`` Margaret Gordon died three years ago , and everybody in Lindsay went to the funeral . But they did n't see her . The coffin lid was screwed down . And they did n't see Kilmeny either . I would have loved to see HER for Margaret 's sake , but I did n't want to see poor Margaret . I had never seen her since the night she was a bride , for I had left Lindsay on a visit just after that , and what I came home the scandal had just broken out . I remembered Margaret in all her pride and beauty , and I could n't have borne to look at her dead face and see the awful changes I knew must be there . `` It was thought perhaps Janet and Thomas would take Kilmeny out after her mother was gone , but they never did , so I suppose they must have agreed with Margaret about the way she had been brought up . I 've often felt sorry for the poor girl , and I do n't think her people did right by her , even if she was mysteriously afflicted . She must have had a very sad , lonely life . `` That is the story , Master , and I 've been a long time telling it , as I dare say you think . But the past just seemed to be living again for me as I talked . If you do n't want to be pestered with questions about Kilmeny Gordon , Master , you 'd better not let on you 've seen her . '' Eric was not likely to . He had heard all he wanted to know and more . `` So this girl is at to core of a tragedy , '' he reflected , as he went to his room . `` And she is dumb ! The pity of it ! Kilmeny ! The name suits her .
She is as lovely and innocent XXXXX the heroine of the old ballad .
after as by for if in of on so to