第6章
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。