of her respected friends. Her acute percep-
tion, however, led her to suspect that Captain Macleod had
an idea in his mind, that her appearance on this occasion was
caused by something more important than a mere friendly
visit. Under this impression she entered into a free and easy
conversation with him, sat beside him, and appeared
delighted with his social talk. His conduct towards her
was for a time of a very different kind, and indeed scarcely
courteous. His language bordered on rudeness, and the
questions put by him were positively uncivil. " Be pleased
to tell me, my good lady, whence you came to-day, whither
do you intend to go — by what boat or vessel did you cross
the Minch, and who accompanied you?" To all these
pointed queries, the gallant maiden, smiling and self-
possessed, returned distinct replies in calm and pleasing
language; and her deportment was so fascinating and
agreeable throughout, that she soon won upon the imper-
tinent officer, at once gained his esteem, and had the
honour of being escorted by him to dinner, where she
received his most assiduous attention. The questions now