Campbell; Or, the Scottish Probationer, a Novel [By A. Balfour].

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1819. Excerpt: ... had charitably fixed the epithet of witch, had the compassion to re-enter the church, and look for her. She found the poor girl, not absolutely in a faint, but in a stupor, sunk motionless on the seat. After a little attention, she so far recovered as to be able to stand when assisted to rise, and soon after to walk. She allowed the old woman to lead her, without either declining her assistance, or thanking her for her kindness. On arriving at home, she flew to the bed where her mother lay, covered her face with the clothes, and burst into a flood of tears. She retired early to bed, and was never again seen out of doors, till she became the mother of a boy, about three months after her appearance at church. Her mother had continued ill, and Flora's recovery was very slow. A message was sent to the young squire, who despatched a servant and nurse to receive the child. It was lying on its mother's bosom, and drawing that nourishment from her breast, which nature has so kindly provided: the unfeeling messenger attempted to snatch it from her--Flora held it with convulsive struggle--they loosed her hands--removed the infant--she shrieked and fainted away. She recovered from the swoon, but her reason was gone: she cried incessantly for her child, and blamed every one who entered the house for carrying away her Colin. Her restoration to health was now rapid; but every ray of reason seemed to be lost, except that she still retained the recollection of her baby, and called for him almost incessantly. As this idea haunted her day and night, utterly preventing sleep, it was suggested that a large painted doll should be substituted, in hopes that this would pacify her; and the scheme succeeded beyond expectation. From this doll she never parts; it rests on her boso...