SeveralofthegentlemenwhotookpartinthisdivanwereCatholics，andallofthemstanchJacobites，whosehopeswereatpresentatthehighestpitch，asaninvasion，infavourofthePretender，wasdailyexpectedfromFrance，whichScotland，betweenthedefencelessstateofitsgarrisonsandfortifiedplaces，andthegeneraldisaffectionoftheinhabitants，wasratherpreparedtowelcomethantoresist。Ratcliffe，whoneithersoughttoassistattheirconsultationsonthissubject，norwasinvitedtodoso，had，inthemeanwhile，retiredtohisownapartment。MissIldertonwassequesteredfromsocietyinasortofhonourableconfinement，"until，"saidMr。Vere，"sheshouldbesafelyconveyedhometoherfather’shouse，"anopportunityforwhichoccurredonthefollowingday。
　　ThedomesticscouldnothelpthinkingitremarkablehowsoonthelossofMissVere，andthestrangemannerinwhichithadhappened，seemedtobeforgottenbytheotherguestsatthecastle。Theyknewnot，thatthosethemostinterestedinherfatewerewellacquaintedwiththecauseofherbeingcarriedoff，andtheplaceofherretreat；andthattheothers，intheanxiousanddoubtfulmomentswhichprecededthebreakingforthofaconspiracy，werelittleaccessibletoanyfeelingsbutwhataroseimmediatelyoutoftheirownmachinations。
　　CHAPTERXII。
　　Someoneway，someanother——DoyouknowWherewemayapprehendher？
　　TheresearchesafterMissVerewere（forthesakeofappearances，perhaps）resumedonthesucceedingday，withsimilarbadsuccess，andthepartywerereturningtowardsEllieslawintheevening。
　　"Itissingular，"saidMareschaltoRatcliffe，"thatfourhorsemenandafemaleprisonershouldhavepassedthroughthecountrywithoutleavingtheslightesttraceoftheirpassage。
　　Onewouldthinktheyhadtraversedtheair，orsunkthroughtheground。"
　　"Menmayoften，"answeredRatcliffe，"arriveattheknowledgeofthatwhichis，fromdiscoveringthatwhichisnot。Wehavenowscouredeveryroad，path，andtrackleadingfromthecastle，inallthevariouspointsofthecompass，savingonlythatintricateanddifficultpasswhichleadssouthwarddowntheWestburn，andthroughthemorasses。"
　　"Andwhyhavewenotexaminedthat？"saidMareschal。
　　"O，Mr。Verecanbestanswerthatquestion，"repliedhiscompanion，dryly。
　　"ThenIwillaskitinstantly，"saidMareschal；and，addressingMr。Vere，"Iaminformed，sir，"saidhe，"thereisapathwehavenotexamined，leadingbyWestburnflat。"
　　"O，"saidSirFrederick，laughing，"weknowtheownerofWestburnflatwell——awildlad，thatknowslittledifferencebetweenhisneighbour’sgoodsandhisown；but，withal，veryhonesttohisprinciples：hewoulddisturbnothingbelongingtoEllieslaw。"
　　"Besides，"saidMr。Vere，smilingmysteriously，"hehadothertowonhisdistafflastnight。HaveyounotheardyoungElliotoftheHeugh-foothashadhishouseburnt，andhiscattledrivenaway，becauseherefusedtogiveuphisarmstosomehonestmenthatthinkofstartingfortheking？"
　　Thecompanysmileduponeachother，asathearingofanexploitwhichfavouredtheirownviews。
　　"Yet，nevertheless，"resumedMareschal，"Ithinkweoughttorideinthisdirectionalso，otherwiseweshallcertainlybeblamedforournegligence。"
　　Noreasonableobjectioncouldbeofferedtothisproposal，andthepartyturnedtheirhorses’headstowardsWestburnflat。
　　Theyhadnotproceededveryfarinthatdirectionwhenthetramplingofhorseswasheard，andasmallbodyofriderswereperceivedadvancingtomeetthem。
　　"TherecomesEarnscliff，"saidMareschal；"Iknowhisbrightbaywiththestarinhisfront。"
　　"Andthereismydaughteralongwithhim，"exclaimedVere，furiously。"Whoshallcallmysuspicionsfalseorinjuriousnow？
　　Gentlemen——friends——lendmetheassistanceofyourswordsfortherecoveryofmychild。"
　　Heunsheathedhisweapon，andwasimitatedbySirFrederickandseveraloftheparty，whopreparedtochargethosethatwereadvancingtowardsthem。Butthegreaterparthesitated。
　　"Theycometousinallpeaceandsecurity，"saidMareschal-
　　Wells；"letusfirsthearwhataccounttheygiveusofthismysteriousaffair。IfMissVerehassustainedtheslightestinsultorinjuryfromEarnscliff，Iwillbefirsttorevengeher；
　　butletushearwhattheysay。"
　　"Youdomewrongbyyoursuspicions，Mareschal，"continuedVere；
　　"youarethelastIwouldhaveexpectedtohearexpressthem。"
　　"Youinjureyourself，Ellieslaw，byyourviolence，thoughthecausemayexcuseit。"
　　Hethenadvancedalittlebeforetherest，andcalledout，withaloudvoice，——"Stand，Mr。Earnscliff；ordoyouandMissVereadvancealonetomeetus。Youarechargedwithhavingcarriedthatladyofffromherfather’shouse；andwearehereinarmstoshedourbestbloodforherrecovery，andforbringingtojusticethosewhohaveinjuredher。"
　　"AndwhowoulddothatmorewillinglythanI，Mr。Mareschal？"
　　saidEarnscliff，haughtily，——"thanI，whohadthesatisfactionthismorningtoliberateherfromthedungeoninwhichIfoundherconfined，andwhoamnowescortingherbacktotheCastleofEllieslaw？"
　　"Isthisso，MissVere？"saidMareschal。
　　"Itis，"answeredIsabella，eagerly，——"itisso；forHeaven’ssakesheatheyourswords。Iwillswearbyallthatissacred，thatIwascarriedoffbyruffians，whosepersonsandobjectwerealikeunknowntome，andamnowrestoredtofreedombymeansofthisgentleman’sgallantinterference。"
　　"Bywhom，andwherefore，couldthishavebeendone？"pursuedMareschal。——"Hadyounoknowledgeoftheplacetowhichyouwereconveyed？——Earnscliff，wheredidyoufindthislady？"
　　Butereeitherquestioncouldbeanswered，Ellieslawadvanced，and，returninghisswordtothescabbard，cutshorttheconference。
　　"WhenIknow，"hesaid，"exactlyhowmuchIowetoMr。
　　Earnscliff，hemayrelyonsuitableacknowledgments；meantime，"
　　takingthebridleofMissVere’shorse，"thusfarIthankhimforreplacingmydaughterinthepowerofhernaturalguardian。"
　　AsullenbendoftheheadwasreturnedbyEarnscliffwithequalhaughtiness；andEllieslaw，turningbackwithhisdaughterupontheroadtohisownhouse，appearedengagedwithherinaconferencesoearnest，thattherestofthecompanyjudgeditimpropertointrudebyapproachingthemtoonearly。Inthemeantime，Earnscliff，ashetookleaveoftheothergentlemenbelongingtoEllieslaw’sparty，saidaloud，"AlthoughIamunconsciousofanycircumstanceinmyconductthatcanauthorizesuchasuspicion，Icannotbutobserve，thatMr。VereseemstobelievethatIhavehadsomehandintheatrociousviolencewhichhasbeenofferedtohisdaughter。Irequestyou，gentlemen，totakenoticeofmyexplicitdenialofachargesodishonourable；
　　andthat，althoughIcanpardonthebewilderingfeelingsofafatherinsuchamoment，yet，ifanyothergentleman"（helookedhardatSirFrederickLangley）"thinksmywordandthatofMissVere，withtheevidenceofmyfriendswhoaccompanyme，tooslightformyexculpation，Iwillbehappy——mosthappy——torepelthecharge，asbecomesamanwhocountshishonourdearerthanhislife。"
　　"AndI’llbehissecond，"saidSimonofHackburn，"andtakeuponytwao’ye，gentleorsemple，lairdorloon；it’sa’anetoSimon。"
　　"Whoisthatrough-lookingfellow？"saidSirFrederickLangley，"andwhathashetodowiththequarrelsofgentlemen？"
　　"I’sebealadfraetheHieTe’iot，"saidSimon，"andI’sequarrelwi’onybodyIlike，excepttheking，orthelairdIliveunder。"
　　"Come，"said；Mareschal，"letushavenobrawls。——Mr。Earnscliff；
　　althoughwedonotthinkalikeinsomethings，Itrustwemaybeopponents，evenenemies，iffortunewillhaveitso，withoutlosingourrespectforbirth，fair-play，andeachother。I
　　believeyouasinnocentofthismatterasIammyself；andIwillpledgemyselfthatmycousinEllieslaw，assoonastheperplexityattendingthesesuddeneventshaslefthisjudgmenttoitsfreeexercise，shallhandsomelyacknowledgetheveryimportantserviceyouhavethisdayrenderedhim。"
　　"Tohaveservedyourcousinisasufficientrewardinitself——
　　Goodevening，gentlemen，"continuedEarnscliff；"IseemostofyourpartyarealreadyontheirwaytoEllieslaw。"
　　ThensalutingMareschalwithcourtesy，andtherestofthepartywithindifference，EarnscliffturnedhishorseandrodetowardstheHeugh-foot，toconcertmeasureswithHobbieElliotforfartherresearchesafterhisbride，ofwhoserestorationtoherfriendshewasstillignorant。
　　"Therehegoes，"saidMareschal；"heisafine，gallantyoungfellow，uponmysoul；andyetIshouldlikewelltohaveathrustwithhimonthegreenturf。Iwasreckonedatcollegenearlyhisequalwiththefoils，andIshouldliketotryhimatsharps。"
　　"Inmyopinion，"answeredSirFrederickLangley，"wehavedoneveryillinhavingsufferedhim，andthosemenwhoarewithhim，togooffwithouttakingawaytheirarms；fortheWhigsareverylikelytodrawtoaheadundersuchasprightlyyoungfellowasthat。"
　　"Forshame，SirFrederick！"exclaimedMareschal；"doyouthinkthatEllieslawcould，inhonour，consenttoanyviolencebeingofferedtoEarnscliff；whenheenteredhisboundsonlytobringbackhisdaughter？or，ifheweretobeofyouropinion，doyouthinkthatI，andtherestofthesegentlemen，woulddisgraceourselvesbyassistinginsuchatransaction？No，no，fairplayandauldScotlandforever！Whentheswordisdrawn，Iwillbeasreadytouseitasanyman；butwhileitisinthesheath，letusbehavelikegentlemenandneighbours。"
　　Soonafterthiscolloquytheyreachedthecastle，whenEllieslaw，whohadbeenarrivedafewminutesbefore，mettheminthecourt-
　　yard。
　　"HowisMissVere？andhaveyoulearnedthecauseofherbeingcarriedoff？"askedMareschalhastily。
　　"Sheisretiredtoherapartmentgreatlyfatigued；andIcannotexpectmuchlightuponheradventuretillherspiritsaresomewhatrecruited，"repliedherfather。"SheandIwerenotthelessobligedtoyou，Mareschal，andtomyotherfriends，fortheirkindenquiries。ButImustsuppressthefather’sfeelingsforawhiletogivemyselfuptothoseofthepatriot。Youknowthisisthedayfixedforourfinaldecision——timepresses——ourfriendsarearriving，andIhaveopenedhouse，notonlyforthegentry，butfortheunderspur-leatherswhomwemustnecessarilyemploy。Wehave，therefore，littletimetopreparetomeetthem。——Lookovertheselists，Marchie（anabbreviationbywhichMareschal-Wellswasknownamonghisfriends）。Doyou，SirFrederick，readtheselettersfromLothianandthewest——allisripeforthesickle，andwehavebuttosummonoutthereapers。"
　　"Withallmyheart，"saidMareschal；"themoremischiefthebettersport。"
　　SirFredericklookedgraveanddisconcerted。
　　"Walkasidewithme，mygoodfriend，"saidEllieslawtothesombrebaronet；"Ihavesomethingforyourprivateear，withwhichIknowyouwillbegratified。"
　　Theywalkedintothehouse，leavingRatcliffeandMareschalstandingtogetherinthecourt。
　　"Andso，"saidRatcliffe，"thegentlemenofyourpoliticalpersuasionthinkthedownfallofthisgovernmentsocertain，thattheydisdaineventothrowadecentdisguiseoverthemachinationsoftheirparty？"
　　"Faith，Mr。Ratcliffe，"answeredMareschal，"theactionsandsentimentsYOURfriendsmayrequiretobeveiled，butIambetterpleasedthatourscangobarefaced。"
　　"Andisitpossible，"continuedRatcliffe，"thatyou，who，notwithstandingpourthoughtlessnessandheatoftemper（Ibegpardon，Mr。Mareschal，Iamaplainman）——thatyou，who，notwithstandingtheseconstitutionaldefects，possessnaturalgoodsenseandacquiredinformation，shouldbeinfatuatedenoughtoembroilyourselfinsuchdesperateproceedings？Howdoesyourheadfeelwhenyouareengagedinthesedangerousconferences？"
　　"Notquitesosecureonmyshoulders，"answeredMareschal，"asifIweretalkingofhuntingandhawking。IamnotofsoindifferentamouldasmycousinEllieslaw，whospeakstreasonasifitwereachild’snurseryrhymes，andlosesandrecoversthatsweetgirl，hisdaughter，withagooddeallessemotiononbothoccasions，thanwouldhaveaffectedmehadIlostandrecoveredagreyhoundpuppy。Mytemperisnotquitesoinflexible，normyhateagainstgovernmentsoinveterate，astoblindmetothefulldangeroftheattempt。"
　　"Thenwhyinvolveyourselfinit？"saidRatcliffe。
　　"Why，Ilovethispoorexiledkingwithallmyheart；andmyfatherwasanoldKilliecrankieman，andIlongtoseesomeamendsontheUnionistcourtiers，thathaveboughtandsoldoldScotland，whosecrownhasbeensolongindependent。"
　　"Andforthesakeoftheseshadows，"saidhismonitor，"youaregoingtoinvolveyourcountryinwarandyourselfintrouble？"
　　"Iinvolve？No！——but，troublefortrouble，Ihadratheritcameto-morrowthanamonthhence。COME，Iknowitwill；and，asyourcountryfolkssay，bettersoonthansyne——itwillneverfindmeyounger——andasforhanging，asSirJohnFalstaffsays，Icanbecomeagallowsaswellasanother。Youknowtheendoftheoldballad；
　　"Saedauntonly，saewantonly，Saerantinglygaedhe，Heplay’daspring，anddancedaround，Beneaththegallowstree。"
　　"Mr。Mareschal，Iamsorryforyou，"saidhisgraveadviser。
　　"Iamobligedtoyou，Mr。Ratcliffe；butIwouldnothaveyoujudgeofourenterprisebymywayofvindicatingit；therearewiserheadsthanmineatthework。"
　　"Wiserheadsthanyoursmaylieaslow，"saidRatcliffe，inawarningtone。
　　"Perhapsso；butnolighterheartshall；and，topreventitbeingmadeheavierbyyourremonstrances，Iwillbidyouadieu，Mr。
　　Ratcliffe，tilldinner-time，whenyoushallseethatmyapprehensionshavenotspoiledmyappetite。"
　　CHAPTERXIII。
　　TofacethegarmentofrebellionWithsomefinecolour，thatmaypleasetheeyeOfficklechangelings，andpoordiscontents，WhichgapeandrubtheelbowatthenewsOfhurlyburlyinnovation。HENRYTHEFOURTH，PARTII。
　　TherehadbeengreatpreparationsmadeatEllieslawCastlefortheentertainmentonthisimportantday，whennotonlythegentlemenofnoteintheneighbourhood，attachedtotheJacobiteinterest，wereexpectedtorendezvous，butalsomanysubordinatemalecontents，whomdifficultyofcircumstances，loveofchange，resentmentagainstEngland，oranyofthenumerouscauseswhichinflamedmen’spassionsatthetime，renderedapttojoininperilousenterprise。Themenofrankandsubstancewerenotmanyinnumber；foralmostallthelargeproprietorsstoodaloof，andmostofthesmallergentryandyeomanrywereofthePresbyterianpersuasion，andtherefore，howeverdispleasedwiththeUnion，unwillingtoengageinaJacobiteconspiracy。Butthereweresomegentlemenofproperty，who，eitherfromearlyprinciple，fromreligiousmotives，orsharingtheambitiousviewsofEllieslaw，hadgivencountenancetohisscheme；andtherewere，also，somefieryyoungmen，likeMareschal，desirousofsignalizingthemselvesbyengaginginadangerousenterprise，bywhichtheyhopedtovindicatetheindependenceoftheircountry。
　　Theothermembersofthepartywerepersonsofinferiorrankanddesperatefortunes，whowerenowreadytoriseinthatpartofthecountry，astheydidafterwardsintheyear1715，underForsterandDerwentwater，whenatroop，commandedbyaBordergentleman，namedDouglas，consistedalmostentirelyoffreebooters，amongwhomthenotoriousLuck-in-a-bag，ashewascalled，heldadistinguishedcommand。Wethinkitnecessarytomentiontheseparticulars，applicablesolelytotheprovinceinwhichourscenelies；because，unquestionably，theJacobiteparty，intheotherpartsofthekingdom，consistedofmuchmoreformidable，aswellasmuchmorerespectable，materials。
　　OnelongtableextendeditselfdowntheamplehallofEllieslawCastle，whichwasstillleftmuchinthestateinwhichithadbeenonehundredyearsbefore，stretching，thatis，ingloomylength，alongthewholesideofthecastle，vaultedwithribbedarchesoffreestone，thegroinsofwhichsprungfromprojectingfigures，that，carvedintoallthewildformswhichthefantasticimaginationofaGothicarchitectcoulddevise，grinned，frowned，andgnashedtheirtusksattheassemblybelow。Longnarrowwindowslightedthebanquetingroomonbothsides，filledupwithstainedglass，throughwhichthesunemittedaduskyanddiscolouredlight。Abanner，whichtraditionaverredtohavebeentakenfromtheEnglishatthebattleofSark，wavedoverthechairinwhichEllieslawpresided，asiftoinflamethecourageoftheguests，byremindingthemofancientvictoriesovertheirneighbours。Hehimself，aportlyfigure，dressedonthisoccasionwithuncommoncare，andwithfeatures，which，thoughofasternandsinisterexpression，mightwellbetermedhandsome，lookedtheoldfeudalbaronextremelywell。SirFrederickLangleywasplacedonhisrighthand，andMr。MareschalofMareschal-Wellsonhisleft。Somegentlemenofconsideration，withtheirsons，brothers，andnephews，wereseatedattheupperendofthetable，andamongtheseMr。Ratcliffehadhisplace。Beneaththesalt-
　　cellar（amassivepieceofplatewhichoccupiedthemidstofthetable）satetheSINENOMINETURBA，menwhosevanitywasgratifiedbyholdingeventhissubordinatespaceatthesocialboard，whilethedistinctionobservedinrankingthemwasasalvetotheprideoftheirsuperiors。Thatthelowerhousewasnotveryselectmustbeadmitted，sinceWillieofWestburnflatwasoneoftheparty。Theunabashedaudacityofthisfellow，indaringtopresenthimselfinthehouseofagentleman，towhomhehadjustofferedsoflagrantaninsult，canonlybeaccountedforbysupposinghimconsciousthathisshareincarryingoffMissVerewasasecret，safeinherpossessionandthatofherfather。
　　Beforethisnumerousandmiscellaneouspartywasplacedadinner，consisting，notindeedofthedelicaciesoftheseason，asthenewspapersexpressit，butofviands，ample，solid，andsumptuous，underwhichtheveryboardgroaned。Butthemirthwasnotinproportiontothegoodcheer。Thelowerendofthetablewere，forsometime，chilledbyconstraintandrespectonfindingthemselvesmembersofsoaugustanassembly；andthosewhowereplacedaroundithadthosefeelingsofawewithwhichP。P。，clerkoftheparish，describeshimselfoppressed，whenhefirstupliftedthepsalminpresenceofthosepersonsofhighworship，thewiseMr。JusticeFreeman，thegoodLadyJones，andthegreatSirThomasTruby。Thisceremoniousfrost，however，soongavewaybeforetheincentivestomerriment，whichwereliberallysupplied，andasliberallyconsumedbytheguestsofthelowerdescription。Theybecametalkative，loud，andevenclamorousintheirmirth。
　　Butitwasnotinthepowerofwineorbrandytoelevatethespiritsofthosewhoheldthehigherplacesatthebanquet。Theyexperiencedthechillingrevulsionofspiritswhichoftentakesplace，whenmenarecalledupontotakeadesperateresolution，afterhavingplacedthemselvesincircumstanceswhereitisalikedifficulttoadvanceortorecede。Theprecipicelookeddeeperandmoredangerousastheyapproachedthebrink，andeachwaitedwithaninwardemotionofawe，expectingwhichofhisconfederateswouldsettheexamplebyplunginghimselfdown。
　　Thisinwardsensationoffearandreluctanceacteddifferently，accordingtothevarioushabitsandcharactersofthecompany。
　　Onelookedgrave；anotherlookedsilly；athirdgazedwithapprehensionontheemptyseatsatthehigherendofthetable，designedformembersoftheconspiracywhoseprudencehadprevailedovertheirpoliticalzeal，andwhohadabsentedthemselvesfromtheirconsultationsatthiscriticalperiod；andsomeseemedtobereckoningupintheirmindsthecomparativerankandprospectsofthosewhowerepresentandabsent。SirFrederickLangleywasreserved，moody，anddiscontented。
　　Ellieslawhimselfmadesuchforcedeffortstoraisethespiritsofthecompany，asplainlymarkedtheflaggingofhisown。
　　Ratcliffewatchedthescenewiththecomposureofavigilantbutuninterestedspectator。Mareschalalone，truetothethoughtlessvivacityofhischaracter，ateanddrank，laughedandjested，andseemedeventofindamusementintheembarrassmentofthecompany。
　　"Whathasdampedournoblecouragethismorning？"heexclaimed。
　　"Weseemtobemetatafuneral，wherethechiefmournersmustnotspeakabovetheirbreath，whilethemutesandthesaulies（lookingtothelowerendofthetable）arecarousingbelow。
　　Ellieslaw，whenwillyouLIFT？[ToLIFT，meaningtoliftthecoffin，isthecommonexpressionforcommencingafuneral。]
　　wheresleepsyourspirit，man？andwhathasquelledthehighhopeoftheKnightofLangley-dale？"
　　"Youspeaklikeamadman，"saidEllieslaw；"doyounotseehowmanyareabsent？"
　　"Andwhatofthat？"saidMareschal。"Didyounotknowbefore，thatone-halfoftheworldarebettertalkersthandoers？Formypart，Iammuchencouragedbyseeingatleasttwo-thirdsofourfriendstruetotherendezvous，thoughIsuspectone-halfofthesecametosecurethedinnerincaseoftheworst。"
　　"ThereisnonewsfromthecoastwhichcanamounttocertaintyoftheKing’sarrival，"saidanotherofthecompany，inthattoneofsubduedandtremulouswhisperwhichimpliesafailureofresolution。
　　"NotalinefromtheEarlofD——，norasinglegentlemanfromthesouthernsideoftheBorder，"saidathird。
　　"WhoishethatwishesformoremenfromEngland，"exclaimedMareschal，inatheatricaltoneofaffectedheroism，"MycousinEllieslaw？No，myfaircousin，Ifwearedoom’dtodie——"
　　"ForGod’ssake，"saidEllieslaw，"spareusyourfollyatpresent，Mareschal。"
　　"Well，then，"saidhiskinsman，"I’llbestowmywisdomuponyouinstead，suchasitis。Ifwehavegoneforwardlikefools，donotletusgobacklikecowards。Wehavedoneenoughtodrawuponusboththesuspicionandvengeanceofthegovernment；donotletusgiveupbeforewehavedonesomethingtodeserveit。
　　——What，willnoonespeak？ThenI’llleaptheditchthefirst。"
　　And，startingup，hefilledabeer-glasstothebrimwithclaret，andwavinghishand，commandedalltofollowhisexample，andtoriseupfromtheirseats。Allobeyed-themorequalifiedguestsasifpassively，theotherswithenthusiasm"Then，myfriends，I
　　giveyouthepledgeoftheday——TheindependenceofScotland，andthehealthofourlawfulsovereign，KingJamestheEighth，nowlandedinLothian，and，asItrustandbelieve，infullpossessionofhisancientcapital！"
　　Hequaffedoffthewine，andthrewtheglassoverhishead。
　　"Itshouldnever，"hesaid，"beprofanedbyameanertoast。"
　　Allfollowedhisexample，and，amidthecrashofglassesandtheshoutsofthecompany，pledgedthemselvestostandorfallwiththeprinciplesandpoliticalinterestwhichtheirtoastexpressed。
　　"Youhaveleapedtheditchwithawitness，"saidEllieslaw，aparttoMareschal；"butIbelieveitisallforthebest；atallevents，wecannotnowretreatfromourundertaking。Onemanalone"（lookingatRatcliffe）"hasrefusedthepledge；butofthatbyandby。"
　　Then，risingup，headdressedthecompanyinastyleofinflammatoryinvectiveagainstthegovernmentanditsmeasures，butespeciallytheUnion；atreaty，bymeansofwhich，heaffirmed，Scotlandhadbeenatoncecheatedofherindependence，hercommerce，andherhonour，andlaidasafetteredslaveatthefootoftherivalagainstwhom，throughsuchalengthofages，throughsomanydangers，andbysomuchblood，shehadhonourablydefendedherrights。Thiswastouchingathemewhichfoundaresponsivechordinthebosomofeverymanpresent。
　　"Ourcommerceisdestroyed，"hollowedoldJohnRewcastle，aJedburghsmuggler，fromthelowerendofthetable。
　　"Ouragricultureisruined，"saidtheLairdofBroken-girth-flow，aterritorywhich，sincethedaysofAdam，hadbornenothingbutlingandwhortle-berries。
　　"Ourreligioniscutup，rootandbranch，"saidthepimple-nosedpastoroftheEpiscopalmeeting-houseatKirkwhistle。
　　"Weshallshortlyneitherdareshootadeernorkissawench，withoutacertificatefromthepresbyteryandkirk-treasurer，"
　　saidMareschal-Wells。
　　"Ormakeabrandyjeroboaminafrostymorning，withoutlicensefromacommissionerofexcise，"saidthesmuggler。
　　"Orrideoverthefellinamoonlessnight，"saidWestburnflat，"withoutaskingleaveofyoungEarnscliff；orsomeEnglifiedjusticeofthepeace：thaeweregudedaysontheBorderwhentherewasneitherpeacenorjusticeheardof。"
　　"LetusrememberourwrongsatDarienandGlencoe，"continuedEllieslaw，"andtakearmsfortheprotectionofourrights，ourfortunes，ourlives，andourfamilies。"
　　"Thinkupongenuineepiscopalordination，withoutwhichtherecanbenolawfulclergy，"saidthedivine。
　　"ThinkofthepiraciescommittedonourEast-IndiantradebyGreenandtheEnglishthieves，"saidWilliamWillieson，half-
　　ownerandsoleskipperofabrigthatmadefourvoyagesannuallybetweenCockpoolandWhitehaven。
　　"Rememberyourliberties，"rejoinedMareschal，whoseemedtotakeamischievousdelightinprecipitatingthemovementsoftheenthusiasmwhichhehadexcited，likearoguishboy，who，havingliftedthesluiceofamill-dam，enjoystheclatterofthewheelswhichhehasputinmotion，withoutthinkingofthemischiefhemayhaveoccasioned。"Rememberyourliberties，"heexclaimed；
　　"confoundcess，press，andpresbytery，andthememoryofoldWilliethatfirstbroughtthemuponus！"
　　"Damnthegauger！"echoedoldJohnRewcastle；"I’llcleavehimwi’myainhand。"
　　"Andconfoundthecountry-keeperandtheconstable！"re-echoedWestburnflat；"I’llweizeabraceofballsthroughthembeforemorning。"
　　"Weareagreed，then，"saidEllieslaw，whentheshoutshadsomewhatsubsided，"tobearthisstateofthingsnolonger？"
　　"Weareagreedtoaman，"answeredhisguests。
　　"Notliterallyso，"saidMr。Ratcliffe；"forthoughIcannothopetoassuagetheviolentsymptomswhichseemsosuddenlytohaveseizeduponthecompany，yetIbegtoobserve，thatsofarastheopinionofasinglemembergoes，Idonotentirelycoincideinthelistofgrievanceswhichhasbeenannounced，andthatIdoutterlyprotestagainstthefranticmeasureswhichyouseemdisposedtoadoptforremovingthem。Icaneasilysupposemuchofwhathasbeenspokenmayhavearisenoutoftheheatofthemoment，orhavebeensaidperhapsinjest。Buttherearesomejestsofanatureveryapttotranspire；andyououghttoremember，gentlemen，thatstone-wallshaveears。"
　　"Stone-wallsmayhaveears，"returnedEllieslaw，eyeinghimwithalookoftriumphantmalignity，"butdomesticspies，Mr。
　　Ratcliffe，willsoonfindthemselveswithoutany，ifanysuchdarestocontinuehisabodeinafamilywherehiscomingwasanunauthorizedintrusion，wherehisconducthasbeenthatofapresumptuousmeddler，andfromwhichhisexitshallbethatofabaffledknave，ifhedoesnotknowhowtotakeahint。"
　　"Mr。Vere，"returnedRatcliffe，withcalmcontempt，"Iamfullyaware，thatassoonasmypresencebecomesuselesstoyou，whichitmustthroughtherashstepyouareabouttoadopt，itwillimmediatelybecomeunsafetomyself，asithasalwaysbeenhatefultoyou。ButIhaveoneprotection，anditisastrongone；foryouwouldnotwillinglyhearmedetailbeforegentlemen，andmenofhonour，thesingularcircumstancesinwhichourconnexiontookitsrise。Astotherest，Irejoiceatitsconclusion；andasIthinkthatMr。Mareschalandsomeothergentlemenwillguaranteethesafetyofmyearsandofmythroat（forwhichlastIhavemorereasontobeapprehensive）duringthecourseofthenight，Ishallnotleaveyourcastletillto-morrowmorning。"
　　"Beitso，sir，"repliedMr。Vere；"youareentirelysafefrommyresentment，becauseyouarebeneathit，andnotbecauseIamafraidofyourdisclosingmyfamilysecrets，although，foryourownsake，Iwarnyoutobewarehowyoudoso。Youragencyandintermediationcanbeoflittleconsequencetoonewhowillwinorloseall，aslawfulrightorunjustusurpationshallsucceedinthestrugglethatisabouttoensue。Farewell，sir。"
　　Ratcliffearose，andcastuponhimalook，whichVereseemedtosustainwithdifficulty，and，bowingtothosearoundhim，lefttheroom。
　　Thisconversationmadeanimpressiononmanyofthecompany，whichEllieslawhastenedtodispel，byenteringuponthebusinessoftheday。Theirhastydeliberationswenttoorganizeanimmediateinsurrection。Ellieslaw，Mareschal，andSirFrederickLangleywerechosenleaders，withpowerstodirecttheirfarthermeasures。Aplaceofrendezvouswasappointed，atwhichallagreedtomeetearlyontheensuingday，withsuchfollowersandfriendstothecauseaseachcouldcollectaroundhim。Severaloftheguestsretiredtomakethenecessarypreparations；andEllieslawmadeaformalapologytotheothers，who，withWestburnflatandtheoldsmuggler，continuedtoplythebottlestanchly，forleavingtheheadofthetable，ashemustnecessarilyholdaseparateandsoberconferencewiththecoadjutorswhomtheyhadassociatedwithhiminthecommand。Theapologywasthemorereadilyaccepted，asheprayedthem，atthesametime，tocontinuetoamusethemselveswithsuchrefreshmentsasthecellarsofthecastleafforded。Shoutsofapplausefollowedtheirretreat；andthenamesofVere，Langley，and，aboveall，ofMareschal，werethunderedforthinchorus，andbathedwithcopiousbumpersrepeatedly，duringtheremainderoftheevening。
　　Whentheprincipalconspiratorshadretiredintoaseparateapartment，theygazedoneachotherforaminutewithasortofembarrassment，which，inSirFrederick’sdarkfeatures，amountedtoanexpressionofdiscontentedsullenness。Mareschalwasthefirsttobreakthepause，saying，withaloudburstoflaughter，——"Well！wearefairlyembarkednow，gentlemen——VOGUELA
　　GALERE！"
　　"Wemaythankyoufortheplunge，"saidEllieslaw。
　　"Yes；butIdon’tknowhowfaryouwillthankme，"answeredMareschal，"whenIshowyouthisletterwhichIreceivedjustbeforewesatdown。Myservanttoldmeitwasdeliveredbyamanhehadneverseenbefore，whowentoffatthegallop，aftercharginghimtoputitintomyownhand。"
　　Ellieslawimpatientlyopenedtheletter，andreadaloud——
　　EDINBURGH，——
　　HOND。SIR，Havingobligationstoyourfamily，whichshallbenameless，andlearningthatyouareoneofthecompanyof，adventurersdoingbusinessforthehouseofJamesandCompany，latemerchantsinLondon，nowinDunkirk，Ithinkitrighttosendyouthisearlyandprivateinformation，thatthevesselsyouexpectedhavebeendrivenoffthecoast，withouthavingbeenabletobreakbulk，ortolandanypartoftheircargo；andthatthewest-countrypartnershaveresolvedtowithdrawtheirnamefromthefirm，asitmustprovealosingconcern。Havinggoodhopeyouwillavailyourselfofthisearlyinformation，todowhatisneedfulforyourownsecurity，Irestyourhumbleservant，NIHILNAMELESS。
　　FORRALPHMARESCHAL，OFMARESCHAL-WELLS
　　——THESEWITHCAREANDSPEED。
　　SirFrederick’sjawdropped，andhiscountenanceblackened，astheletterwasread，andEllieslawexclaimed，——"Why，thisaffectstheverymainspringofourenterprise。IftheFrenchfleet，withthekingonboard，hasbeenchasedoffbytheEnglish，asthisd——dscrawlseemstointimate，wherearewe？"
　　"Justwherewewerethismorning，Ithink，"saidMareschal，stilllaughing。
　　"Pardonme，andatrucetoyourill-timedmirth，Mr。Mareschal；
　　thismorningwewerenotcommittedpublicly，aswenowstandcommittedbyyourownmadact，whenyouhadaletterinyourpocketapprizingyouthatourundertakingwasdesperate。"
　　"Ay，ay，Iexpectedyouwouldsayso。But，inthefirstplace，myfriendNihilNamelessandhislettermaybeallaflam；and，moreover，IwouldhaveyouknowthatIamtiredofapartythatdoesnothingbutformboldresolutionsovernight，andsleepthemawaywiththeirwinebeforemorning。Thegovernmentarenowunprovidedofmenandammunition；inafewweekstheywillhaveenoughofboth：thecountryisnowinaflameagainstthem；inafewweeks，betwixttheeffectsofself-interest，offear，andoflukewarmindifference，whicharealreadysovisible，thisfirstfervourwillbeascoldasChristmas。So，asIwasdeterminedtogothevole，IhavetakencareyoushalldipasdeepasI；itsignifiesnothingplunging。Youarefairlyinthebog，andmuststrugglethrough。"
　　"Youaremistakenwithrespecttooneofus，Mr。Mareschal，"saidSirFrederickLangley；and，applyinghimselftothebell，hedesiredthepersonwhoenteredtoorderhisservantsandhorsesinstantly。
　　"Youmustnotleaveus，SirFrederick，"saidEllieslaw；itwehaveourmusterstogoover。"
　　"Iwillgoto-night，Mr。Vere，"saidSirFrederick，"andwriteyoumyintentionsinthismatterwhenIamathome。"
　　"Ay，"saidMareschal，"andsendthembyatroopofhorsefromCarlisletomakeusprisoners？Lookye，SirFrederick，Iforonewillneitherbedesertednorbetrayed；andifyouleaveEllieslawCastleto-night，itshallbebypassingovermydeadbody。"
　　"Forshame！Mareschal，"saidMr。Vere，"howcanyousohastilymisinterpretourfriend’sintentions？IamsureSirFrederickcanonlybejestingwithus；for，werehenottoohonourabletodreamofdesertingthecause，hecannotbutrememberthefullproofswehaveofhisaccessiontoit，andhiseageractivityinadvancingit。Hecannotbutbeconscious，besides，thatthefirstinformationwillbereadilyreceivedbygovernment，andthatifthequestionbe，whichcanfirstlodgeintelligenceoftheaffair，wecaneasilysaveafewhoursonhim。"
　　"Youshouldsayyou，andnotwe，whenyoutalkofprioritiesinsucharaceoftreachery；formypart，Iwon’tentermyhorseforsuchaplate，"saidMareschal；andaddedbetwixithisteeth，"A
　　prettypairoffellowstotrustaman’sneckwith！"
　　"IamnottobeintimidatedfromdoingwhatIthinkproper，"saidSirFrederickLangley；"andmyfirststepshallbetoleaveEllieslaw。Ihavenoreasontokeepfaithwithone"（lookingatVere）"whohaskeptnonewithme。"
　　"Inwhatrespect，"saidEllieslaw，silencing，withamotionofhishand，hisimpetuouskinsman——"howhaveIdisappointedyou，SirFrederick？"
　　"Inthenearestandmosttenderpoint——youhavetrifledwithmeconcerningourproposedalliance，whichyouwellknewwasthegageofourpoliticalundertaking。ThiscarryingoffandthisbringingbackofMissVere，——thecoldreceptionIhavemetwithfromher，andtheexcuseswithwhichyoucoverit，Ibelievetobemereevasions，thatyoumayyourselfretainpossessionoftheestateswhicharehersbyright，andmakeme，inthemeanwhile，atoolinyourdesperateenterprise，byholdingouthopesandexpectationswhichyouareresolvednevertorealize。"
　　"SirFrederick，Iprotest，byallthatissacred——"
　　"Iwilllistentonoprotestations；Ihavebeencheatedwiththemtoolong，"answeredSirFrederick。
　　"Ifyouleaveus，"saidEllieslaw，"youcannotbutknowbothyourruinandoursiscertain；alldependsonouradheringtogether。"
　　"Leavemetotakecareofmyself，"returnedtheknight；"butwerewhatyousaytrue，Iwouldratherperishthanbefooledanyfarther。"
　　"Cannothing——nosuretyconvinceyouofmysincerity？"saidEllieslaw，anxiously；"thismorningIshouldhaverepelledyourunjustsuspicionsasaninsult；butsituatedaswenoware——"
　　"Youfeelyourselfcompelledtobesincere？"retortedSirFrederick。"Ifyouwouldhavemethinkso，thereisbutonewaytoconvincemeofit——letyourdaughterbestowherhandonmethisevening。"
　　"Sosoon？——impossible，"answeredVere；"thinkofherlatealarm——
　　ofourpresentundertaking。"
　　"Iwilllistentonothingbuttoherconsent，plightedatthealtar。Youhaveachapelinthecastle——DoctorHobblerispresentamongthecompany-thisproofofyourgoodfaithto-night，andweareagainjoinedinheartandhand。Ifyourefusemewhenitissomuchforyouradvantagetoconsent，howshallItrustyouto-morrow，whenIshallstandcommittedinyourundertaking，andunabletoretract？"
　　"AndIamtounderstand，that，ifyoucanbemademyson-in-lawto-night，ourfriendshipisrenewed？"saidEllieslaw。
　　"Mostinfallibly，andmostinviolably，"repliedSirFrederick。
　　"Then，"saidVere，"thoughwhatyouaskispremature，indelicate，andunjusttowardsmycharacter，yet，SirFrederick，givemeyourhand——mydaughtershallbeyourwife。"
　　"Thisnight？"
　　"Thisverynight，"repliedEllieslaw，"beforetheclockstrikestwelve。"
　　"Withherownconsent，Itrust，"saidMareschal；"forIpromiseyouboth，gentlemen，Iwillnotstandtamelyby，andseeanyviolenceputonthewillofmyprettykinswoman。"
　　"Anotherpestinthishot-headedfellow，"mutteredEllieslaw；
　　andthenaloud，"Withherownconsent？Forwhatdoyoutakeme，Mareschal，thatyoushouldsupposeyourinterferencenecessarytoprotectmydaughteragainstherfather？Dependuponit，shehasnorepugnancetoSirFrederickLangley。"
　　"OrrathertobecalledLadyLangley？faith，likeenough——therearemanywomenmightbeofhermind；andIbegyourpardon，butthesesuddendemandsandconcessionsalarmedmealittleonheraccount。"
　　"Itisonlythesuddennessoftheproposalthatembarrassesme，"
　　saidEllieslaw；"butperhapsifsheisfoundintractable，SirFrederickwillconsider——"
　　"Iwillconsidernothing，Mr。Vere——yourdaughter’shandto-
　　night，orIdepart，wereitatmidnight——thereismyultimatum。"
　　"Iembraceit，"saidEllieslaw；"andIwillleaveyoutotalkuponourmilitarypreparations，whileIgotopreparemydaughterforsosuddenachangeofcondition。"
　　Sosaying，heleftthecompany。
　　CHAPTERXIV。
　　HebringsEarlOsmondtoreceivemyvows。
　　Odreadfulchange！forTancred，haughtyOsmond。
　　TANCREDANDSIGISMUNDA。
　　Mr。Vere，whomlongpracticeofdissimulationhadenabledtomodelhisverygaitandfootstepstoaidthepurposesofdeception，walkedalongthestonepassage，andupthefirstflightofstepstowardsMissVere’sapartment，withthealert，firm，andsteadypaceofonewhoisbound，indeed，uponimportantbusiness，butwhoentertainsnodoubthecanterminatehisaffairssatisfactorily。Butwhenoutofhearingofthegentlemenwhomhehadleft，hisstepbecamesoslowandirresolute，astocorrespondwithhisdoubtsandhisfears。Atlengthhepausedinanantechambertocollecthisideas，andformhisplanofargument，beforeapproachinghisdaughter。
　　"Inwhatmorehopelessandinextricabledilemmawaseveranunfortunatemaninvolved！"Suchwasthetenorofhisreflections。——"Ifwenowfalltopiecesbydisunion，therecanbelittledoubtthatthegovernmentwilltakemylifeastheprimeagitatoroftheinsurrection。Or，grantIcouldstooptosavemyselfbyahastysubmission，amInot，eveninthatcase，utterlyruined？IhavebrokenirreconcilablywithRatcliffe，andcanhavenothingtoexpectfromthatquarterbutinsultandpersecution。Imustwanderforthanimpoverishedanddishonouredman，withouteventhemeansofsustaininglife，farlesswealthsufficienttocounterbalancetheinfamywhichmycountrymen，boththosewhomIdesertandthosewhomIjoin，willattachtothenameofthepoliticalrenegade。Itisnottobethoughtof。Andyet，whatchoiceremainsbetweenthislotandtheignominiousscaffold？Nothingcansavemebutreconciliationwiththesemen；
　　and，toaccomplishthis，IhavepromisedtoLangleythatIsabellashallmarryhimeremidnight，andtoMareschal，thatsheshalldosowithoutcompulsion。Ihavebutoneremedybetwixtmeandruin——herconsenttotakeasuitorwhomshedislikes，uponsuchshortnoticeaswoulddisgusther，evenwereheafavouredlover——ButImusttrusttotheromanticgenerosityofherdisposition；
　　andletmepaintthenecessityofherobedienceeversostrongly，Icannotoverchargeitsreality。"
　　Havingfinishedthissadchainofreflectionsuponhisperilouscondition，heenteredhisdaughter’sapartmentwitheverynervebentuptothesupportoftheargumentwhichhewasabouttosustain。Thoughadeceitfulandambitiousman，hewasnotsodevoidofnaturalaffectionbutthathewasshockedattheparthewasabouttoact，inpractisingonthefeelingsofadutifulandaffectionatechild；buttherecollections，that，ifhesucceeded，hisdaughterwouldonlybetrepannedintoanadvantageousmatch，andthat，ifhefailed，hehimselfwasalostman，werequitesufficienttodrownallscruples。