Lady Victoria Campbell

222 "THE FAIR HAVENS"
The story of her life is best continued by extracts
from her letters to Mrs. Macdiarmid and others.
Feb., 1890.
My thoughts have many a time gone out to
you and the wild Tiree, especially since I narrowly
escaped being wrecked in the Firth of Clyde about
a month ago. It was that fearful Saturday, with
high tides. Lord Lome had asked me to join him
at Rosneath. After two successive boats had tried
in vain to make for the submerged pier of Kil-
creggan, we had to put back, amid such remarks
as : " Think yourself fortunate if you get to
Gourock. It will be all right if the paddle-wheels
hold out." I longed for the sturdy " Dunara,"
or " Hebridean." Made up my mind what to do.
Went off to Dr. Hugh McMillan and wife in
Greenock. My maid and I arrived 8 p.m., just
when the gale was at its height, and pleaded for
admittance, and a right royal welcome they gave
me. Such a delightful Sunday, and such sermons.
I felt indeed I had been brought into the haven
where I fain would be ! I joined Lome next day
at Rosneath. My conduct by him was voted
" plucky." My father said : " Monstrous," as he
was against my starting. I don't quite know
which version to take.
April, 1890.
I heard Dr. Norman Macleod the other day;
it was a feast ; and if he accepts this call to Inver-