Hearken，youngman，”shesaid；”yourfatherswereimplacable，buttheywerehonourable，foes；theysoughtnottoruintheirenemiesunderthemastofhospitality。”WhathaveyoutodowithLucyAshton？whyshouldyourstepsmoveinthesamefootpathwithhers？whyshouldyourvoicesoundinthesamechordandtimewiththoseofSirWilliamAshton’sdaughter？Youngman，hewhoaimsatrevengebydishonourablemeans——””Besilent，woman！”saidRavenswood，sternly；”itisthedevilthatpromptsyourvoice？Knowthatthisyoungladyhasnotonearthafriendwhowouldventurefarthertosaveherfrominjuryorfrominsult。””Andisitevenso？”saidtheoldwoman，inanalteredbutmelancholytone，”thenGodhelpyouboth！””Amen！Alice，”saidLucy，whohadnotcomprehendedtheimportofwhattheblindwomanhadhinted，”andsendyouyoursenses，Alice，andyourgoodhumour。Ifyouholdthismysteriouslanguage，insteadofwelcomingyourfriends，theywillthinkofyouasotherpeopledo。””Andhowdootherpeoplethink？”saidRavenswood，forhealsobegantobelievetheoldwomanspokewithincoherence。”Theythink，”saidHenryAshton，whocameupatthatmoment，andwhisperedintoRavenswood’sear，”thatsheisawitch，thatshouldhavebeenburnedwiththemthatsufferedatHaddington。””Whatisityousay？”saidAlice，turningtowardstheboy，hersightlessvisageinflamedwithpassion；”thatIamawitch，andoughttohavesufferedwiththehelplessoldwretcheswhoweremurderedatHaddington？””Heartothatnow，”againwhisperedHenry，”andmewhisperinglowerthanawrencheeps！””Iftheusurer，andtheoppressor，andthegrinderofthepoorman’sface，andtheremoverofancientlandmarks，andthesubverterofancienthouses，wereatthesamestakewithme，I
couldsay，’Lightthefire，inGod’sname！’””Thisisdreadful，”saidLucy；”Ihaveneverseenthepoordesertedwomaninthisstateofmind；butageandpovertycanillbearreproach。Come，Henry，wewillleaveherforthepresent；
shewishestospeakwiththeMasteralone。Wewillwalkhomeward，andrestus，”sheadded，lookingatRavenswood，”bytheMermaiden’sWell。””AndAlice，”saidtheboy，”ifyouknowofanyharethatcomesthroughamongthedeer，andmakesthemdroptheircalvesoutofseason，youmaytellher，withmycomplimentstocommand，thatifNormanhasnotgotasilverbulletreadyforher，I’lllendhimoneofmydoublet-buttonsonpurpose。”
Alicemadenoanswertillshewasawarethatthesisterandbrotherwereoutofhearing。ShethensaidtoRavenswood:”Andyou，too，areangrywithmeformylove？Itisjustthatstrangersshouldbeoffended，butyou，too，areangry！””Iamnotangry，Alice，”saidtheMaster，”onlysurprisedthatyou，whosegoodsenseIhaveehardsooftenpraised，shouldgivewaytooffensiveandunfoundedsuspicions。””Offensive！”saidAlice。”Ay，trustiseveroffensive；but，surely，notunfounded。””Itellyou，dame，mostgroundless，”repliedRavenswood。”Thentheworldhaschangeditswont，andtheRavenswoodstheirhereditarytemper，andtheeyesofOldAlice’sunderstandingareyetmoreblindthanthoseofhercountenance。
WhendidaRavenswoodseekthehouseofhisenemybutwiththepurposeofrevenge？andhitherareyoucome，EdgarRavenswood，eitherinfatalangerorinstillmorefatallove。””Inneither，”saidRavenswood，”Igiveyouminehonour——Imean，Iassureyou。”
Alicecouldnotseehisblushingcheek，butshenoticedhishestitation，andthatheretractedthepledgewhichheseemedatfirstdisposedtoattachtohisdenial。”Itisso，then，”shesaid，”andthereforesheistotarrybytheMermaiden’sWell！OftenhasitbeencalledaplacefataltotheraceofRavenswood——oftenhasitprovedso；butneverwasitlikelytoverifyoldsayingsasmuchasonthisday。””Youdrivemetomadness，Alice，”saidRavenswood；”youaremoresillyandmoresuperstitiousthanoldBalderstone。AreyousuchawretchedChristianastosupposeIwouldinthepresentdaylevywaragainsttheAshtonfamily，aswasthesanguinarycustomineldertimes？ordoyousupposemesofoolish，thatIcannotwalkbyayounglady’ssidewithoutplungingheadlonginlovewithher？””Mythoughts，”repliedAlice，”aremyown；andifmymortalsightisclosedtoobjectspresentwithme，itmaybeIcanlookwithmoresteadinessintofutureevents。Areyoupreparedtositlowestattheboardwhichwasonceyourfather’sown，unwillingly，asaconnexionandallyofhisproudsuccessor？Areyoureadytoliveonhisbounty；tofollowhiminthebye-pathsofintrigueandchicane，whichnonecanbetterpointouttoyou；
tognawthebonesofhispreywhenhehasdevouredthesubstance？
CanyousayasSirWilliamAshtonsays，thinkashethinks，voteashevotes，andcallyourfather’smurdereryourworshipfulfather-in-lawandreveredpatron？MasterofRavenswood，Iamtheeldestservantofyourhouse，andIwouldratherseeyoushroudedandcoffined！”
ThetumultinRavenswood’smindwasuncommonlygreat；shestruckuponandawakenedachordwhichhehadforsometimesuccessfullysilenced。Hestrodebackwardsandforwardsthroughthelittlegardenwithahastypace；andatlengthcheckinghimself，andstoppingrightoppositetoAlice，heexclaimed:”Woman！onthevergeofthegrave，dareyouurgethesonofyourmastertobloodandtorevenge？””Godforbid！”saidAlice，solemnly；”andthereforeIwouldhaveyoudepartthesefatalbounds，whereyourlove，aswellasyourhatred，threatenssuremischief，oratleastdisgrace，bothtoyourselfandothers。Iwouldshield，wereitinthepowerofthiswitheredhand，theAshtonsfromyou，andyoufromthem，andbothfromtheirownpassions。Youcanhavenothing——oughttohavenothing，incommonwiththem。Begonefromamongthem；andifGodhasdestinedvengeanceontheoppressor’shouse，donotyoubetheinstrument。””Iwillthinkonwhatyouhavesaid，Alice，”saidRavenswood，morecomposedly。”Ibelieveyoumeantrulyandfaithfullybyme，butyouurgethefreedomofanancientdomesticsomewhattoofar。Butfarewell；andifHeavenaffordmebettermeans，Iwillnotfailtocontributetoyourcomfort。”
Heattemptedtoputapieceofgoldintoherhand，whichsherefusedtoreceive；and，intheslightstruggleattendinghiswishtoforceituponher，itdroppedtotheearth。”Letitremainaninstantontheground，”saidAlice，astheMasterstoopedtoraiseit；”andbelieveme，thatpieceofgoldisanemblemofherwhomyoulove；sheisasprecious，Igrant，butyoumuststoopeventoabasementbeforeyoucanwinher。Forme，Ihaveaslittletodowithgoldaswithearthlypassions；
andthebestnewsthattheworldhasinstoreformeis，thatEdgarRavenswoodisanhundredmilesdistantfromtheseatofhisancestors，withthedeterminationneveragaintobeholdit。””Alice，”saidtheMaster，whobegantothinkthisearnestnesshadsomemoresecretcausethanarosefromanythingthattheblindwomancouldhavegatheredfromthiscasualvisit，”Ihaveheardyoupraisedbymymotherforyoursense，acuteness，andfidelity；youarenofooltostartatshadows，ortodreadoldsuperstitioussaws，likeCalebBalderstone；tellmedistinctlywheremydangerlies，ifyouareawareofanywhichistendingtowardsme。IfIknowmyself，IamfreefromallsuchviewsrespectingMissAshtonasyouimputetome。IhavenecessarybusinesstosettlewithSirWilliam；thatarranged，I
shalldepart，andwithaslittlewish，asyoumayeasilybelieve，toreturntoaplacefullofmelancholysubjectsofreflection，asyouhavetoseemehere。”
Alicebenthersightlesseyesontheground，andwasforsometimeplungedindeepmeditation。”Iwillspeakthetruth，”shesaidatlength，raisingupherhead——”Iwilltellyouthesourceofmyapprehensions，whethermycandourbeforgoodorforevil。
LucyAshtonlovesyou，LordofRavenswood！””Itisimpossible，”saidtheMaster。”Athousandcircumstanceshaveprovedittome，”repliedtheblindwoman。”Herthoughtshaveturnedonnooneelsesinceyousavedherfromdeath，andthatmyexperiencedjudgmenthaswonfromherownconversation。Havingtoldyouthis——ifyouareindeedagentlemanandyourfather’sson——youwillmakeitamovtiveforflyingfromherpresence。Herpassionwilldielikealampforwantofthattheflameshouldfeedupon；but，ifyouremainhere，herdestruction，oryours，orthatofboth，willbetheinevitableconsequenceofhermisplacedattachment。Itellyouthissecretunwillingly，butitcouldnothavebeenhidlongfromyourownobservation，anditisbetteryoulearnitfrommine。Depart，MasterofRavenswood；youhavemysecret。IfyouremainanhourunderSirWilliamAshton’sroofwithouttheresolutiontomarryhisdaughter，youareavillain；ifwiththepurposeofallyingyourselfwithkin，youareaninfatuatedandpredestinedfool。”
Sosaying，theoldblindwomanarose，asumedherstaff，and，totteringtoherhut，entereditandclosedthedoor，leavingRavenswoodtohisownreflections。
CHAPTERXX。
Lovelierinherownretiredabode……thanNaiadbythesideOfGrecianbrook——orLadyoftheMereLonesittingbytheshoresofoldromance。
WORDSWORTH。
THEmeditationsofRavenswoodwereofaverymixedcomplexion。Hesawhimselfatonceintheverydilemmawhichhehadforsometimefeltapprehensivehemightbeplacedin。ThepleasurehefeltinLucy’scompanyhadindeedapproachedtofascination，yetithadneveraltogethersurmountedhisinternalreluctancetowedwiththedaughterofhisfather’sfoe；andeveninforgivingSirWilliamAshtontheinjurieswhichhisfamilyhadreceived，andgivinghimcreditforthekindintentionsheprofessedtoentertain，hecouldnotbringhimselftocontemplateaspossibleanalliancebetwixttheirhouses。Still，hefeltthatAlicepoketruth，andthathishonournowrequiredheshouldtakeaninstantleaveofRavenswoodCastle，orbecomeasuitorofLucyAshton。Thepossibilityofbeingrejected，too，shouldhemakeadvancestoherwealthyandpowerfulfather——tosueforthehandofanAshtonandberefused——thiswereaconsummationtoodisgraceful。”Iwishherwell，”hesaidtohimself，”andforhersakeIforgivetheinjuriesherfatherhasdonetomyhouse；butIwillnever——no，neverseehermore！”
Withonebitterpangheadoptedthisresolution，justashecametowheretwopathsparted:theonetotheMermaiden’sFountain，whereheknewLucywaitedhim，theotherleadingtothecastlebyanotherandmorecircuitousroad。Hepausedaninstantwhenabouttotakethelatterpath，thinkingwhatapologyheshouldmakeforconductwhichmustneedsseemextraordinary，andhadjustmutteredtohimself，”SuddennewsfromEdinburgh——anypretextwillserve；onlyletmedallynolongerhere，”whenyoungHenrycameflyinguptohim，halfoutofbreath:”Master，MasteryoumustgiveLucyyourarmbacktothecastle，forI
cannotgivehermine；forNormaniswaitingforme，andIamtogowithhimtomakehisring-walk，andIwouldnotstayawayforagoldJacobus；andLucyisafraidtowalkhomealone，thoughallthewildnowthavebeenshot，andsoyoumustcomeawaydirectly。”
Betwixttwoscalesequallyloaded，afeather’sweightwillturnthescale。”Itisimpossibleformetoleavetheyoungladyinthewoodalone，”saidRavenswood；”toseeheroncemorecanbeoflittleconsequence，afterthefrequentmeetingswehavehad。
Iought，too，incourtesy，toappriseherofmyintentiontoquitthecastle。”
Andhavingthussatisfiedhimselfthathewastakingnotonlyawise，butanabsolutelynecessary，step，hetookthepathtothefatalfountain。Henrynosoonersawhimonthewaytojoinhissisterthanhewasofflikelightninginanotherdirection，toenjoythesocietyoftheforesterintheircongenialpursuits。Ravenswood，notallowinghimselftogiveasecondthoughttotheproprietyofhisownconduct，walkedwithaquicksteptowardsthestream，wherehefoundLucyseatedalonebytheruin。
Shesateupononeofthedisjointedstonesoftheancientfountain，andseemedtowatchtheprogressofitscurrent，asitbubbledforthtodaylight，ingayandsparklingprofusion，fromundertheshadowoftheribbedanddarksomevault，withwhichveneration，orperhapsremorse，hadcanopieditssource。Toasuperstitiouseye，LucyAshton，foldedinherplaidedmantle，withherlonghair，escapingpartlyfromthesnoodandfallinguponhersilverneck，mighthavesuggestedtheideaofthemurderedNymphofthefountain。ButRavenswoodonlysawafemaleexquisitelybeautiful，andrenderedyetmoresoinhiseyes——howcoulditbeotherwise？——bytheconsciousnessthatshehadplacedheraffectionsonhim。Ashegazedonher，hefelthisfixedresolutionmeltinglikewaxinthesun，andhastened，therefore，fromhisconcealmentintheneighbouringthicket。Shesalutedhim，butdidnotarisefromthestoneonwhichshewasseated。”Mymadcapbrother，”shesaid，”hasleftme，butIexpecthimbackinafewminutes；for，fortunately，asanythingpleaseshimforaminute，nothinghascharmsforhimmuchlonger。”
RavenswooddidnotfeelthepowerofinformingLucythatherbrothermeditatedadistantexcursion，andwouldnotreturninhaste。Hesatehimselfdownonthegrass，atsomelittledistancefromMissAshton，andbothweresilentforashortspace。”Ilikethisspot，”saidLucyatlength，asifshefoundthesilenceembarrassing；”thebubblingmurmuroftheclearfountain，thewavingofthetrees，theprofusionofgrassandwild-
flowersthatriseamongtheruins，makeitlikeasceneinromance。Ithink，too，IhavehearditisaspotconnectedwiththelegendarylorewhichIlovesowell。””Ithasbeenthought，”answeredRavenswood，”afatalspottomyfamily；andIhavesomereasontotermitso，foritwashereI
firstsawMissAshton；anditishereImusttakemyleaveofherforever。”
Theblood，whichthefirstpartofthisspeechcalledintoLucy’scheeks，wasspeedilyexpelledbyitsconclusion。”Totakeleaveofus，Master！”sheexclaimed；”whatcanhavehappenedtohurryyouaway？IknowAlicehates——Imeandislikesmyfather；andIhardlyunderstoodherhumourto-day，itwassomysterious。ButIamcertainmyfatherissincerelygratefulforthehighserviceyourenderedus。Ltmehopethat，havingwonyourfriendshiphardly，weshallnotloseitlightly。””Loseit，MissAshton！”saidtheMasterofRavenswood。”No；
wherevermyfortunecallsme——whateversheinflictsuponme——itisyourfriend——yoursincerefriend，whoactsorsuffers。Butthereisafateonme，andImustgo，orIshalladdtheruinofotherstomyown。””Yetdonotgofromus，Master，”saidLucy；andshelaidherhand，inallsimplicityandkindness，upontheskirtofhiscloak，asiftodetainhim。”Youshallnotpartfromus。Myfatherispowerful，hehasfriendstahtaremoresothanhimself；
donotgotillyouseewhathisgratitudewilldoforyou。
Believeme，heisalreadylabouringinyourbehalfwiththecouncil。””Itmaybeso，”saidtheMaster，proudly；”yetitisnottoyourfather，MissAshton，buttomyownexertions，thatIoughttoowesuccessinthecareeronwhichIamabouttoenter。Mypreparationsarealreadymade——aswordandacloak，andaboldheartandadeterminedhand。”
Lucycoveredherfaceherhands，andthetears，inspiteofher，forcedtheirwaybetweenherfingers。”Forgiveme，”saidRavenswood，takingherrighthand，which，afterslightresistance，sheyieldedtohim，stillcontinuingtoshadeherfacewiththeleft——”Iamtoorude——toorough——toointractabletodealwithanybeingsosoftandgentleasyouare。
Forgetthatsosternavisionhascrossedyourpathoflife；andletmepursuemine，surethatIcanmeetwithnoworsemisfortuneafterthemomentitdividesmefromyourside。”
Lucywepton，buthertearswerelessbitter。EachattemptwhichtheMastermadetoexplainhispurposeofdepartureonlyprovedanewevidenceofhisdesiretostay；until，atlength，insteadofbiddingherfarewell，hegavehisfaithtoherforever，andreceivedhertrothinreturn。Thewholepassedsosuddenly，andarosesomuchoutoftheimmediateimpulseofthemoment，thateretheMasterofRavenswoodcouldreflectupontheconsequencesofthestepwhichhehadtaken，theirlips，aswellastheirhands，hadpledgedthesincerityoftheiraffection。”Andnow，”hesaid，afteramoment’sconsideration，”itisfitI
shouldspeaktoSirWilliamAshton；hemustknowofourengagement。Ravenswoodmustnotseemtodwellunderhisrooftosolicitclandestinelytheaffectionsofhisdaughter。””Youwouldnotspeaktomyfatheronthesubject？”saidLucy，doubtingly；andthenaddedmorewarmly:”Ohdonot——donot！Letyourlotinlifebedetermined——yourstationandpurposeascertained，beforeyouaddressmyfather。Iamsurehelovesyou——Ithinkhewillconsent；butthenmymother——！”
Shepaused，ashamedtoexpressthedoubtshefelthowfarherfatherdaredtoformanypositiveresolutiononthismostimportantsubjectwithouttheconsentofhislady。”Yourmother，myLucy！”repliedRavenswood。”SheisofthehouseofDouglas，ahousethathasintermarriedwithmineevenwhenitsgloryandpowerwereatthehighest；whatcouldyourmotherobjecttomyalliance？””Ididnotsayobject，”saidLucy；”butsheisjealousofherrights，andmayclaimamother’stitletobeconsultedinthefirstinstance。””Beitso，”repliedRavenswood。”Londonisdistant，butaletterwillreachitandreceiveananswerwithinafortnight；I
willnotpressontheLordKeeperforaninstantreplytomyproposal。””But，”hesitatedLucy，”wereitnotbettertowait——towaitafewweeks？Weremymothertoseeyou——toknowyou，Iamsureshewouldapprove；butyouareunacquaintedpersonally，andtheancientfeudbetweenthefamilies——”
Ravenswoodfixeduponherhiskeendarkeyes，asifhewasdesirousofpenetratingintoherverysoul。”Lucy，”hesaid，”Ihavesacrificedtoyouprojectsofvengeancelongnursed，andsworntowithceremonieslittlebetterthanheathen——Isacrificedthemtoyourimage，ereIknewtheworthwhichitrepresented。Intheeveningwhichsucceededmypoorfather’sfuneral，Icutalockfrommyhair，and，asitconsumedinthefire，Isworethatmyrageandrevengeshouldpursuehisenemies，untiltheyshrivelledbeforemelikethatscorched-upsymbolofannihilation。””Itwasadeadlysin，”saidLucy，turningpale，”tomakeavowsofatal。””Iacknowledgeit，”saidRavenswood，”andithadbeenaworsecrimetokeepit。ItwasforyoursakethatIabjuredthesepurposesofvengeance，thoughIscarceknewthatsuchwastheargumentbywhichIwasconquered，untilIsawyouoncemore，andbecameocnsciousoftheinfluenceyoupossessedoverme。””Andwhydoyounow，”saidLucy，”recallsentimentssoterrible——
sentimentssoinconsistentwiththoseyouprofessforme——withthoseyourimportunityhasprevailedonmetoacknowledge？””Because，”saidherlover，”IwouldimpressonyouthepriceatwhichIhaveboughtyourlove——therightIhavetoexpectyourconstancy。IsaynotthatIhavebarteredforitthehonourofmyhouse，itslastremainingpossession；butthoughIsayitnot，andthinkitnot，Icannotconcealfrommyselfthattheworldmaydoboth。””Ifsuchareyoursentiments，”saidLucy，”youhaveplayedacruelgamewithme。Butitisnottoolatetogiveitover:takebackthefaithandtrothwhichyoucouldnotplighttomewithoutsufferingabatementofhonour——letwhatispassedbeasifithadnotbeen——forgetme；Iwillendeavourtoforgetmyself。””Youdomeinjustice，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood——”byallI
holdtrueandhonourable，youdometheextremityofinjustice；
ifImentionedthepriceatwhichIhaveboughtyourlove，itisonlytoshowhowmuchIprizeit，tobindourengagementbyastillfirmertie，andtoshow，bywhatIhavedonetoattainthisatationinyourregard，howmuchImustsuffershouldyoueverbreakyourfaith。””Andwhy，Ravenswood，”answeredLucy，”shouldyouthinkthatpossible？Whyshouldyouurgemewitheventhementionofinfidelity？IsitbecauseIaskyoutodelayapplyingtomyfatherforalittlespaceoftime？Bindmebywhatvowsyouplease；ifvowsareunnecessarytosecureconstancy，theymayyetpreventsuspicion。”
Ravenswoodpleaded，apologised，andevenkneeled，toappeaseherdispleasure；andlucy，asplacableasshewassingle-hearted，readilyforgavetheoffencewhichhisdoubtshadimplied。Thedisputethusagitated，however，endedbytheloversgoingthroughanemblematicceremonyoftheirtroth-plight，ofwhichthevulgarstillpreservesometraces。Theybrokebetwixtthemthethinbroad-pieceofgoldwhichAlicehadrefusedtoreceivefromRavenswood。”Andnevershallthisleavemybosom，”saidLucy，asshehungthepieceofgoldroundherneck，andconcealeditwithherhandkerchief，”untilyou，EdgarRavenswood，askmetoresignittoyou；and，whileIwearit，nevershallthatheartacknowledgeanotherlovethanyours。”
Withlikeprotestations，Ravenswoodplacedhisportionofthecoinoppositetohisheart。Andnow，atlength，itstruckthemthattimehadhurriedfastonduringthisinterview，andtheirabsenceatthecastlewouldbesubjectofremark，ifnotofalarm。Astheyarosetoleavethefountainwhichhadbeenwitnessoftheirmutualengagement，anarrowwhistledthroughtheair，andstruckaravenperchedontheserebranchofanoldoak，neartowheretheyhadbeenseated。ThebirdflutteredafewyardsanddroppedatthefeetofLucy，whosedresswasstainedwithsomespotsofitsblood。
MissAshtonwasmuchalarmed，andRavenswood，surprisedandangry，lookedeverywhereforthemarksman，whohadgiventhemaproofofhisskillaslittleexpectedasdesired。Hewasnotlongofdiscoveringhimself，beingnootherthanHenryAshton，whocamerunningupwithacrossbowinhishand。”IknewIshouldstartleyou，”hesaid；”anddoyouknow，youlookedsobusythatIhopeditwouldhavefallensouseonyourheadsbeforeyouwereawareofit。WhatwastheMastersayingtoyou，Lucy？””Iwastellingyoursisterwhatanidleladyouwere，keepinguswaitinghereforyousolong，”saidRavenswood，tosaveLucy’sconfusion。”Waitingforme！Why，ItoldyoutoseeLucyhome，andthatI
wastogotomakethering-walkwitholdNormanintheHayberrythicket，andyoumaybesurethatwouldtakeagoodhour，andwehaveallthedeer’smarksandfurnishesgot，whileyouweresittingherewithLucy，likealazyloon。””Well，well，Mr。Henry，”saidRavenswood；”butletusseehowyouwillanswertomeforkillingtheraven。Doyouknow，theravensareallundertheprotectionoftheLordsofRavenswood，andtokilloneintheirpresenceissuchbadluckthatitdeservesthestab？””Andthat’swhatNormansaid，”repliedtheboy；”hecameasfarwithmeaswithinaflight-shotofyou，andhesaidheneversawaravensitstillsonearlivingfolk，andhewisheditmightbeforgoodluck，fortheravenisoneofthewildestbirdsthatflies，unlessitbeatameone；andsoIcreptonandon，tillI
waswithinthreescoreyardsofhim，andthenwhizwentthebolt，andtherehelies，faith！Wasitnotwellshot？and，Idaresay，Ihavenotshotinacrossbow！——nottentimes，maybe。””Admirablyshot，indeed，”saidRavenswood；”andyouwillbeafinemarksmanifyoupractisehard。””Andthat’swhatNormansays，”answeredtheboy；”butIamsureitisnotmyfaultifIdonotpractiseenough；for，offreewill，Iwoulddolittleelse，onlymyfatherandtutorareangrysometimes，andonlyMissLucytheregivesherselfairsaboutmybeingbusy，forallshecansitidlebyawellsidethewholeday，whenshehasahandsomeyounggentlemantopratewith。Ihaveknownherdosotwentytimes，ifyouwillbelieveme。”
Theboylookedathissisterashespoke，and，inthemidstofhismischievouschatter，hadthesensetoseethathewasreallyinflictingpainuponher，thoughwithoutbeingabletocomprehendthecauseortheamount。”Comenow，Lucy，”hesaid，”don’tgreet；andifIhavesaidanythingbesidethemark，I’lldenyitagain；andwhatdoestheMasterofRavenswoodcareifyouhadahundredsweethearts？sone’erputfingerinyoureyeaboutit。”
TheMasterofRavenswoodwas，forthemoment，scarcesatisfiedwithwhatheheard；yethisgoodsensenaturallyregardeditasthechatterofaspoiltboy，whostrovetomortifyhissisterinthepointwhichseemedmostaccessibleforthetime。But，althoughofatemperequallyslowinreceivingimpressionsandobstinateinretainingthem，theprattleofHenryservedtonourishinhismindsomevaguesuspicionthathispresentengagementmightonlyendinhisbeingexposed，likeaconqueredenemyinaRomantriumph，acaptiveattendantonthecarofavictorwhomeditatedonlythesatiatinghisprideattheexpenseofthevanquished。Therewas，werepeatit，norealgroundwhateverforsuchanapprehension，norcouldhebesaidseriouslytoentertainsuchforamoment。Indeed，itwasimpossibletolookattheclearblueeyeofLucyAshton，andentertaintheslightestpermanentdoubtconcerningthesincerityofherdisposition。Still，however，consciousprideandconsciouspovertycombinedtorenderamindsuspeciouswhichinmorefortunatecircumstanceswouldhavebeenastrangertothataswellastoeveryothermeanness。
Theyreachedthecastle，whereSirWilliamAshton，whohadbeenalarmedbythelengthoftheirstay，mettheminthehall。”HadLucy，”hesaid，”beeninanyothercompanythanthatofonewhohadshownhehadsocompletepowerofprotectingher，heconfessedheshouldhavebeenveryuneasy，andwouldhavedespatchedpersonsinquestofthem。But，inthecompanyoftheMasterofRavenswood，heknewhisdaughterhadnothingtodread。”
Lucycommencedsomeapologyfortheirlongdelay，but，conscience-struck，becamesconfusedassheproceeded；andwhenRavenswood，comingtoherassistance，endeavouredtorendertheexplanationcompleteandsatisfactory，heonlyinvolvedhimselfinthesamedisorder，likeonewho，endeavouringtoextricatehiscompanionfromaslough，entangleshimselfinthesametenaciousswamp。Itcannotbesupposedthattheconfusionofthetwoyouthfulloversescapedtheobservationofthesubltelawyer，accustomed，byhabitandprofession，totracehumannaturethroughallherwindings。Butitwasnothispresentpolicytotakeanynoticeofwhatheobserved。HedesiredtoholdtheMasterofRavenswoodbound，butwishedthathehimselfshouldremainfree；anditdidnotoccurtohimthathisplanmightbedefeatedbyLucy’sreturningthepassionwhichhehopedshemightinspire。IfsheshouldadoptsomeromanticfeelingstowardsRavenswood，inwhichcircumstances，orthepositiveandabsoluteoppositionofLadyAshton，mightrenderitunadvisabletoindulgeher，theLordKeeperconceivedtheymightbeeasilysupersededandannulledbyajourneytoEdinburgh，oreventoLondon，anewsetofBrusselslace，andthesoftwhispersofhalfadozenlovers，anxioustoreplacehimwhomitwasconvenientsheshouldrenounce。Thiswashisprovisionfortheworstviewofthecase。
But，accordingtoitsmoreprobableissue，anypassingfavoursshemightentertainfortheMasterofRavenswoodmightrequireencouragementratherthanrepression。
Thisseemedthemorelikely，ashehadthatverymorning，sincetheirdeparturefromthecastle，receivedaletter，thecontentsofwhichhehastenedtocommunicatetoRavenswood。Afoot-posthadarrivedwithapackettotheLordKeeperfromthatfriendwhomwehavealreadymentioned，whowaslabouringhardunderhandtoconsolidateabandofpatriots，attheheadofwhomstoodSirWilliam’sgreatestterror，theactiveandambitiousMarquisofA。Thesuccessofthisconvenientfriendhadbeensuch，thathehadobtainedfromSirWilliam，notindeedadirectlyfavourableanswer，butcertainlyamostpatienthearing。
Thishehadreportedtohisprincipal，whohadrepliedbytheancientFrenchadage，”Chateauquiparle，etfemmequiecoute，l’unetl’autrevaserendre。”Astatesmanwhohearsyouproposeachangeofmeasureswithoutreplywas，accordingtotheMarquis’sopinion，inthesituationofthefortresswhichparleysandtheladywholistens，andheresolvedtopressthesiegeoftheLordKeeper。
Thepacket，therefore，containedaletterfromhisfriendandally，andanotherfromhimself，totheLordKeeper，franklyofferinganunceremoniousvisit。Theywerecrossingthecountrytogotothesouthward；theroadswereindifferent；theaccommodationoftheinnsasexecrableaspossible；theLordKeeperhadbeenlongacquaintedintimatelywithoneofhiscorrespondents，and，thoughmoreslightlyknowntotheMarquis，hadyetenoughofhislordship’sacquaintancetorenderthevisitsufficientlynatural，andtoshutthemouthsofthosewhomightbedisposedtoimputeittoapoliticalintrigue。Heinstantlyacceptedtheofferedvisit，determined，however，thathewouldnotpledgehimselfaninchfartherforthefurtheranceoftheirviewsthanREASONbywhichhemeanthisownself-interest
shouldplainlypointouttohimasproper。
Twocircumstancesparticularlydelightedhim——thepresenceofRavenswood，andtheabsenceofhisownlady。Byhavingtheformerunderhisroof，heconceivedhemightbeabletoquashallsuchhazardousandhostileproceedingsashemightotherwisehavebeenengagedin，underthepatronageoftheMarquis；andLucy，heforesaw，wouldmake，forhisimmediatepurposeofdelayandprocrastination，amuchbettermistressofhisfamilythanhermother，whowould，hewassure，insomeshapeorother，contrivetodisconcerthispoliticalschemesbyherproudandimplacabletemper。
HisanxioussolicitationsthattheMasterwouldstaytoreceivehiskinsman，were，ofcourse，readilycompliedwith，sincetheeclaircissementwhichhadtakenplaceattheMermaiden’sFountainhadremovedallwishforsuddendeparture。
LucyandLockhard，had，therefore，orderstoprovideallthingsnecessaryintheirdifferentdepartments，forreceivingtheexpectedguestswithapompanddisplayofluxuryveryuncommoninScotlandatthatremoteperiod。
CHAPTERXXI。
Marall:Sir，themanofhonour’scome，Newlyalighted——
Overreach:Inwithoutreply，AnddoasIcommand……
IstheloudmusicIgaveorderforReadytoreceivehim？
NewWaytopayOldDebts。
SIRWILLIAMASHTON，althoughamanofsense，legalinformation，andgreatpracticalknowledgeoftheworld，hadyetsomepointsofcharacterwhichcorrespondedbetterwiththetimidityofhisdispositionandthesuppleartsbywhichhehadrisenintheworld，thantothedegreeofeminencewhichhehadattained；astheytendedtoshowanoriginalmediocrityofunderstanding，howeverhighlyithadbeencultivated，andanativemeannessofdisposition，howevercarefullyveiled。Helovedtheostentatiousdisplayofhiswealth，lessasamantowhomhabithasmadeitnecessary，thanasonetowhomitisstilldelightfulfromitsnovelty。Themosttrivialdetailsdidnotescapehim；andLucysoonlearnedtowatchtheflushofscornwhichcrossedRavenswood’scheek，whenheheardherfathergravelyarguingwithLockhard，nay，evenwiththeoldhousekeeper，uponcircumstanceswhich，infamiliesofrank，areleftuncaredfor，becauseitissupposedimpossibletheycanbeneglected。”IcouldpardonSirWilliam，”saidRavenswood，oneeveningafterhehadlefttheroom，”somegeneralanxietyuponthisoccasion，fortheMarquis’svisitisanhonour，andshouldbereceivedassuch；butIamwornoutbythesemiserableminutiaeofthebuttery，andthelarder，andtheveryhencoop——theydrivemebeyondmypatience；IwouldratherendurethepovertyofWolf’sCragthanbepesteredwiththewealthofRavenswoodCastle。””Andyet，”saidLucy，”itwasbyattentiontotheseminutiaethatmyfatheracquiredtheproperty——””Whichmyancestorssoldforlackofit，”repliedRavenswood。”Beitso；aporterstillbearsbutaburden，thoughtheburdenbeofgold。”
Lucysighed；sheperceivedtooplainlythatherloverheldinscornthemannersandhabitsofafathertowhomshehadlonglookedupasherbestandmostpartialfriend，whosefondnesshadoftenconsoledherforhermother’scontemptuousharshness。
Theloverssoondiscoveredthattheydiffereduponotherandnolessimportanttopics。Religion，themotherofpeace，was，inthosedaysofdiscord，somuchmisconstruedandmistaken，thatherrulesandformswerethesubjectofthemostoppositeopinionsandthemosthotsileanimosities。TheLordKeeper，beingaWhig，was，ofcourse，aPresbyterian，andhadfounditconvenient，atdifferentperiods，toexpressgreaterzealforthekirkthanperhapshereallyfelt。Hisfamily，equallyofcourse，weretrainedunderthesameinstitution。Ravenswood，asweknow，wasaHighChurchman，orEpiscopalian，andfrequentlyobjectedtoLucythefanaticismofsomeofherowncommunion，whilesheintimated，ratherthanexpressed，horroratthelatitudinarianprincipleswhichshehadbeentaughttothinkconnectedwiththeprelaticalformofchurchgovernment。
Thus，althoughtheirmutualaffectionseemedtoincreaseratherthantobediminishedastheircharactersopenedmorefullyoneachother，thefeelingsofeachweremingledwithsomelessagreeableingredients。Lucyfeltasecretawe，amidallheraffectionforRavenswood。Hissoulwasofanhigher，proudercharacterthanthosewiththomshehadhithertomixedinintercourse；hisideasweremorefierceandfree；andhecontemnedmanyoftheopinionswhichhadbeeninculcateduponheraschieflydemandingherveneration。Ontheotherhand，RavenswoodsawinLucyasoftandflexiblecharacter，which，inhiseyesatleast，seemedtoosusceptibleofbeingmouldedtoanyformbythosewithwhomshelived。Hefeltthathisowntemperrequiredapartnerofamoreindependentspirit，whocouldsetsailwithhimonhiscourseoflife，resolvedashimselftodareindifferentlythestormandthefavouringbreeze。ButLucywassobeautiful，sodevoutlyattachedtohim，ofatempersoexquisitelysoftandkind，that，whilehecouldhavewisheditwerepossibletoinspireherwithagreaterdegreeoffirmnessandresolution，andwhilehesometimesbecameimpatientoftheextremefearwhichsheexpressedoftheirattachmentbeingprematurelydiscovered，hefeltthatthesoftnessofamind，amountingalmosttofeebleness，renderedherevendearertohim，asabeingwhohadvoluntarilyclungtohimforprotection，andmadehimthearbiterofherfateforwealorwoe。HisfeelingstowardsheratsuchmomentswerethosewhichhavebeensincesobeautifullyexpressedbyourimmortalJoannaBaillie:
Thousweetestthing，Thate’erdidfixitslightly-fibredspraysTotheruderock，ah！wouldstthouclingtome？
Roughandstorm-wornIam；yetlovemeasThoutrulydost，IwilllovetheeagainWithtrueandhonestheart，thoughallunmeetTobethemateofsuchsweetgentleness。
Thustheverypointsinwhichtheydifferedseemed，insomemeasure，toensurethecontinuanceoftheirmutualaffection。
If，indeed，theyhadsofullyappreciatedeachother’scharacterbeforetheburstofpassioninwhichtheyhastilypledgedtheirfaithtoeachother，LucymighthavefearedRavenswoodtoomuchevertohavelovedhim，andhemighthaveconstruedhersoftnessanddociletemperasimbecility，renderingherunworthyofhisregard。Buttheystoodpledgedtoeachother；andLucyonlyfearedthatherlover’spridemightonedayteachhimtoregrethisattachment；Ravenswood，thatamindsoductileasLucy’smight，inabsenceordifficulties，beinduced，bytheentreatiesorinfluenceofthosearoundher，torenouncetheengagementshehadformed。”Donotfearit，”saidLucy，whenupononeoccasionahintofsuchsuspicionescapedherlover；”themirrorswhichreceivethereflectionofallsuccessiveobjectsareframedofhardmaterialslikeglassorsteel；thesoftersubstances，whentheyreceiveanimpression，retainitundefaced。””Thisispoetry，Lucy，”saidRavenswood；”andinpoetrythereisalwaysfallacy，andsometimesfiction。””Believeme，then，oncemore，inhonestprose，”saidLucy，”that，thoughIwillneverwedmanwithouttheconsentofmyparents，yetneitherforcenorpersuasionshalldisposeofmyhandtillyourenouncetherightIhavegivenyoutoit。”
Thelovershadampletimeforsuchexplanations。Henrywasnowmoreseldomtheircompanion，beingeitheramostunwillingattendantuponthelessonsofhistutor，oraforwardvolunteerundertheinstructionsoftheforestersorgrooms。AsfortheKeeper，hismorningswerespentinhisstudy，maintainingcorrespondencesofallkinds，andbalancinginhisanxiousmindthevariousintelligencewhichhecollectedfromeveryquarterconcerningtheexpectedchangeofScottishpolitics，andtheprobablestrengthofthepartieswhowereabouttostruggleforpower。Atothertimeshebusiedhimselfaboutarranging，andcoutermanding，andthenagainarranging，thepreparationswhichhejudgednecessaryforthereceptionoftheMarquisofA——，whosearrivalhadbeentwicedelayedbysomenecessarycauseofdetention。
Inthemidstofallthesevariousavocations，politicalanddomestic，heseemednottoobservehowmuchhisdaughterandhisguestwerethrownintoeachother’ssociety，andwascensuredbymanyofhisneighbours，accordingtothefashionofneighboursinallcountries，forsufferingsuchanintimateconnexiontotakeplacebetwixttwoyoungpersons。Theonlynaturalexplanationwas，thathedesignedthemforeachother；while，intruth，hisonlymotivewastotemporiseandprocrastinateuntilheshoulddiscovertherealextentoftheinterestwhichtheMarquistookinRavenswood’saffairs，andthepowerwhichhewaslikelytopossessofadvancingthem。Untilthesepointsshouldbemadebothclearandmanifest，theLordKeeperresolvedthathewoulddonothingtocommithimself，eitherinoneshapeorother；and，likemanycunningpersons，heoverreachedhimselfdeplorably。
Amongstthosewhohadbeendisposedtocensure，withthegreatestseverity，theconductofSirWilliamAshton，inpermittingtheprolongedresidenceofRavenswoodunderhisroof，andhisconstantattendanceonMissAshton，wasthenewLairdofGirnington，andhisfaithfulsquireandbottleholder，personagesformerlywellknowntousbythenamesofHaystonandBucklaw，andhiscompanionCaptainCraigengelt。Theformerhadatlengthsucceededtotheextensivepropertyofhislong-livedgrand-aunt，andtoconsiderablewealthbesides，whichhehademployedinredeeminghispaternalacresbythetitleappertainingtowhichhestillchosetobedesignated，notwithstandingCaptainCraigengelthadproposedtohimamostadvantageousmodeofvestingthemoneyinLaw’sscheme，whichwasjustthenbroached，andofferedhisservicestotravelexpresstoParisforthepurpose。ButBucklawhadsofarderivedwisdomfromadversity，thathewouldlistentonoproposalwhichCraigengeltcouldinvent，whichhadtheslightesttendencytoriskhisnewly-
acquiredindependence。Hethathadonceeatpease-bannocks，dranksourwine，andsleptinthesecretchamberatWolf’sCrag，would，hesaid，prizegoodcheerandasoftbedaslongashelived，andtakespecialcarenevertoneedsuchhospitalityagain。
Craigengelt，therefore，foundhimselfdisappointedinthefirsthopeshehadentertainedofmakingagoodhandoftheLairdofBucklaw。Still，however，hereapedmanyadvantagesfromhisfriend’sgoodfortune。Bucklaw，whohadneverbeenatallscrupulousinchoosinghiscompanions，wasaccustomedto，andentertainedby，afellowwhomhecouldeitherlaughwithorlaughatashehadamind，whowouldtake，accordingtoScottishphrase，”thebitandthebuffet，”understoodallsports，whetherwithinorwithoutdoors，and，whenthelairdhadamindforabottleofwinenoinfrequentcircumstance，wasalwaysreadytosavehimfromthescandalofgettingdrunkbyhimself。Upontheseterms，Craigengeltwasthefrequent，almosttheconstant，inmateofthehouseofGirnington。
Innotime，andundernopossibilityofcircumstances，couldgoodhavebeenderivedfromsuchanintimacy，howeveritsbadconsequencesmightbequalifiedbythethoroughknowledgewhichBucklawpossessedofhisdependant’scharacter，andthehighcontemptinwhichheheldit。But，ascircumstancesstood，thisevilcommunicationwasparticularlyliabletocorruptwhatgoodprinciplesnaturehadimplantedinthepatron。
CraigengelthadneverforgiventhescornwithwhichRavenswoodhadtornthemaskofcourageandhonestyfromhiscountenance；andtoexasperateBucklaw’sresentmentagainsthimwasthesafestmodeofrevengewhichoccurredtohiscowardly，yetcunningandmalignant，disposition。
HebroughtuponalloccasionsthestoryofthechallengewhichRavenswoodhaddeclinedtoaccept，andendeavoured，byeverypossibleinsinuation，tomakehispatronbelievethathishonourwasconcernedinbringingthatmattertoanissuebyapresentdiscussionwithRavenswood。ButrespectingthissubjectBucklawimposedonhim，atlength，aperemptorycommandofsilence。”Ithink，”hesaid，”theMasterhastreatedmeunlikeagentleman，andIseenorighthehadtosendmebackacavalieranswerwhenIdemandedthesatisfactionofone。Buthegavememylifeonce；and，inlookingthematteroveratpresent，Iputmyselfbutonequaltermswithhim。Shouldhecrossmeagain，I
shallconsidertheoldaccomptasbalanced，andhisMastershipwilldowelltolooktohimself。””Thatheshould，”re-echoedCraigengelt；”forwhenyouareinpractice，Bucklaw，Iwouldbetamagnumyouarethroughhimbeforethethirdpass。””Thenyouknownothingofthematter，”saidBucklaw，”andyouneversawhimfence。””AndIknownothingofthematter？”saidthedependant——”agoodjest，Ipromiseyou！AndthoughIneversawRavenswoodfence，haveInotbeenatMonsieurSagoon’sschool，whowasthefirstmaitred’armesatParis；andhaveInotbeenatSignorPoco’satFlorence，andMeinheerDurchstossen’satVienna，andhaveI
notseenalltheirplay？””Idon’tknowwhetheryouhaveornot，”saidBucklaw；”butwhataboutit，thoughyouhad？””OnlythatIwillbed——difeverIsawFrench，Italian，orHigh-Dutchmanevermakefoot，hand，andeyekeeptimehalfsowellasyou，Bucklaw。””Ibelieveyoulie，Craigie，”saidBucklaw；”however，Icanholdmyown，bothwithsinglerapier，backsword，swordanddagger，broadsword，orcaseoffalchions——andthat’sasmuchasanygentlemanneedknowofthematter。””Andthedoubltofwhatninety-nineoutofahundredknow，”saidCraigengelt；”theylearntochanageafewthrustswiththesmallsword，andthen，forsooth，theyunderstandthenobleartofdefence！Now，whenIwasatRouenintheyear1695，therewasaChevalierdeChaponandIwenttotheopera，wherewefoundthreebitsofEnglishbirkies——””Isitalongstoryyouaregoingtotell？”saidBucklaw，interruptinghimwithoutceremony。”Justasyoulike，”answeredtheparasite，”forwemadeshortworkofit。””ThenIlikeitshort，”saidBucklaw。”Isitseriousormerry？””Devilishserious，Iassureyou，andsotheyfoundit；fortheChevalierandI——””ThenIdon’tlikeitatall，”saidBucklaw；”sofillabrimmerofmyauldauntie’sclaret，restherheart！And，astheHielandmansays，Skiochdochnaskiall。””ThatwaswhattougholdSirEvenDhuusedtosaytomewhenI
wasoutwiththemetall’dladsin1689。’Craigengelt，’heusedtosay，’youareasprettyafellowaseverheldsteelinhisgrip，butyouhaveonefault。’””IfhehadknownyouaslongasIhavedon，”saidBucklaw，”hewouldhavefoundoutsometwentymore；buthandlongstories，giveusyourtoast，man。”
Craigengeltrose，wenta-tiptoetothedoor，peepedout，shutitcarefully，camebackagain，clappedhistarnishedgold-lacedhatononesideofhishead，tookhisglassinonehand，andtouchingthehiltofhishangerwiththeother，named，”TheKingoverthewater。””Itellyouwhatitis，CaptainCraigengelt，”saidBucklaw；”I
shallkeepmymindtomyselfonthsesubjects，havingtoomuchrespectforthememoryofmyvenerableAuntGirningtontoputherlandsandtenementsinthewayofcommittingtreasonagainstestablishedauthority。BringmeKingJamestoEdinburgh，Captain，withthirtythousandmenathisback，andI’lltellyouwhatIthinkabouthistitle；butasforrunningmyneckintoanoose，andmygoodbroadlandsintothestatutorypenalties，’inthatcasemadeandprovided，’relyuponit，youwillfindmenosuchfool。So，whenyoumeantovapourwithyourhangerandyourdram-cupinsupportoftreasonabletoasts，youmustfindyourliquorandcompanyelsewhere。””Well，then，”saidCraigengelt，”namethetoastyourself，andbeitwhatitlike，I’llpledgeyou，wereitamiletothebottom。””AndI’llgiveyouatoastthatdeservesit，myboy，”saidBucklaw；”whatsayyoutoMissLucyAshton？””Upwithit，”saidtheCaptain，ashetossedoffhisbrimmer，”thebonniestlassinLothian！WhatapitytheoldsneckdrawingWhigamore，herfather，isabouttothrowherawayuponthatragofprideandbeggary，theMasterofRavenswood！””That’snotquitesoclear，”saidBucklaw，inatonewhich，thoughitseemedindifferent，excitedhiscompanion’seagercuriosity；andnotthatonly，butalsohishopeofworkinghimselfintosoemsortofconfidence，whichmightmakehimnecessarytohispatron，beingbynomeanssatisfiedtorestonmeresufferance，ifhecouldformbyartorindustryamorepermanenttitletohisfavour。”Ithought，”saidhe，afteramoment’spause，”thatwasasettledmatter；theyarecontinuallytogether，andnothingelseisspokenofbetwixtLammerLawandTraprain。””Theymaysaywhattheyplease，”repliedhispatron，”butIknowbetter；andI’llgiveyouMissLucyAshton’shealthagain，myboy。””AndIwouldrinkitonmyknee，”saidCraigengelt，”ifI
thoughtthegirlhadthespirittojiltthatd——dsonofaSpaniard。””Iamtorequestyouwillnotusetheword’jilt’andMissAshton’snametogether，”saidBucklaw，gravely。”Jilt，didIsay？Discard，myladofacres——byJove，Imeanttodiscard，”repliedCraigengelt；”andIhopeshe’lldiscardhimlikeasmallcardatpiquet，andtakeinthekingofhearts，myboy！Butyet——””Butwhat？”saidhispatron。”ButyetIknowforcertaintheyarehourstogetheralone，andinthewoodsandthefields。””That’sherfoolishfather’sdotage；thatwillbesoonputoutofthelass’shead，ifitevergetsintoit，”answeredBucklaw。”Andnowfillyourglassagain，Captain；Iamgoingtomakeyouhappy；Iamgoingtoletyouintoasecret——aplot——anoosingplot——onlythenooseisbuttypical。””Amarryingmatter？”saidCraigengelt，andhisjawfellasheaskedthequestion，forhesuspectedthatmatrimonywouldrenderhissituationatGirningtonmuchmoreprecariousthanduringthejollydaysofhispatron’sbachelorhood。”Ay，amarriage，man，”saidBucklaw；”butwhereforedroopstheymightspirit，andwhygrowtherubiesontheycheeksopale？
Theboardwillhaveacorner，andthecornerwillhaveatrencher，andthetrencherwillhaveaglassbesideit；andtheboard-endshallbefilled，andthetrencherandtheglassshallbereplenishedforthee，ifallthepetticoatsinLothianhadswornthecontrary。What，man！Iamnottheboytoputmyselfintoleading-strings。””Sosaysmanyanhonestfellow，”saidCraigengelt，”andsomeofmyspecialfriends；but，cursemeifIknowthereason，thewomencouldneverbearme，andalwayscontrivedtotrundlemeoutoffavourbeforethehoneymoonwasover。””Ifyoucouldhavekeptyourgroundtillthatwasover，youmighthavemadeagoodyear’spension，”saidBucklaw。”ButInevercould，”answeredthedejectedparasite。”TherewasmyLordCastle-Cuddy——wewerehandandglove:Irodehishorses，borrowedmoneybothforhimandfromhim，trainedhishawks，andtaughthimhowtolayhisbets；andwhenhetookafancyofmarrying，ImarriedhimtoKatieGlegg，whomIthoughtmyselfassureofasmancouldbeofwoman。Egad，shehadmeoutofthehouse，asifIhadrunonwheels，withinthefirstfortnight！””Well！”repliedBucklaw，”IthinkIhavenothingofCastle-
Cuddyaboutme，orLucyofKatieGlegg。Butyouseethethingwillgoonwhetheryoulikeitorno；theonlyquestionis，willyoubeuseful？””Useful！”exclaimedtheCaptain，”andtothee，myladoflands，mydarlingboy，whomIwouldtrampbarefootedthroughtheworldfor！Nametime，place，mode，andcircumstances，andseeifI
willnotbeusefulinallusesthatcanbedevised。””Why，then，youmustridetwohundredmilesforme，”saidthepatron。”Athousand，andcallthemaflea’sleap，”answeredthedependant；”I’llcausesaddlemyhorsedirectly。””Betterstaytillyouknowwhereyouaretogo，andwhatyouaretodo，”quothBucklaw。”YouknowIhaveakinswomaninNorthumberland，LadyBlenkensopbyname，whoseoldacquaintanceI
hadthemisfortunetoloseintheperiodofmypoverty，butthelightofwhosecountenanceshoneforthuponmewhenthesunofmyprosperitybegantoarise。””D——nallsuchdouble-facedjades！”exclaimedCraigengelt，heroically；”thisIwillsayforJohnCraigengelt，thatheishisfriend’sfriendthroughgoodreportandbadreport，povertyandriches；andyouknowsomethingofthatyourself，Bucklaw。””Ihavenotforgotyourmerits，”saidhispatron；”Idorememberthat，inmyextremities，youhadamindtoCRIMPmefortheserviceoftheFrenchking，orofthePretender；and，moreover，thatyouafterwardslentmeascoreofpieces，when，asIfirmlybelieve，youhadheardthenewsthatoldLadyGirningtonhadatouchofthedeadpalsy。Butdon’tbedowncast，John；I
believe，afterall，youlikemeverywellinyourway，anditismymisfortunetohavenobettercounselloratpresent。ToreturntothisLadyBlenkensop，youmustknow，sheisacloseconfederateofDuchessSarah。””What！ofSallJennings？”exclaimedCraigengelt；”thenshemustbeagoodone。””Holdyourtongue，andkeepyourToryrantstoyourself，ifitbepossible，”saidBucklaw。”Itellyou，thatthroughtheDuchessofMarlboroughhasthisNorthumbriancousinofminebecomeacronyofLadyAshton，theKeeper’swife，or，Imaysay，theLordKeeper’sLadyKeeper，andshehasfavouredLadyBlenkensopwithavisitonherreturnfromLondon，andisjustnowatheroldmansion-houseonthebanksfotheWansbeck。Now，sir，asithasbeentheuseandwontoftheseladiestoconsidertheirhusbandsasofnoimportanceinthemanagementoftheirownfamilies，ithasbeentheirpresentpleasure，withoutconsultingSirWilliamAshton，toputonthetapisamatrimonialalliance，tobeconcludedbetweenLucyAshtonandmyownrighthonourableself，LadyAshtonactingasself-constitutedplenipotentiaryonthepartofherdaughterandhusband，andMotherBlenkensop，equallyunaccredited，doingmethehonourtobemyrepresentative。YoumaysupposeIwasalittleastonishedwhenI
foundthatatreaty，inwhichIwassoconsiderablyinterested，hadadvancedagoodwaybeforeIwasevenconsulted。””Capotme！ifIthinkthatwasaccordingtotherulesofthegame，”saidhisconfidant；”andpray，whatanswerdidyoureturn？””Why，myfirstthoughtwastosendthetreatytothedevil，andthenegotiatorsalongwithit，foracoupleofmeddlingoldwomen；mynextwastolaughveryhearily；andmythirdandlastwasasettledopinionthatthethingwasreasonable，andwouldsuitmewellenough。””Why，Ithoughtyouhadneverseenthewenchbutonce，andthenshehadherriding-maskon；Iamsureyoutoldmeso。””Ay，butIlikedherverywellthen。AndRavenswood’sdirtyusageofme——shuttingmeoutofdoorstodinewiththelackeys，becausehehadtheLordKeeper，forsooth，andhisdaughter，tobeguestsinhisbeggarlycastleofstarvation，——d——nme，Craigengelt，ifIeverforgivehimtillIplayhimasgoodatrick！””Nomoreyoushould，ifyouarealadofmettle，”saidCraigengelt，thematternowtakingaturninwhichhecouldsympathise；”andifyoucarrythiswenchfromhim，itwillbreakhisheart。””Thatitwillnot，”saidBucklaw；”hisheartisallsteeledoverwithreasonandphilosophy，thingsthatyou，Craigie，knownothingaboutmorethanmyself，Godhelpme。Butitwillbreakhispride，though，andthat’swhatI’mdrivingat。””Distanceme！”saidCraigengelt，”butIknowthereasonnowofhisunmannerlybehaviourathisoldtumble-downtoweryonder。
Ashamedofyourcompany？——no，no！Gad，hewasafraidyouwouldcutinandcarryoffthegirl。””Eh！Craigengelt？”saidBucklaw，”doyoureallythinkso？butno，no！heisadevilishdealprettiermanthanIam。””Who——he？”exclaimedtheparasite。”He’sasblackasthecrook；
andforhissize——he’satallfellow，tobesure，butgivemealight，stout，middle-sized——””Plagueonthee！”saidBucklaw，interruptinghim，”andonmeforlisteningtoyou！YouwouldsayasmuchifIwerehunch-
backed。ButastoRavenswood——hehaskeptnotermswithme，I’llkeepnonewithhim；ifICANwinthisgirlfromhim，IWILLwinher。””Winher！’sblood，youSHALLwinher，point，quint，andquatorze，mykingoftrumps；youshallpique，repique，andcapothim。””Prithee，stopthygamblingcantforoneinstant，”saidBucklaw。”Thingshavecomethusfar，thatIhaveentertainedtheproposalofmykinswoman，agreedtothetermsofjointure，amountoffortune，andsoforth，andthattheaffairistogoforwardwhenLadyAshtoncomesdown，forshetakesherdaughterandhersoninherownhand。Nowtheywantmetosendupaconfidentialpersonwithsomewritings。””Bythisgoodwin，I’llridetotheendoftheworld——theverygatesofJericho，andthejudgment-seatofPresterJohn，forthee！”ejaculatedtheCaptain。”Why，Ibelieveyouwoulddosomethingforme，andagreatdealforyourself。Now，anyonecouldcarrythewritings；butyouwillhavealittlemoretodo。YoumustcontrivetodropoutbeforemyLadyAshton，justasifitwereamatteroflittleconsequence，theresidenceofRavenswoodatherhusband’shouse，andhiscloseintercoursewithMissAshton；andyoumaytellherthatallthecountrytalksofavisitfromtheMarquisofA——，asitissupposed，tomakeupthematchbetwixtRavenswoodandherdaughter。Ishouldliketohearwhatshesaystoallthis；
for，ratme！ifIhaveanyideaofstartingfortheplateatallifRavenswoodistowintherace，andhehasoddsagainstmealready。””Neverabit；thewenchhastoomuchsense，andinthatbeliefI
drinkherhealthathirdtime；and，weretimeandplacefitting，Iwoulddrinkitonbendedknees，andhethatwouldnotpledgeme，Iwouldmakehisgutsgarterhisstockings。””Harkye，Craigengelt；asyouaregoingintothesocietyofwomenofrank，”saidBucklaw，”I’llthankyoutoforgetyourstrangeblackguardoathsand’damme’s。’I’llwritetothem，though，thatyouareablunt，untaughtfellow。””Ay，ay，”repliedCraigengelt——”aplain，blunt，honest，downrightsoldier。””Nottoohonest，nottoomuchofthesoldierneither；butsuchasthouart，itismylucktoneedthee，forImusthavespursputtoLadyAshton’smotions。””I’lldashthemuptotherowel-heads，”saidCraigengelt；”sheshallcomehereatthegallop，likeacowchasedbyawholenestofhornets，andhertailoverherrumplikeacorkscrew。””Andhearye，Craigie，”saidBucklaw；”yourbootsanddoubletaregoodenoughtodrinkin，asthemansaysintheplay，buttheyaresomewhattoogreasyfortea-tableservice；prithee，getthyselfalittlebetterriggedout，andhereistopayallcharges。””Nay，Bucklaw；onmysoul，man，youusemeill。However，”addedCraigengelt，pocketingthemoney，”ifyouwillhavemesofarindebtedtoyou，Imustbeconforming。””Well，horseandaway！”saidthepatron，”sosoonasyouhavegotyourridingliveryintrim。Youmayridetheblackcrop-ear；
and，harkye，I’llmakeyouapresentofhimtoboot。””Idrinktothegoodluckofmymission，”answeredtheambassador，”inahalf-pintbumper。””Ithankye，Craigie，andpledgeyou；Iseenothingagainstitbutthefatherorthegirltakingatantrum，andIamtoldthemothercanwindthembothroundherlittlefinger。TakecarenottoaffrontherwithanyofyourJacobitejargon。””Oh，ay，true——sheisaWhig，andafriendofoldSallofMarlborough；thankmystars，Icanhoistanycoloursatapinch！
IhavefoughtashardunderJohnChurchillaseverIdidunderDundeeortheDukeofBerwick。””Iverilybelieveyou，Craigie，”saidthelordofthemansion；”but，Craigie，doyou，pray，stepdowntothecellar，andfetchusupabottleoftheBurgundy，1678；itisinthefourthbinfromtheright-handturn。AndIsay，Craigie，youmayfetchuphalfadozenwhilstyouareaboutit。Egad，we’llmakeanighton’t！”
CHAPTERXXII。
Andsoontheyspiedthemerry-mengreen，Andekethecoachandfour。
DukeuponDuke。
CRAIGENGELTsetforthonhismissionsosoonashisequipagewascomplete，prosecutedhisjourneywithalldiligence，andaccomplishedhiscommissionwithallthedexterityforwhichbucklawhadgivenhimcredit。AshearrivedwithcredentialsfromMr。HaystonofBucklaw，hewasextremelywelcometobothladies；andthosewhoareprejudicedinfavourofanewacquaintancecan，foratimeatleast，discoverexcellenciesinhisveryfaultsandperfectionsinhisdeficiencies。Althoughbothladieswereaccustomedtogoodsociety，yet，beingpre-determinedtofindoutanagreeableandwell-behavedgentlemaninMr。Hayston’sfriend，theysucceededwonderfullyinimposingonthemselves。ItistruethatCraigengeltwasnowhandsomelydressed，andthatwasapointofnosmallconsequence。But，independentofoutwardshow，hisblackguardimpudenceofaddresswasconstruedintohonourablebluntness。becominghissupposedmilitaryprofession；hishectoringpassedforcourage，andhissaucinessforwit。Lest，however，anyoneshouldthinkthisaviolationofprobability，wemustadd，infairnesstothetwoladies，thattheirdiscernmentwasgreatlyblinded，andtheirfavourpropitiated，bytheopportunearrivalofCaptainCraigengeltinthemomentwhentheywerelongingforathirdhandtomakeapartyattredrille，inwhich，asinallgames，whetherofchanceorskill，thatworthypersonwasagreatproficient。
Whenhefoundhimselfestablishedinfavour，hisnextpointwashowbesttouseitforthefurtheranceofhispatron’sviews。
HefoundLadyAshtonprepossessedstronglyinfavourofthemotionwhichLadyBlenkensop，partlyfromregardtoherkinswoman，partlyfromthespiritofmatch-making，hadnothesitatedtoproposetoher；sothathistaskwasaneasyone。
Bucklaw，reformedfromhisprodigality，wasjustthesortofhusbandwhichshedesiredtohaveforherShepherdessofLammermoor；andwhilethemarriagegaveheraneasyfortune，andarespectablecountrygentlemanforherhusband，LadyAshtonwasofopinionthatherdestinieswouldbefullyandmostfavourablyaccomplished。Itsochanced，also，thatBucklaw，amonghisnewacquisitions，hadgainedthemanagementofalittlepoliticalinterestinaneighbouringcountywheretheDouglasfamilyoriginallyheldlargepossessions。Itwasoneofthebosom-hopesofLadyAshtonthathereldestson，Sholto，shouldrepresentthiscountyintheBritishParliament，andshesawthisalliancewithBucklawasacircumstancewhichmightbehighlyfavourabletoherwishes。
Craigengelt，who，inhisway，bynomeanswantedsagacity，nosoonerdiscoveredinwhatquarterthewindofLadyAshton’swishessate，thanhetrimmedhiscourseaccordinly。”TherewaslittletopreventBucklawhimselffromsittingforthecounty；hemustcarrytheheat——mustwalkthecourse。Twocousins-german，sixmoredistantkinsmen，hisfactorandhischamberlain，wereallhollowvotes；andtheGirningtoninteresthadalwayscarried，betwixtloveandfear，aboutasmanymore。ButBucklawcarednomoreaboutridingthefirsthorse，andthatsortofthing，thanhe，Craigengelt，didaboutagameatbirkie:itwasapityhisinterestwasnotingoodguidance。”
AllthisLadyAshtondrankinwithwillingandattentiveears，resolvinginternallytobeherselfthepersonwhoshouldtakethemanagementofthepoliticalinfluenceofherdestinedson-in-law，forthebenefitofhereldest-born，Sholto，andallotherpartiesconcerned。
Whenhefoundherladyshipthusfavourablydisposed，theCaptainproceeded，tousehisemployer’sphrase，tosetspurstoherresolution，byhintingatthesituationofmattersatRavenswoodCastle，thelongresidencewhichtheheirofthatfamilyhadmadewiththeLordKeeper，andthereportswhich——
thoughhewouldbed——derehegavecredittoanyofthem——hadbeenidlycirculatedintheneighbourhood。ItwasnottheCaptain’scuetoappearhimselftobeuneasyonthesubjectoftheserumours；butheeasilysawfromLadyAshton’sflushedcheek，hesitatingvoice，andflashingeye，thatshehadcaughtthealarmwhichheintendedtocommunicate。Shehadnotheardfromherhusbandsooftenorsoregularlyasshethoughhimboundindutytohavewritten，andofthisveryinterestingintelligenceconcerninghisvisittotheTowerofWolf’sCrag，andtheguestwhom，withsuchcordiality，hehadreceivedatRavenswsoodCastle，hehadsufferedhisladytoremainaltogetherignorant，untilshenowlearneditbythechanceinformationofastranger。Suchconcealmentapproached，inherapprehension，toamisprision，atlast，oftreason，ifnottoactualrebellionagainsthermatrimonialauthority；andinherinwardsouldshedidvowtotakevengeanceontheLordKeeper，asonasubjectdetectedinmeditatingrevolt。HerindignationburnedthemorefiercelyasshefoundherselfobligedtosuppressitinpresenceofLadyBlenkensop，thekinswoman，andofCraigengelt，theconfidentialfriend，ofBucklaw，ofwhoseallianceshenowbecametreblydesirous，sinceitoccurredtoheralarmedimaginationthatherhusbandmight，inhispolicyortimidity，preferthatofRavenswood。
TheCaptainwasengineerenoughtodiscoverthatthetrainwasfired；andthereforeheard，inthecourseofthesameday，withouttheleastsurprise，thatLadyAshtonhadresolvedtoabridgehervisittoLadyBlenkensop，andsetforthwiththepeepofmorningonherreturntoScotland，usingallthedespatchwhichthestateoftheroadsandthemodeoftravellingwouldpossiblypermit。
UnhappyLordKeeper！littlewasheawarewhatastormwastravellingtowardshiminallthespeedwithwhichanold-
fashionedcoachandsixcouldpossiblyachieveitsjourney。He，likeDonGayferos，”forgothisladyfairandtrue，”andwasonlyanxiousabouttheexpectedvisitoftheMarquisofA。