ThealarmoftheLordKeeperbecameveryserious；sincetheClaimofRight，thepowerofappealingfromthedecisionsofthecivilcourttotheEstatesofParliament，whichhadformerlybeenheldincompetent，hadinmanyinstancesbeenclaimed，andinsomeallowed，andhehadnosmallreasontoapprehendtheissue，iftheEnglishHouseofLordsshouldbedisposedtoactuponanappealfromtheMasterofRavenswood”forremeidinlaw。”Itwouldresolveintoanequitableclaim，andbedecided，perhaps，uponthebroadprinciplesofjustice，whichwerenotquitesofavourabletotheLordKeeperasthoseofstrictlaw。Besides，judging，thoughmostinaccurately，fromcourtswhichhehadhimselfknownintheunhappytimesprecedingtheScottishUnion，theKeepermighthavetoomuchrighttothinkthat，intheHousetowhichhislawsuitsweretobetransferred，theoldmaximmightprevailwhichwastoowellrecognisedinScotlandinformertimes:”Showmetheman，andI’llshowyouthelaw。”ThehighandunbiassedcharacterofEnglishjudicialproceedingswasthenlittleknowninScotland，andtheextensionofthemtothatcountrywasoneofthemostvaluableadvantageswhichitgainedbytheUnion。ButthiswasablessingwhichtheLordKeeper，whohadlivedunderanothersystem，couldnothavethemeansofforeseeing。Inthelossofhispoliticalconsequence，heanticipatedthelossofhislawsuit。Meanwhile，everyreportwhichreachedhimservedtorenderthesuccessoftheMarquis’sintriguesthemoreprobable，andtheLordKeeperbegantothinkitindispensablethatheshouldlookroundforsomekindofprotectionagainstthecomingstorm。Thetimidityofhistemperinducedhimtoadoptmeasuresofcompromiseandconciliation。Theaffairofthewildbull，properlymanaged，might，hethought，bemadetofacilitateapersonalcommunicationandreconciliationbetwixttheMasterandhimself。Hewouldthenlearn，ifpossible，whathisownideaswereoftheextentofhisrights，andthemeansofenforcingthem；andperhapsmattersmightbebroughttoacompromise，whereonepartywaswealthyandtheothersoverypoor。AreconciliationwithRavenswoodwaslikelytogivehimanopportunitytoplayhisowngamewiththeMarquisofA。”Andbesides，”saidhetohimself，”itwillbeanactofgenerositytoraiseuptheheirofthisdistressedfamily；andifheistobewarmlyandeffectuallybefriendedbythenewgovernment，whoknowsbutmyvirtuemayproveitsownreward？”
ThusthoughtSirWilliamAshton，coveringwithnounusualself-
delusionhisinterestedviewswithahueofvirtue；andhavingattainedthispoint，hisfancystrayedstillfarther。Hebegantobethinkhimself，”ThatifRavenswoodwastohaveadistinguishedplaceofpowerandtrust，andifsuchaunionwouldsopitetheheavierpartofhisunadjustedclaims，theremightbeworsematchesforhisdaughterLucy:theMastermightbereponedagainsttheattainder。LordRavenswoodwasanancienttitle，andthealliancewould，insomemeasure，legitimatehisownpossessionofthegreaterpartoftheMaster’sspoils，andmakethesurrenderoftherestasubjectoflessbitterregret。”
Withthesemingledandmultifariousplansoccupyinghishead，theLordKeeperavailedhimselfofmyLordBittlebrains’srepeatedinvitationtohisresidence，andthuscamewithinaveryfewmilesofWolf’sCrag。Herehefoundthelordofthemansionabsent，butwascouteouslyreceivedbythelady，whoexpectedherhusband’simmediatereturn。SheexpressedherparticulardelightatseeingMissAshton，andappointedthehoundstobetakenoutfortheLordKeeper’sspecialamusement。Hereadilyenteredintotheproposal，asgivinghimanopportunitytoreconnoitreWolf’sCrag，andperhapstomakesomeacquaintancewiththeowner，ifheshouldbetemptedfromhisdesolatemansionbythechase。Lockhardhadhisorderstoendeavouronhisparttomakesomeacquaintancewiththeinmatesofthecastle，andwehaveseenhowheplayedhispart。
TheaccidentalstormdidmoretofurthertheLordKeeper’splanofformingapersonalacquaintancewithyoungRavenswoodthanhismostsanguineexpectationscouldhaveanticipated。Hisfearoftheyoungnobleman’spersonalresentmenthadgreatlydecreasedsinceheconsideredhimasformidablefromhislegalclaimsandthemeanshemighthaveofenforcingthem。Butalthoughhethought，notunreasonably，thatonlydesperatecircumstancesdrovemenondesperatemeasures，itwasnotwithoutasecretterror，whichshookhisheartwithinhim，thathefirstfelthimselfinclosedwithinthedesolateTowerofWolf’sCrag；aplacesowellfitted，fromsolitudeandstrength，tobeasceneofviolenceandvengeance。ThesternreceptionatfirstgiventothembytheMasterofRavenswood，andthedifficultyhefeltinexplainingtothatinjurednoblemanwhatguestswereundertheshelterofhisroof，didnotsoothethesealarms；sothatwhenSirWilliamAshtonheardthedoorofthecourtyardshutbehindhimwithviolence，thewordsofAlicerunginhisears，”ThathehaddrawnonmatterstoohardlywithsofiercearaceasthoseofRavenswood，andthattheywouldbidetheirtimetobeavenged。”
ThesubsequentfranknessoftheMaster’shospitality，astheiracquaintanceincreased，abatedtheapprehensionstheserecollectionswerecalculatedtoexcite；anditdidnotescapeSirWilliamAshton，thatitwastoLucy’sgraceandbeautyheowedthechangeintheirhost’sbehavior。
Allthesethoughtsthrongeduponhimwhenhetookpossessionofthesecretchamber。Theironlamp，theunfurnishedapartment，moreresemblingaprisonthanaplaceofordinaryrepose，thehoarseandceaselesssoundofthewavesrushingagainstthebaseoftherockonwhichthecastlewasfounded，saddenedandperplexedhismind。Tohisownsuccessfulmachinations，theruinofthefamilyhadbeeninagreatmeasureowing，buthisdispositionwascrafty，andnotcruel；sothatactuallytowitnessthedesolationanddistresshehadhimselfoccasionedwasaspainfultohimasitwouldbetothehumanemistressofafamilytosuperintendinpersontheexecutionofthelambsandpoultrywhicharekilledbyherowndirections。Atthesametime，whenhethoughtofthealternativeofrestoringtoRavenswoodalargeproportionofhisspoils，orofadopting，asanallyandmemberofhisownfamily，theheirofthisimpoverishedhouse，hefeltasthespidermaybesupposedtodowhenhiswholeweb，theintricaciesofwhyichhadbeenplannedwithsomuchart，isdestroyedbythechancesweepofabroom。
Andthen，ifheshouldcommithimselftoofarinthismatter，itgaverisetoaperilousquestion，whichmanyagoodhusband，whenundertemptationtoactasafreeagent，hasaskedhimselfwithoutbeingabletoreturnasatisfactoryanswer:”Whatwillmywife——whatwillLadyAshtonsay？”Onthewhole，hecameatlengthtotheresolutioninwhichmindsofaweakercastsooftentakerefuge。Heresolvedtowatchevents，totakeadvantageofcircumstancesastheyoccurred，andregulatehisconductaccordingly。Inthisspiritoftemporisingpolicy，heatlengthcomposedhismindtorest。
CHAPTERXVI。
AslightnoteIhaveaboutmeforyou，forthedeliveryofwhichyoumustexcuseme。Itisanofferthatfriendshipcallsuponmetodo，andnowayoffensivetoyou，sinceIdesirenothingbutrightuponbothsides。
KingandnoKing。
WHENRavenswoodandhisguestmetinthemorning，thegloomoftheMaster’sspirithadinpartreturned。He，also，hadpassedanightratherofreflectionthatofslumber；andthefeelingswhichhecouldnotbutentertaintowardsLucyAshtonhadtosupportasevereconflictagainstthosewhichhehadsolongnourishedagainstherfather。Toclaspinfriendshipthehandoftheenemyofhishouse，toentertainhimunderhisroof，toexchangewithhimthecourtesiesandthekindnessofdomesticfamiliarity，wasadegradationwhichhisproudspiritcouldnotbebenttowithoutastruggle。
Buttheicebeingoncebroken，theLordKeeperwasresolveditshouldnothavetimeagainsttofreeze。IthadbeenpartofhisplantostunandconfuseRavenswood’sideas，byacomplicatedandtechnicalstatementofthematterswhichhadbeenindebatebetwixttheirfamilies，justlythinkingthatitwouldbedifficultforayouthofhisagetofollowtheexpositionsofapracticallawyer，concerningactionsofcomptandreckoning，andofmultiplepoindings，andadjudicationsandwadsets，properandimproper，andpoindingsoftheground，anddeclarationsoftheexpiryofthelegal。”Thus，”thoughtSirWilliam，”Ishallhaveallthegraceofappearingperfectlycommunicative，whilemypartywillderiveverylittleadvantagefromanythingImaytellhim。”HethereforetookRavenswoodasideintothedeeprecessofawindowinthehall，andresumingthediscourseoftheprocedingevening，expressedahopethathisyoungfriendwouldassumesomepatience，inordertohearhimenterinaminuteandexplanatorydetailofthoseunfortunatecircumstancesinwhichhislatehonourablefatherhadstoodatvariancewiththeLordKeeper。
TheMasterofRavenswoodcolouredhighly，butwassilent；andtheLordKeeper，thoughnotgreatlyapprovingthesuddenheighteningofhisauditor’scomplexion，commencedthehistoryofabondfortwentythousandmerks，advancedbyhisfathertothefatherofAllanLordRavenswood，andwasproceedingtodetailtheexecutorialproceedingsbywhichthislargesumhadbeenrenderedadebitumfundi，whenhewasinterruptedbytheMaster。”Itisnotinthisplace，”hesaid，”thatIcanhearSirWilliamAshton’sexplanationofthemattersinquestionbetweenus。Itisnothere，wheremyfatherdiedofabrokenheart，thatIcanwithdecencyortemperinvestigatethecauseofhisdistress。I
mightrememberthatIwasason，andforgetthedutiesofahost。
Atime，however，theremustcome，whenthesethingsshallbediscussed，inaplaceandinapresencewherebothofuswillhaveequalfreedomtospeakandtohear。””Anytime，”theLordKeepersaid，”anyplace，wasaliketothosewhosoughtnothingbutjustice。Yetitwouldseemhewas，infairness，entitledtosomepremonitionrespectingthegroundsuponwhichtheMasterproposedtoimpugnthewholetrainoflegalproceedings，whichhadbeensowellandripelyadvisedintheonlycourtscompetent。””SirWilliamAshton，”answeredtheMaster，withwarmth，”thelandswhichyounowoccupyweregrantedtomyremoteancestorforservicesdonewithhisswordagainsttheEnglishinvaders。Howtheyhaveglidedfromusbyatrainofproceedingsthatseemtobeneithersale，normortgage，noradjudicationfordebt，butanondescriptandentangledmixtureofalltheserights；howannualrenthasbeenaccumulateduponprincipal，andnonookorcoignoflegaladvantageleftunoccupied，untilourinterestinourhereditarypropertyseemstohavemeltedawaylikeanicicleinthaw——allthisyouunderstandbetterthanIdo。Iamwilling，however，tosuppose，fromthefranknessofyourconducttowardsme，thatImayinagreatmeasurehavemistakenyourpersonalcharacter，andthatthingsmayhaveappearedrightandfittingtoyou，askilfulandpractisedlawyer，whichtomyignorantunderstandingseemverylittleshortofinjusticeandgrossoppression。””Andyou，mydearMaster，”answeredSirWilliam——”you，permitmetosay，havebeenequallymisrepresentedtome。Iwastaughttobelieveyouafierce，imperious，hot-headedyouth，ready，attheslightestprovocation，tothrowyourswordintothescalesofjustice，andtoappealtothoserudeandforciblemeasuresfromwhichcivilpolityhaslongprotectedthepeopleofScotland。
Then，sinceweweremutuallymistakenineachother，whyshouldnottheyoungnoblemanbewillingtolistentotheoldlawyer，while，atleast，heexplainsthepointsofdifferencebetwixtthem？””No，mylord，”answeredRavenswood；”itisintheHouseofBritishPeers，whosehonourmustbeequaltotheirrank——itisinthecourtoflastresortthatwemustparleytogether。ThebeltedlordsofBritain，herancientpeers，mustdecide，ifitistheirwillthatahouse，nottheleastnobleoftheirmembers，shallbestrippedoftheirpossessions，therewardofthepatriotismofgenerations，asthepawnofawretchedmechanicbecomesforfeittotheusurertheinstantthehourofredemptionhaspassedaway。Iftheyyieldtothegraspingseverityofthecreditor，andtothegnawingusurythateatsintoourlandsasmothsintoaraiment，itwillbeofmoreevilconsequencetothemandtheirposteritythantoEdgarRavenswood。Ishallstillhavemyswordandmycloak，andcanfollowtheprofessionofarmswhereveratrumpetshallsound。”
Ashepronouncedthesewords，inafirmyetmelancholytone，heraisedhiseyes，andsuddenlyencounteredthoseofLucyAshton，whohadstolenunawaresontheirinterview，andobservedherlooksfastenedonthemwithanexpressionofenthusiasticinterestandadmiration，whichhadwraptherforthemomentbeyondthefearofdiscovery。ThenobleformandfinefeaturesofRavenswood，firedwiththeprideofbirthandsenseofinternaldignity，themellowandexpressivetonesofhisvoice，thedesolatestateofhisfortunes，andtheindifferencewithwhichheseemedtoendureandtodaretheworstthatmightbefall，renderedhimadangerousobjectofcontemplationforamaidenalreadytoomuchdisposedtodwelluponrecollectionsconnectedwithhim。Whentheireyesencounteredeachother，bothblusheddeeply，consciousofsomestronginternalemotion，anshunnedagaintomeeteachother’slooks。SirWilliamAshtonhad，ofcourse，closelywatchedtheexpressionoftheircountenances。”Ineedfear，”saidheinternally，”neitherParliamentnorprotestation；Ihaveaneffectualmodeofreconcilingmyselfwiththishot-temperedyoungfellow，incaseheshallbecomeformidable。Thepresentobjectis，atallevents，toavoidcommittingourselves。Thehookisfixed；wewillntostrainthelinetoosoon:itisaswelltoreservetheprivilegeofslippingitloose，ifwedonotfindthefishworthlanding。”
InthisselfishandcruelcalculationuponthesupposedattachmentofRavenswoodtoLucy，hewassofarfromconsideringthepainhemightgivetotheformer，bythusdallyingwithhisaffections，thatheevendidnotthinkupontheriskofinvolvinghisowndaughterintheperilsofanunfortunatepassion；asifherpredilection，whichcouldnotescapehisattention，wereliketheflameofataperwhichmightbelightedorextinguishedatpleasure。ButProvidencehadpreparedadreadfulrequitalforthiskeenobserverofhumanpassions，whohadspenthislifeinsecuringadvantagestohimselfbyartfullyworkinguponthepassionsofothers。
CalebBalderstonenowcametoannouncethatbreakfastwasprepared；forinthosedaysofsubstantialfeeding，therelicsofthesuppersimplyfurnishedforththemorningmeal。NeitherdidheforgettopresenttotheLordKeeper，withgreatreverence，amorningdraughtinalargepewtercup，garnishedwithleavesofparsleyandscurvy-grass。Hecravedpardon，ofcourse，forhavingomittedtoserveitinthegreatsilverstandingcupasbehoved，beingthatitwasatpresentinasilversmith’sinEdinburgh，forthepurposeofbeingoverlaidwithgilt。”InEdinburghlikeenough，”saidRavenswood；”butinwhatplace，orforwhatpurpose，IamafraidneitheryounorIknow。””Aweel！”saidCaleb，peevishly，”there’samanstandingatthegatealreadythismorning——that’saethingthatIken。Doesyourhonourkenwhetheryewillspeakwi’himorno？””Doeshewishtospeakwithme，Caleb？””Lesswillnoservehim，”saidCaleb；”butyehadbesttakeavisieofhimthroughthewicketbeforeopeningthegate；it’snoeveryanewesuldletintothiscastle。””What！doyousupposehimtobeamessengercometoarrestmefordebt？”saidRavenswood。”Amessengerarrestyourhonourfordebt，andinyourCastleofWolf’sCrag！Yourhonourisjestingwi’auldCalebthismorning。”However，hewhisperedinhisear，ashefollowedhimout，”Iwouldbelothtodoonydecentmanaprejudiceinyourhonour’sgudeopinion；butIwouldtaktwalookso’thatchieldbeforeIlethimwithinthesewalls。”
Hewasnotanofficerofthelaw，however；beingnolessapersonthanCaptainCraigengelt，withhisnoseasredasacomfortablecupofbrandycouldmakeit，hislacedcockedhatsetalittleasideuponthetopofhisblackridingperiwig，aswordbyhissideandpistolsathisholsters，andhispersonarrayedinaridingsuit，laidoverwithtarnishedlace——theverymoralofonewhowouldsay，”Standtoatrueman。”
WhentheMasterhadrecognisedhim，heorderedthegatestobeopened。”Isuppose，”hesaid，”CaptainCraigengelt，therearenosuchweightymattersbetwixtyouandme，butmaybediscussedinthisplace。Ihavecompanyinthecastleatpresent，andthetermsuponwhichwelastpartedmustexcusemyaskingyoutomakepartofthem。”
Craigengelt，althoughpossessingtheveryperfectionofimpudence，wassomewhatabashedbythisunfavourablereception。”Hehadnointention，”hesaid，”toforcehimselfupontheMasterofRavenswood’shospitality；hewasinthehonourableserviceofbearingamessagetohimfromafriend，otherwisetheMasterofRavenswoodshouldnothavehadreasontocomplainofthisintrusion。””Letitbeshort，sir，”saidtheMaster，”forthatwillbethebestapology。Whoisthegentlemanwhoissofortunateastohaveyourservicesasamessenger？””Myfriend，Mr。HaystonofBucklaw，”answeredCraigengelt，withconsciousimportance，andthatconfidencewhichtheacknowledgedcourageofhisprincipalinspired，”whoconceiveshimselftohavebeentreatedbyyouwithsomethingmuchshortoftherespectwhichhehadreasontodemand，and，thereforeisresolvedtoexactsatisfaction。Ibringwithme，”saidhe，takingapieceofpaperoutofhispocket，”thepreciselengthofhissword；andherequestsyouwillmeethim，accompaniedbyafriend，andequallyarmed，atanyplacewithinamileofthecastle，whenIshallgiveattendanceasumpire，orsecond，onhisbehoof。””Satisfaction！andequalarms！”repeatedRavenswood，who，thereaderwillrecollect，hadnoreasontosupposehehadgiventheslightestoffencetohislateintimate；”uponmyword，CaptainCraigengelt，eitheryouhaveinventedthemostimprobablefalsehoodthatevercameintothemindofsuchaperson，oryourmorningdraughthasbeensomewhatofthestrongest。WhatcouldpersuadeBucklawtosendmesuchamessage？””Forthat，sir，”repliedCraigengelt，”Iamdesiredtoreferyoutowhat，indutytomyfriend，Iamtotermyourinhospitalityinexcludinghimfromyourhouse，withoutreasonsassigned。””Itisimpossible，”repliedtheMaster；”hecannotbesuchafoolastointerpretactualnecessityasaninsult。NordoI
believethat，knowingmyopinionofyou，Captain，hewouldhaveemployedtheservicesofsoslightandinconsiderableapersonasyourselfuponsuchanerrand，asIcertainlycouldexpectnomanofhonourtoactwithyouintheofficeofumpire。””Islightandinconsiderable？”saidCraigengelt，raisinghisvoice，andlayinghishandonhiscutlass；”ifitwerenotthatthequarrelofmyfriendcravestheprecedence，andisindependencebeforemyown，Iwouldgiveyoutounderstand——””Icanunderstandnothinguponyourexplanation，CaptainCraigengelt。Besatisfiedofthat，andobligemewithyourdeparture。””D——n！”mutteredthebully；”andisthistheanswerwhichIamtocarrybacktoanhonourablemessage？””TelltheLairdofBucklaw，”answeredRavenswood，”ifyouarereallysentbyhim，that，whenhesendsmehiscauseofgrievancebyapersonfittingtocarrysuchanerrandbetwixthimandme，Iwilleitherexplainitormaintainit。””Then，Master，youwillatleastcausetobereturnedtoHayston，bymyhands，hispropertywhichisremaininginyourpossession。””WhateverpropertyBucklawmayhaveleftbehindhim，sir，”
repliedtheMaster，”shallbereturnedtohimbymyservant，asyoudonotshowmeanycredentialsfromhimwhichentitleyoutoreceiveit。””Well，Master，”saidCaptainCraigengelt，withmalicewhichevenhisfearoftheconsequencescouldnotsuppress，”youhavethismorningdonemeanegregiouswrongadndishonour，butfarmoretoyourself。Acastleindeed！”hecontinued，lookingaroundhim；”why，thisisworsethanacoupe-gorgehouse，wheretheyreceivetravellerstoplunderthemoftheirproperty。””Youinsolentrascal，”saidtheMaster，raisinghiscane，andmakingagraspattheCaptain’sbridle，”ifyoudonotdepartwithoututteringanothersyllable，Iwillbatoonyoutodeath！”
AtthemotionoftheMastertowardshim，thebullyturnedsorapidlyround，thatwithsomedifficultyheescapedthrowingdownhishorse，whosehoofsstruckfirefromtherockypavementineverydirection。Recoveringhim，however，withthebridle，hepushedforthegate，androdesharplybackagaininthedirectionofthevillage。
AsRavenswoodturnedroundtoleavethecourtyardafterthisdialogue，hefoundthattheLordKeeperhaddescendedfromthehall，andwitnessed，thoughatthedistanceprescribedbypoliteness，hisinterviewwithCraigengelt。”Ihaveseen，”saidtheLordKeeper，”thatgentleman’sface，andatnogreatdistanceoftime；hisnameisCraig——Craig——
something，isitnot？””Craigengeltisthefellow’sname，”saidtheMaster，”atleastthatbywhichhepassesatpresent。””Craig-in-guilt，”saidCaleb，punningupontheword”craig，”
whichinScotchsignifiesthroat；”ifheisCraig-in-guiltjustnow，heisaslikelytobeCraig-in-perilasonychieldIeversaw；theloonhaswoodiewrittenonhisveryvisnomy，andIwadwagertwaandaplackthathempplaitshiscravatyet。””Youunderstandphysiognomy，goodMr。Caleb，”saidtheKeeper，smiling；”Iassureyouthegentlemanhasbeennearsuchaconsummationbeforenow；forImostdistinctlyrecollectthat，uponoccasionofajourneywhichImadeaboutafortnightagotoEdinburgh，IsawMr。Craigengelt，orwhateverishisname，undergoasevereexaminationbeforetheprivycouncil。””Uponwhataccount？”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，withsomeinterest。
ThequestionledimmediatelytoatalewhichtheLordKeeperhadbeenveryanxioustointroduce，whenhecouldfindagracefulandfittingopportunity。HetookholdoftheMaster’sarm，andledhimbacktowardsthehall。”Theanswertoyourquestion，”hesaid，”thoughitisaridiculousbusiness，isonlyfitforyourownear。”
Astheyenteredthehall，heagaintooktheMasterapartintooneoftherecessesofthewindow，whereitwillbeeasilybelievedthatMissAshtondidnotventureagaintointrudeupontheirconference。
CHAPTERXVII。
Hereisafathernow，Willtruckhisdaughterforaforeignventure，Makeherthestop-gaptosomecanker’dfeud，Orflinghero’er，likeJonah，tothefishes，Toappeasetheseaathighest。
Anonymous。
THELordKeeperopenedhisdiscoursewithanappearanceofunconcern，marking，however，verycarefully，theeffectofhiscommunicationuponyoungRavenswood。”Youareaware，”hesaid，”myyoungfriend，thatsuspicionisthenaturalviceofourunsettledtimes，andexposesthebestandwisestofustotheimpositionofartfulrascals。IfIhadbeendisposedtolistentosuchtheotherday，orevenifIhadbeenthewilypoliticianswhichyouhavebeentaughttobelieveme，you，MasterofRavenswood，insteadofbeingatfreedom，andwithfullylibertytosolicitandactagainstmeasyouplease，indefenceofwhatyousupposetobeyourrights，wouldhavebeenintheCastleofEdinburgh，orsomeotherstateprison；or，ifyouhadescapedthatdestiny，itmusthavebeenbyflighttoaforeigncountry，andattheriskofasentenceoffugitation。””MyLordKeeper，”saidtheMaster，”Ithinkyouwouldnotjestonsuchasubject；yetitseemsimpossibleyoucanbeinearnest。””Innocence，”saidtheLordKeeper，”isalsoconfident，andsometimes，thoughveryexcusably，presumptuouslyso。””Idonotunderstand，”saidRavenswood，”howaconsciounessofinnocencecanbe，inanycase，accountedpresumtuous。””Imprudent，atleast，itmaybecalled，”saidSirWilliamAshton，”sinceitisapttoleadusintothemistakeofsupposeingthatsufficientlyevidenttoothersofwhich，infact，weareonlyconsciousourselves。Ihaveknownarogue，forthisveryreason，makeabetterdefencethananinnocentmancouldhavedoneinthesamecircumstancesofsuspicion。Havingnoconsciousnessofinnocencetosupporthim，suchafellowapplieshimselftoalltheadvantageswhichthelawwillaffordhim，andsometimes——ifhiscounselbemenoftalent——succeedsincompellinghisjudgestoreceivehimasinnocent。IrememberthecelebratedcaseofSirCoolieCondiddleofCondiddle，whowastriedfortheftundertrust，ofwhichalltheworldknewhimguilty，andyetwasnotonlyacquitted，butlivedtositinjudgmentonhonesterfolk。””Allowmetobegyouwillreturntothepoint，”saidtheMaster；”youseemedtosaythatIhadsufferedundersomesuspicion。””Suspicion，Master！Ay，truly，andIcanshowyoutheproofsofit；ifIhappenonlytohavethemwithme。Here，Lockhard。”Hisattendantcame。”Fetchmethelittleprivatemailwiththepadlocks，thatIrecommendedtoyourparticularcharge，d’yehear？””Yes，mylord。”Lockhardvanished；andtheKeepercontinued，asifhalfspeakingtohimself。”Ithinkthepapersarewithme——Ithinkso，for，asIwastobeinthiscountry，itwasnaturalformetobringthemwithme。I
havethem，however，atRavenswoodCastle，thatIamsure；soperhapsyoumightcondescend——”
HereLockhardentered，andputtheleathernscrutoire，ormail-
box，intohishands。TheKeeperproducedoneortwopapers，respectingtheinformationlaidbeforetheprivycouncilconcerningtheriot，asitwastermed，atthefuneralofAllanLordRavenswood，andtheactivesharehehadhimselftakeninquashingtheproceedingsagainsttheMaster。Thesedocumentshadbeenselectedwithcare，soastoirritatethenaturalcuriosityofRavenswooduponsuchasubject，withoutgratifyingit，yettoshowthatSirWilliamAshtonhadacteduponthattryingoccasionthepartofanadvocateandpeacemakerbetwixthimandthejealousauthoritiesoftheday。Havingfurnishedhishostwithsuchsubjectsforexamination，theLordKeeperwenttothebreakfast-table，andenteredintolightconversation，addressedpartlytooldCaleb，whoseresentmentagainsttheusurperoftheCastleofRavenswoodbegantobesoftenedbyhisfamiliarity，andpartlytohisdaughter。
Afterperusingthesepapers，theMasterofRavenswoodremainedforaminuteortwowithhishandpressedagainsthisbrow，indeepandprofoundmeditation。Hethenagainranhiseyehastilyoverthepapers，asifdesirousofdiscoveringinthemsomedeeppurpose，orsomemarkoffabrication，whichhadescapedhimatfirstperusal。Apparentlythesecondreadingconfirmedtheopinionwhichhadpresseduponhimatthefirst，forhestartedfromthestonebenchonwhichhewassitting，and，goingtotheLordKeeper，tookhishand，and，stronglypressingit，askedhispardonrepeatedlyfortheinjusticehehaddonehim，whenitappearedhewasexperiencing，athishands，thebenefitofprotectiontohispersonandvindicationtohischaracter。
Thestatesmanreceivedtheseacknowledgmentsatfirstwithwell-
feignedsurprise，andthenwithanaffectationoffrankcordiality。ThetearsbeganalreadytostartfromLucy’sblueeyesatviewingthisunexpectedandmovingscene。ToseetheMaster，latesohaughtyandreserved，andwhomshehadalwayssupposedtheinjuredperson，supplicatingherfatherforforgiveness，wasachangeatoncesurprising，flattering，andaffecting。”Dryyoureyes，Lucy，”saidherfather；”whyshouldyouweep，becauseyourfather，thoughalawyer，isdiscoveredtobeafairandhonourableman？Whathaveyoutothankmefor，mydearMaster，”hecontinued，addressingRavenswood，”thatyouwouldnothavedoneinmycase？’Suumcuiquetribuito，’wastheRomanjustice，andIlearneditwhenIstudiedJustinian。Besides，haveyounotoverpaidmeathousandtimes，insavingthelifeofthisdearchild？””Yes，”answeredtheMaster，inalltheremorseofself-
accusation；”butthelittleservice_I_didwasanactofmerebrutalinstinct；YOURdefenceofmycause，whenyouknewhowillIthoughtofyou，andhowmuchIwasdisposedtobeyourenemy，wasanactofgenerous，manly，andconsideratewisdom。””Pshaw！”saidtheLordKeeper，”eachofusactedinhisownway；
youasagallantsoldier，Iasanuprightjudgeandprivy-
councillor。Wecouldnot，perhaps，havechangedparts；atleastIshouldhavemadeaverysorrytauridor，andyou，mygoodMaster，thoughyourcauseissoexcellent，mighthavepleadeditperhapsworseyourselfthanIwhoactedforyoubeforethecouncil。””Mygenerousfriend！”saidRavenswood；andwiththatbriefword，whichtheKeeperhadoftenlavisheduponhim，butwhichhehimselfnowpronouncedforthefirsttime，hegavetohisfeudalenemythefullconfidenceofanhaughtybuthonourableheart。
TheMasterhadbeenremarkedamonghiscontemporariesforsenseandacuteness，aswellasforhisreserved，pertinacious，andirasciblecharacter。Hisprepossessionsaccordingly，howeverobstinate，wereofanaturetogivewaybeforeloveandgratitude；andtherealcharmsofthedaughter，joinedtothesupposedservicesofthefather，cancelledinhismemorythevowsofvengeancewhichhehadtakensodeeplyontheeveofhisfather’sfuneral。Buttheyhadbeenheardandregisteredinthebookoffate。
Calebwaspresentatthisextraordinaryscene，andhecouldconceivenootherreasonforaproceedingsoextraordinarythananalliancebetwixtthehouses，andRavenswoodCastleassignedfortheyounglady’sdowry。AsforLucy，whenRavenswoodutteredthemostpassionateexcusesforhisungratefulnegligence，shecouldbutsmilethroughhertears，and，assheabandonedherhandtohim，assurehim，inbrokenaccents，ofthedelightwithwhichshebeheldthecompletereconciliationbetweenherfatherandherdeliverer。Eventhestatesmanwasmovedandaffectedbythefiery，unreserved，andgenerousself-abandonmentwithwhichtheMasterofRavenswoodrenouncedhisfeudalenmity，andthrewhimselfwithouthesitationuponhisforgiveness。Hiseyesglistenedashelookeduponacouplewhowereobviouslybecomingattached，andwhoseemedmadeforeachother。HethoughthowhightheproudandchivalrouscharacterofRavenswoodmightriseundermanycircumstancesinwhichHEfoundhimself”overcrowed，”
touseaphraseofSpenser，andkeptunder，byhisbriefpedigree，andtimidityofdisposition。Thenhisdaughter——hisfavoritechild——hisconstantplaymate——seemedformedtolivehappyinaunionwithsuchacommandingspiritasRavenswood；andeventhefine，delicate，fragileformofLucyAshtonseemedtorequirethesupportoftheMaster’smuscularstrengthandmasculinecharacter。AnditwasnotmerelyduringafewminutesthatSirWilliamAshtonlookedupontheirmarriageasaprobableandevendesirableevent，forafullhourintervenederehisimaginationwascrossedbyrecollectionoftheMaster’spoverty，andthesuredispleasureofLadyAshton。Itiscertain，thattheveryunusualflowofkindlyfeelingwithwhichtheLordKeeperhadbeenthussurprised，wasoneofthecircumstanceswhichgavemuchtacitencouragementtotheattachmentbetweentheMasterandhisdaughter，andledboththeloversdistinctlytobelievethatitwasaconnexionwhichwouldbemostagreeabletohim。Hehimselfwassupposedtohaveadmittedthisineffect，when，longafterthecatastropheoftheirlove，heusedtowarnhishearersagainstpermittingtheirfeelingstoobtainanascendencyovertheirjudgment，andaffirm，thatthegreatestmisfortunteofhislifewasowingtoaverytemporarypredominanceofsensibilityoverself-interest。Itmustbeowned，ifsuchwasthecase，hewaslongandseverelypunishedforanoffenceofverybriefduration。
Aftersomepause，theLordKeeperresumedtheconversation——”Inyoursurpriseatfindingmeanhonestermanthanyouexpected，youhavelostyourcuriosityaboutthisCraigengelt，mygoodMaster；andyetyournamewasbroughtin，inthecourseofthatmattertoo。””Thescoundrel！”saidRavenswood。”Myconnexionwithhimwasofthemosttemporarynaturepossible；andyetIwasveryfoolishtoholdanycommunicationwithhimatall。Whatdidhesayofme？””Enough，”saidtheKeeper，”toexcitetheveryloyalterrorsofsomeofoursages，whoareforproceedingagainstmenonthemeregroundsofsuspicionormercenaryinformation。SomenonsenseaboutyourproposingtoenterintotheserviceofFrance，orofthePretender，Idon’trecollectwhich，butwhichtheMarquisofA——，oneofyourbestfriends，andanotherperson，whomsomecalloneofyourworstandmostinterestedenemies，couldnot，somehow，bebroughttolistento。””Iamobligedtomyhonourablefriend；andyet，”shakingtheLordKeeper’shand——”andyetIamstillmoreobligedtomyhonourableenemy。””Inimicusamicissimus，”saidtheLordKeeper，returningthepressure；”butthisgentleman——thisMr。HaystonofBucklaw——Iamafraidthepooryoungman——Iheardthefellowmentionhisname——
isunderverybadguidance。””Heisoldenoughtogovernhimself，”answeredtheMaster。”Oldenough，perhaps，butscarcewiseenough，ifhehaschosenthisfellowforhisfidusAchates。Why，helodgedaninformationagainsthim——thatis，suchaconsequencemighthaveensuedfromhisexamination，hadwenotlookedratheratthecharacterofthewitnessthanthetenorofhisevidence。””Mr。HaystonofBucklaw，”saidthemaster，”is，Ibelieve，amosthonourableman，andcapableofnothingthatismeanordisgraceful。””Capableofmuchthatisunreasonable，though；thatyoumustneedsallow，master。Deathwillsoonputhiminpossessionofafairestate，ifhehathitnotalready；oldLadyGirnington——anexcellentperson，exceptingthatherinveterateill-naturerenderedherintolerabletothewholeworld——isprobablydeadbythistime。Sixheirsportionershavesuccessivelydiedtomakeherwealthy。Iknowtheestateswell；theymarchwithmyown——anobleproperty。””Iamgladofit，”saidRavenswood，”andshouldbemoreso，wereIconfidentthatBucklawwouldchangehiscompanyandhabitswithhisfortunes。ThisappearanceofCraigengelt，actinginthecapacityofhisfriend，isamostvileauguryforhisfuturerespectability。””Heisabirdofevilomen，tobesure，”saidtheKeeper，”andcroaksofjailandgallows-tree。ButIseeMr。Calebgrowsimpatientforourreturntobreakfast。”
CHAPTERXVIII。
Sir，stayathomeandtakeanoldman’scounsel；
Seeknottobaskyoubyastranger’shearth；
Ourownbluesmokeiswarmerthantheirfire。
Domesticfoodiswholesome，though’tishomely，Andforeigndaintiespoisonous，thoughtasteful。
TheFrenchCourtezan。
THEMasterofRavenswoodtookanopportunitytoleavehisgueststopreparefortheirdeparture，whilehehimselfmadethebriefarrangementsnecessaryprevioustohisabsencefromWolf’sCragforadayortwo。ItwasnecessarytocommunicatewithCalebonthisoccasion，andhefoundthatfaithfulservitorinhissootyandruinousden，greatlydelightedwiththedepartureoftheirvisitors，andcomputinghowlong，withgoodmanagement，theprovisionswhichhadbeenunexpendedmightfurnishtheMaster’stable。”He’snaebellygod，that’saeblessing；andBucklaw’sgane，thatcouldhaveeatenahorsebehindthesaddle。Cressesorwater-purpie，andabitait-cake，canservetheMasterforbreakfastasweelasCaleb。Thenfordinner——there’snomuckleleftonthespule-bane；itwillbrander，though——itwillbranderveryweel。”
HistriumphantcalculationswereinterruptedbytheMaster，whocommunicatedtohim，notwithoutsomehesitation，hispurposetoridewiththeLordKeeperasfarasRavenswoodCastle，andtoremainthereforadayortwo。”ThemercyofHeavenforbid！”saidtheoldserving-man，turningaspalasthetable-clothwhichhewasfoldingup。”Andwhy，Caleb？”saidhismaster——”whyshouldthemercyofHeavenforbidmyreturningtheLordKeeper’svisit？””Oh，sir！”repliedCaleb——”oh，Mr。Edgar！Iamyourservant，anditillbecomesmetospeak；butIamanauldservant——haveservedbaithyourfatherandgudesire，andmindtohaveseenLordRandal，yourgreat-grandfather，butthatwaswhenIwasabairn。””Andwhatofallthis，Balderstone？”saidtheMaster；”whatcanitpossiblyhavetodowithmypayingsomeordinarycivilitytoaneighbour。””Oh，Mr。Edgar，——thatis，mylord！”answeredthebutler，”yourainconsciencetellsyouitisnaforyourfather’ssontobeneighbouringwi’thelikeo’him；itisnaforthecreditofthefamily。Anhewereancecometoterms，andtogieyebackyourain，e’enthoughyesuldhonourhishousewi’youralliance，I
suldnasayna；fortheyoungleddyisawinsomesweetcreature。
Butkeepyourainstatewi’them——Ikentheraceo’themweel——
theywillthinkthemairo’ye。””Why，now，yougofatherthanIdo，Caleb，”saidtheMaster，drowningacertaindegreeofconsciousnessinaforcedlaugh；”youareformarryingmeintoafamilythatyouwillntoallowmetovisit，howthis？andyoulookaspaleasdeathbesides。””Oh，sir，”repeatedCalebagain，”youwouldbutlaughifItauldit；butThomastheRhymer，whosetonguecouldnabefause，spokethewordofyourhousethatwille’enproveowertrueifyougotoRavenswoodthisday。Oh，thatitshoulde’erhavebeenfulfilledinmytime！””Andwhatisit，Caleb？”saidRavenswood，wishingtosoothethefearsofhisoldservant。
Calebreplied:”Hehadneverrepeatedthelinestolivingmortal；theyweretoldtohimbyanauldpriestthathadbeenconfessortoLordAllan’sfatherwhenthefamilywereCatholic。
Butmonyatime，”hesaid，”Ihaesoughedthaedarkwordsowertomyself，and，well-a-day！littledidIthinkoftheircomingroundthisday。””Trucewithyournonsense，andletmehearthedoggerelwhichhasputitintoyourhead，”saidtheMaster，impatiently。
Withaquiveringvoice，andacheekpalewithapprehension，Calebfalteredoutthefollowinglines:”WhenthelastLairdofRavenswoodtoRavenswoodshallride，Andwooadeadmaidentobehisbride，HeshallstablehissteedintheKelpie’sflow，Andhisnameshallbelostforevermoe！””IknowtheKelpie’sflowwellenough，”saidtheMaster；”I
suppose，atleast，youmeanthequicksandbetwixtthistowerandWolf’sHope；butwhyanymaninhissensesshouldstableasteedthere——””Oh，everspeeronythingaboutthat，sir——Godforbidweshouldkenwhattheprophecymeans——butjustbideyouathame，andletthestrangersridetoRavenswoodbythemselves。Wehavedoneeneughforthem；andtodomairwouldbemairagainstthecreditofthefamilythaninitsfavour。””Well，Caleb，”saidtheMaster，”Igiveyouthebestpossiblecreditforyourgoodadviceonthisoccasion；butasI
donotgotoRavenswoodtoseekabride，deadoralive，IhopeI
shallchooseabetterstableformyhorsethantheKelpie’squicksand，andespeciallyasIhavealwayshadaparticulardreadofitsincethepatrolofdragoonswerelosttheretenyearssince。MyfatherandIsawthemfromthetowerstrugglingagainsttheadvancingtide，andtheywerelostlongbeforeanyhelpcouldreachthem。””Andtheydeserveditweel，thesouthernloons！”saidCaleb；”whathadtheyadocaperingonoursands，andhinderingawheenhonestfolkfraebringingonshoreadrapbrandy？Ihaeseenthemthatbusy，thatIwadhaefiredtheauldculverinorthedemi-sakerthat’sonthesouthbartizanatthem，onlyIwasfearedtheymightburstinthegangingaff。”
Caleb’sbrainwasnowfullyengagedwithabuseoftheEnglishsoldieryandexcisemen，sothathismasterfoundnogreatdifficultyinescapingfromhimandrejoininghisguests。Allwasnowreadyfortheirdeparture；andoneoftheLordKeeper’sgroomshavingsaddledtheMaster’ssteed，theymountedinthecourtyard。
Calebhad，withmuchtoil，openedthedoubledoorsoftheoutwardgate，andthereatstationedhimself，endeavouring，bythereverential，andatthesametimeconsequential，airwhichheassumed，tosupply，byhisowngaunt，wasted，andthinperson，theabsenceofawholebaronialestablishmentofporters，warders，andliveriedmenials。
TheKeeperreturnedhisdeepreverencewithacordialfarewell，stoopingatthesametimefromhishorse，andslidingintothebutler’shandtheremunerationwhichinthosedayswasalwaysgivenbyadepartingguesttothedomesticsofthefamilywherehehadbeenentertained。Lucysmiledontheoldmanwithherusualsweetness，badehimadieu，anddepositedherguerdonwithagraceofactionandagentlenessofaccentwhichcouldnothavefailedtohavewonthefaithfulretainer’sheart，butforThomastheRhymer，andthesuccessfullawsuitagainsthismaster。Asitwas，hemighthaveadoptedthelanguageoftheDukeinAsYouLikeIt:
Thouwouldsthavebetterpleasedmewiththisdeed，Ifthouhadsttoldmeofanotherfather。
Ravenswoodwasatthelady’sbridle-rein，encouraginghertimidity，andguidingherhorsecarefullydowntherockypathwhichledtothemoor，whenoneoftheservantsannounedfromtherearthatCalebwascallingloudlyafterthem，desiringtospeakwithhismaster。Ravenswoodfeltitwouldlooksingulartoneglectthissummons，althoughinwardlycursingCalebforhisimpertinentofficiousness；thereforehewascompelledtorelinquishtoMr。Lockhardtheaggreeabledutyinwhichhewasengaged，andtoridebacktothegateofthecourtyard。Herehewasbeginning，somewhatpeevishly，toaskCalebthecauseofhisclamour，whenthegoodoldmanexclaimed:”Whisht，sir！——whisht，andletmespeakjustaewordthatIcouldnasayaforefolk；
thereputtingintohislord’shandthemoneyhehadjustreceived——there’sthreegowdpieces；andye’llwantsillerup-
byeyonder。Butstay，whisht，now！”fortheMasterwasbeginningtoexclaimagainstthistransference，”neversayaword，butjustseetogetthemchangedinthefirsttownyeridethrough，fortheyarebrannewfraethemint，andken-speckleaweebit。””Youforget，Caleb，”saidhismaster，strivingtoforcebackthemoneyonhisservant，andextricatethebridlefromhishold——”youforgetthatIhavesomegoldpiecesleftofmyown。Keepthesetoyourself，myoldfriend；and，oncemore，gooddaytoyou。Iassureyou，Ihaveplenty。Youknowyouhavemanagedthatourlivingshouldcostuslittleornothing。””Aweel，”saidCaleb，”thesewillserveforyouanothertime；butseeyehaeeneugh，for，doubtless，forthecreditofthefamily，theremaunbesomecivilitytotheservants，andyemaunhaesomethingtomakashowwithwhentheysay，’Master，willyoubetabroadpiece？’Thenyemauntakoutyourpurse，andsay，’I
carenaifIdo’；andtakcarenotoagreeonthearticlesofthewager，andjustputupyourpurseagain，and——””Thisisintolerable，Caleb；Ireallymustbegone。””Andyouwillgo，then？”saidCaleb，looseninghisholdupontheMaster’scloak，andchanginghisdidacticsintoapatheticandmournfultone——”andyouWILLgo，fora’Ihavetoldyouabouttheprophecy，andthedeadbride，andtheKelpie’squicksand？Aweel！awilfulmanmaunhaehisway:hethatwilltoCuparmauntoCupar。Butpityofyourlife，sir，ifyebefowlingorshootinginthePark，bewareofdrinkingattheMermaiden’sWell——He’sgane！he’sdownthepatharrow-flightafterher！TheheadisascleantaenafftheRavenswoodfamilythisdayasIwadchaptheheadaffasybo！”
Theoldbutlerlookedlongafterhismaster，oftenclearingawaythedewasitrosetohiseyes，thathemight，aslongaspossible，distinguishhisstatelyformfromthoseoftheotherhorsemen。”Closetoherbridle-rein——ay，closetoherbridle-
rein！Wiselysaiththeholyman，’Bythisalsoyoumayknowthatwomanhathdominionoverallmen’；andwithoutthislasswouldnotourruinhavebeena’thegitherfulfilled。”
WithaheartfraughtwithsuchsadauguriesdidCalebreturntohisnecessarydutiesatWofl’sCrag，assoonashecouldnolongerdistinguishtheobjectofhisanxietyamongthegroupforiders，whichdiminishedinthedistance。
Inthemeantimethepartypursuedtheirroutejoyfully。Havingoncetakenhisresolution，theMasterofRavenswoodwasnotofacharactertohesitateorpauseuponit。HeabandonedhimselftothepleasurehefeltinMissAshton’scompany，anddisplayedanassiduousgallantrywhichapproachedasnearlytogaietyasthetemperofhismindandstateofhisfamilypermitted。TheLordKeeperwasmuchstruckwithhisdepthofobservation，andtheunusualimprovementwhichhehadderivedfromhisstudies。OftheseaccomplishmentsSirWilliamAshton’sprofessionandhabitsofsocietyrenderedhimanexcellentjudge；
andhewellknewhowtoappreciateaqualitytowhichhehimselfwasatotalstranger——thebriefanddecideddauntlessnessoftheMasterofRavenswood’sfear。InhishearttheLordKeeperrejoicedathavingconciliatedanadversarysoformidable，while，withamixtureofpleasureandanxiety，heanticipatedthegreatthingshisyoungcompanionmightachieve，werethebreathofcourt-favourtofillhissails。”Whatcouldshedesire，”hethought，hismindalwaysconjuringupopporitioninthepersonofLadyAshtontohisnewprevailingwish——”whatcouldawomandesireinamatchmorethanthesopitingofaverydangerousclaim，andtheallianceofason-in-law，noble，brave，well-gifted，andhighlyconnected；suretofloatwheneverthetidesetshisway；strong，exactlywhereweareweak，inpedigreeandinthetemperofaswordsman？Sure，noreasonablewomanwouldhesitate。Butalas——！”HerehisargumentwasstoppedbytheconsciousnessthatLadyAshtonwasnotalwaysreasonable，inhissenseoftheword。”ToprefersomeclownishMerselairdtothegallantyoungnobleman，andtothesecurepossessionofRavenswoodupontermsofeasycompromise——itwouldbetheactofamadwoman！”
Thusponderedtheveteranpolitician，untiltheyreachedBittlebrainsHouse，whereithadbeenpreviouslysettledtheyweretodineandreposethemselves，andprosecutetheirjourneyintheafternoon。
Theywerereceivedwithanexcessofhospitality；andthemostmarkedattentionwasofferedtotheMasterofRavenswood，inparticular，bytheirnobleentertainers。Thetruthwas，thatLordBittlebrainshadobtainedhispeeragebyagooddealofplausibility，anartofbuildingupacharacterforwisdomuponaverytritestyleofcommonplaceeloquence，asteadyobservationofthechangesofthetimes，andthepowerofrenderingcertainpoliticalservicestothosewhocouldbestrewardthem。Hisladyandhe，notfeelingquiteeasyundertheirnewhonours，towhichusehadnotadaptedtheirfeelings，wereverydesiroustoprocurethefraternalcountenanceofthosewhowereborndenizensoftheregionsintowhichtheyhadbeenexaltedfromalowersphere。
TheextremeattentionwhichtheypaidtotheMasterofRavenswoodhaditsusualeffectinexaltinghisimportanceintheeyesoftheLordKeeper，who，althoughhehadareasonabledegreeofcontemptforLordBittlebrains’sgeneralparts，entertainedahighopinionoftheacutenessofhisjudgmentinallmattersofself-interest。”IwishLadyAshtonhadseenthis，”washisinternalreflection；”nomanknowssowellasBittlebrainsonwhichsidehisbreadisbuttered；andhefawnsontheMasterlikeabeggar’smessanonacook。Andmylady，too，bringingforwardherbeetle-
browedmissestoskirlandplayuponthevirginals，asifshesaid，’Pickandchoose。’TheyarenomorecomparabletoLucythananowlistoacygnet，andsotheymaycarrytheirblackbrowstoafarthermarket。”
Theentertainmentbeingended，ourtravellers，whohadstilltomeasurethelongestpartoftheirjourney，resumedtheirhorses；
andaftertheLordKeeper，theMaster，andthedomesticshaddrunkdoch-an-dorroch，orthestirrup-cup，intheliquorsadaptedtotheirvariousranks，thecavalcaderesumeditsprogress。
ItwasdarkbythetimetheyenteredtheavenueofRavenswoodCastle，alongstraightlineleadingdirectlytothefrontofthehouse，flankedwithhugeelm-trees，whichsighedtothenight-wind，asiftheycompassionatedtheheiroftheirancientproprietors，whonowreturnedtotheirshadesinthesociety，andalmostintheretinue，oftheirnewmaster。SomefeelingsofthesamekindoppressedthemindoftheMasterhimself。Hegraduallybecamesilent，adndroppedalittlebehindthelady，atwhosebridle-reinhehadhithertowaitedwithsuchdevotion。Hewellrecollectedtheperiodwhen，atthesamehourintheevening，hehadaccompaniedhisfather，asthatnoblemanleft，neveragaintoreturntoit，themansionfromwhichhederivedhisnameandtitle。Theextensivefrontoftheoldcastle，onwhichherememberedhavingoftenlookedback，wasthen”asblackasmourningweed。”Thesamefrontnowglancedwithmanylights，somethrowingfarforwardintothenightafixedandstationaryblaze，andothershurryingfromonewindowtoanother，intimatingthebustleandbusypreparationprecedingtheirarrival，whichhadbeenintimatedbyanavant-courier。ThecontrastpressedsostronglyupontheMaster’sheartastoawakensomeofthesternerfeelingswithwhichhehadbeenaccustomedtoregardthenewlordofhispaternaldomain，andtoimpresshiscountenancewithanairofserveregravity，when，alightedfromhishorse，hestoodinthehallnolongerhisown，surroundedbythenumerousmenialsofitspresentowner。
TheLordKeeper，whenabouttowelcomehimwiththecordialitywhichtheirlateintercourseseemedtorenderproper，becameawareofthechange，refrainedfromhispurpose，andonlyintimatedtheceremonyofreceptionbyadeepreverencetohisguest，seemingthusdelicatelytosharethefeelingswhichpredominatedonhisbrow。
Twoupperdomestics，bearingeachahugepairofsilvercandlesticks，nowmarshalledthecompanyintoalargesaloon，orwithdrawing-room，wherenewalterationsimpresseduponRavenswoodthesuperiorwealthofthepresentinhabitantsofthecastle。Themoulderingtapestry，which，inhisfather’stime，hadhalfcoveredthewallsofthisstatelyapartment，andhalfstreamedfromthemintatters，hadgivenplacetoacompletefinishingofwainscot，thecorniceofwhich，aswellastheframesofthevariouscompartments，wereornamentedwithfestoonsofflowersandwithbirds，which，thoughcarvedinoak，seemed，suchwastheartofthechisel，actuallytoswelltheirthroatsandfluttertheirwings。SeveraloldfamilyportraitsofarmedheroesofthehouseofRavenswood，togetherwithasuitortwoofoldarmourandsomemilitaryweapons，hadgivenplacetothoseofKingWilliamandQueenMary，orSirThomasHopeandLordStair，twodistinguishedScottishlawyers。ThepicturesoftheLordKeeper’sfatherandmotherwerealsotobeseen；thelatter，sour，shrewish，andsolemn，inherblackhoodandclosepinners，withabookofdevotioninherhand；theformer，exhibitingbeneathablacksilkGenevacowl，orskull-cap，whichsateasclosetotheheadasifithadbeenshaven，apinched，peevish，Puritanicalsetoffeatures，terminatinginahungry，reddish，peakedbeard，formingonthewholeacountenanceintheexpressionofwhichthehypocriteseemedtocontendwiththemiserandtheknave。”Anditistomakeroomforsuchscarecrowsasthese，”thoughtRavenswood，”thatmyancestorshavebeentorndownfromthewallswhichtheyerected！”helookedatthemagain，and，ashelooked，therecollectionofLucyAshton，forshehadnotenteredtheapartmentwiththem，seemedlesslivelyinhisimagination。TherewerealsotwoorthreeDutchdrolleries，asthepicturesofOstadeandTenierswerethentermed，withonegoodpaintingoftheItalianschool。Therewas，besides，anoblefull-lengthoftheLordKeeperinhisrobesofoffice，placedbesidehisladyinsilkandermine，ahaughtybeauty，bearinginherlooksalltheprideofthehouseofDouglas，fromwhichshewasdescended。Thepainter，notwithstandinghisskill，overcomebythereality，or，perhaps，fromasuppressedsenseofhumour，hadnotbeenabletogivethehusbandonthecanvasthatairofawfulruleandrightsupremacywhichindicatesthefullpossessionofdomesticauthority。Itwasobviousatthefirstglancethat，despitemaceandgoldfrogs，theLordKeeperwassomewhathenpecked。Thefloorofthisfinesaloonwaslaidwithrichcarpets，hugefiresblazedinthedoublechimneys，andtensilversconces，reflectingwiththeirbrightplatesthelightswhichtheysupported，madethewholeseemasbrilliantasday。”Wouldyouchooseanyrefreshment，Master？”saidSirWilliamAshton，notunwillingtobreaktheawkwardsilence。
Hereceivednoanswer，theMasterbeingsobusilyengagedinmarkingthevariouschangeswhichhadtakenplaceintheapartment，thathehardlyheardtheLordKeeperaddresshim。A
repetitionoftheofferofrefreshment，withtheaddition，thatthefamilymealwouldbepresentlyready，compelledhisattention，andremindedhimthatheactedaweak，perhapsevenaridiculous，partinsufferinghimselftobeovercomebythecircumstancesinwhichhefoundhimself。Hecompelledhimself，therefore，toenterintoconversationwithSirWilliamAshton，withasmuchappearanceofindifferenceashecouldwellcommand。”Youwillnotbesurprised，SirWilliam，thatIaminterestedinthechangesyouhavemadeforthebetterinthisapartment。Inmyfather’stime，afterourmisfortunescompelledhimtoliveinretirement，itwaslittleused，exceptbymeasaplay-room，whentheweatherwouldnotpermitmetogoabroad。Inthatrecesswasmylittleworkshop，whereItreasuredthefewcarpenters’toolswhicholdCalebprocuredforme，andtaughtmehowtouse；there，inyondercorner，underthathandsomesilversconce，Ikeptmyfishing-rodsandhuntingpoles，bowsandarrows。””Ihaveayoungbirkie，”saidtheLordKeeper，willingtochangethetoneoftheconversation，”ofmuchthesameturn。Heisneverhappysavewhenheisinthefield。Iwonderheisnothere。Here，Lockhard；sendWilliamShawforMr。Henry。I
supposeheis，asusual，tiedtoLucy’sapron-string；thatfoolishgirl，Master，drawsthewholefamilyafterheratherpleasure。”
Eventhisallusiontohisdaughter，thoughartfullythrownout，didnotrecallRavenswoodfromhisowntopic。”Wewereobligedtoleave，”hesaid，”somearmourandportraitsinthisapartment；mayIaskwheretheyhavebeenremovedto？””Why，”answeredtheKeeper，withsomehesitation，”theroomwasfittedupinourabsence，andcedantarmatogaeisthemaximoflawyers，youknow:Iamafraidithasbeenheresomewhattooliterallycompliedwith。Ihope——Ibelievetheyaresafe，IamsureIgaveorders；mayIhopethatwhentheyarerecovered，andputinproperorder，youwilldomethehonourtoacceptthematmyhand，asanatonementfortheiraccidentalderangement？”
TheMasterofRavenswoodbowedstiffly，and，withfoldedarms，againresumedhissurveyoftheroom。
Henry，aspoiltboyoffifteen，burstintotheroom，andranuptohisfather。”ThinkofLucy，papa；shehascomehomesocrossandsofractious，thatshewillnotgodowntothestabletoseemynewpony，thatBobWilsonbroughtfromtheMullofGalloway。””Ithinkyouwereveryunreasonabletoaskher，”saidtheKeeper。”Thenyouareascrossassheis，”answeredtheboy；”butwhenmammacomeshome，she’llclawupbothyourmittens。””Hushyourimpertinence，youlittleforwardimp！”saidhisfather；”whereisyourtutor？””GonetoaweddingatDunbar；Ihopehe’llgetahaggistohisdinner”；andhebegantosingtheoldScottishsong:”TherewasahaggisinDunbar，Falderal，etc。
Monybetterandfewwaur，Falderal，”etc。”IammuchobligedtoMr。Corderyforhisattentions，”saidtheLordKeeper；”andpraywhohashadthechargeofyouwhileIwasaway，Mr。Henry？””NormanandBobWilson，forbyemyownself。””Agroomandagamekeeper，andyourownsillyself——properguardiansforayoungadvocate！Why，youwillneverknowanystatutesbutthoseagainstshootingred-deer，killingsalmon，and——””Andspeakingofred-game，”saidtheyoungscapegrace，interruptinghisfatherwithoutscrupleorhesitation，”Normanhasshotabuck，andIshowedthebranchestoLucy，andshesaystheyhavebuteighttynes；andshesaysthatyoukilledadeerwithLordBittlebrains’shounds，whenyouwerewestaway，and，doyouknow，shesaysithadtentynes；isittrue？””Itmayhavehadtwenty，Henry，forwhatIknow；butifyougotothatgentleman，hecantellyouallaboutit。Gospeaktohim，Henry；itistheMasterofRavenswood。”
Whiletheyconversedthus，thefatherandsonwerestandingbythefire；andtheMaster，havingwalkedtowardstheupperendoftheapartment，stoodwithhisbacktowardsthem，apparentlyengagedinexaminingoneofthepaintings。Theboyranuptohim，andpulledhimbytheskirtofthecoatwiththefreedomofaspoiltchild，saying，”Isay，sir，ifyoupleasetotellme——”butwhentheMasterturnedround，andHenrysawhisface，hebecamesuddenlyandtotallydisconcerted；walkedtwoorthreestepsbackward，andstillgazedonRavenswoodwithanairoffearandwonder，whichhadtotallybanishedfromhisfeaturestheirusualexpressionofpertvivacity。”Cometome，younggentleman，”saidtheMaster，”andIwilltellyouallIknowaboutthehunt。””Gotothegentleman，Henry，”saidhisfather；”youarenotusedtobesoshy。”
Butneitherinvitationnorexhortationhadanyeffectontheboy。Onthecontrary，heturnedroundassoonashehadcompletedhissurveyoftheMaster，andwalkingascautiouslyasifhehadbeentreadinguponeggs，heglidedbacktohisfather，andpressedasclosetohimaspossible。Ravenswood，toavoidhearingthedisputebetwixtthefatherandtheoverindulgedboy，thoughtitmostpolitetoturnhisfaceoncemoretowardsthepictures，andpaynoattentiontowhattheysaid。”WhydoyounotspeaktotheMaster，youlittlefool？”saidtheLordKeeper。”Iamafraid，”saidHenry，inaverylowtoneofvoice。”Afraid，yougoose！”saidhisfather，givinghimaslightshakebythecollar。”Whatmakesyouafraid？””WhatmakeshimtolikethepictureofSirMaliseRavenswoodthen？”saidtheboy，whispering。”Whatpicture，younatural？”saidhisfather。”Iusedtothinkyouonlyascapegrace，butIbelieveyouwillturnoutabornidiot。””Itellyou，itisthepictureofoldMaliseofRavenswood，andheisaslikeitasifhehadloupenoutofthecanvas；anditisupintheoldbaron’shallthatthemaidslaundertheclothesin；
andithasarmour，andnotacoatlikethegentleman；andhehasnotabeardandwhiskerslikethepicture；andithasanotherkindofthingaboutthethroat，andnoband-stringsashehas；
and——””Andwhyshouldnotthegentlemanbelikehisancestor，yousillyboy？”saidtheLordKeeper。”Ay；butifheiscometochaseusalloutofthecastle，”saidtheboy，”andhastwentymenathisbackindisguise；andiscometosay，withahollowvoice，’Ibidemytime’；andistokillyouonthehearthasMalisedidtheotherman，andwhosebloodisstilltobeseen！””Hush！nonsense！”saidtheLordKeeper，nothimselfmuchpleasedtohearthesedisagreeablecoicidencesforcedonhisnotice。”Master，herecomesLockhardtosaysupperisserved。”
And，atthesameinstant，Lucyenteredatanotherdoor，havingchangedherdresssinceherreturn。Theexquisitefemininebeautyofhercountenance，nowshadedonlybyaprofusionofsunnytresses；thesylph-likeform，disencumberedofherheavyriding-skirtandmantledinazuresilk；thegraceofhermannerandofhersmile，cleared，withaceleritywhichsurprisedtheMasterhimself，allthegloomyandunfavourablethoughtswhichhadforsometimeovercloudedhisfancy。Inthosefeatures，sosimplysweet，hecouldtracenoalliancewiththepinchedvisageofthepeak-bearded，black-cappedPuritan，orhisstarched，witheredspouse，withthecraftexpressedintheLordKeeper’scountenance，orthehaughtinesswhichpredominatedinthatofhislady；and，whilehegazedonLucyAshton，sheseemedtobeanangeldescendedonearth，unalliedtothecoarsesmortalsamongwhomshedeignedtodwellforaseason。Suchisthepowerofbeautyoverayouthfulandenthusiasticfancy。
CHAPTERXIX。
Idotooillinthis，Andmustnotthinkbutthataparent’splaintWillmovetheheavenstopourforthmiseryUpontheheadofdisobediency。
Yetreasontellsus，parentsareo’erseen，WhenwithtoostrictareintheydoholdinTheirchild’saffection，andcontrolthatlove，Whichthehighpowersdivineinspirethemwith。
TheHoghathlosthisPearl。
THEfeastofRavenswoodCastlewasasremarkableforitsprofusionasthatofWolf’sCraghadbeenforitsill-veiledpenury。TheLordKeepermightfeelinternalprideatthecontrast，buthehadtoomuchtacttosufferittoappear。Onthecontrary，heseemedtorememberwithpleasurewhathecalledMr。Balderstone’sbachelor’smeal，andtoberatherdisgustedthanpleaseedwiththedisplayuponhisowngroaningboard。”Wedothesethings，”hesaid，”becauseothersdothem；butI
wasbredaplainmanatmyfather’sfrugaltable，andIshouldlikewellwouldmywifeandfamilypermitmetoreturntomysowensandmypoor-man-of-mutton。”
Thiswasalittleoverstretched。TheMasteronlyanswered，”Thatdifferentranks——Imean，”saidhe，correctinghimself，”differentdegreesofwealthrequireadifferentstyleofhousekeeping。”
Thisdryremarkputastoptofurtherconversationonthesubject，norisitnecessarytorecordthatwhichwassubstitutedinitsplace。Theeveningwasspentwithfreedom，andevencordiality；andHenryhadsofarovercomehisfirstapprehensions，thathehadsettledapartyforcoursingastagwiththerepresentativeandlivingresemblanceofgrimSirMaliseofRavenswood，calledtheRevenger。Thenextmorningwastheappointedtime。Itroseuponactivesportsmenandsuccessfulsport。Thebanquetcameincourse；andapressinginvitationtotarryyetanotherdaywasgivenandaccepted。ThisRavenswoodhadresolvedshouldbethelastofhisstay；butherecollectedhehadnotyetvisitedtheancientanddevotedservantofhishouse，OldAlice，anditwasbutkindtodedicateonemorningtothegratificationofsoancientanadherent。
TovisitAlice，therefore，adaywasdevoted，andLucywastheMaster’sguideupontheway。Henry，itistrue，accompaniedthem，andtookfromtheirwalktheairofatete-a-tete，while，inreality，itwaslittleelse，consideringthevarietyofcircumstanceswhichoccurredtopreventtheboyfromgivingtheleastattentiontowhatpassedbetweenhiscompanions。Nowarooksettledonabranchwithinshot；anonaharecrossedtheirpath，andHenryandhisgreyhoundwentastrayinpursuitofit；
thenhehadtoholdalongconversationwiththeforester，whichdetainedhimawhilebehindhiscompanions；andagainhewenttoexaminetheearthofabadger，whichcarriuedhimonagoodwaybeforethem。
TheconversationbetwixttheMasterandhissister，meanwhile，tookaninteresting，andalmostaconfidential，turn。
Shecouldnothelpmentioninghersenseofthepainhemustfeelinvisitingscenessowellknowntohim，bearingnowanaspectsodifferent；andsogentlywashersympathyexpressed，thatRavenswoodfeltitforamomentasafullrequitalofallhismisfortunes。Somesuchsentimentescapedhim，whichLucyheardwithmoreofconfusionthandispleasure；andshemaybeforgiventheimprudenceoflisteningtosuchlangauge，consideringthatthesituationinwhichshewasplacedbyherfatherseemedtoauthoriseRavenswoodtouseit。Yetshemadeanefforttoturntheconversation，andshesucceeded；fortheMasteralsohadadvancedfartherthanheintended，andhisconsciencehadinstantlycheckedhimwhenhefoundhimselfonthevergeofspeakingoflovetothedaughterofSirWilliamAshton。
TheynowapproachedthehutofOldAlice，whichhadoflatebeenrenderedmorecomfortable，andpresentedanappearancelesspicturesque，perhaps，butfarneaterthanbefore。Theoldwomanwasonheraccustomedseatbeneaththeweepingbirch，basking，withthelistlessenjoymentofageandinfirmity，inthebeamsoftheautumnsun。Atthearrivalofhervisitorssheturnedherheadtowardsthem。”Ihearyourstep，MissAshton，”shesaid，”butthegentlemanwhoattendsyouisnotmylord，yourfather。””Andwhyshouldyouthinkso，Alice？”saidLucy；”orhowisitpossibleforyoutojudgesoaccuratelybythesoundofastep，onthisfirmearth，andintheopenair？””Myhearing，mychild，hasbeensharpenedbymyblindness，andI
cannowdrawconclusionsfromtheslightestsounds，whichformerlyreachedmyearsasunheededastheyniwapproachyours。
Necessityisasternbutanexcellentschoolmistress，andshethathaslosthersightmustcollectherinformationfromothersources。””Well，youhearaman’sstep，Igrantit，”saidLucy；”butwhy，Alice，mayitnotbemyfather’s？””Thepaceofage，mylove，istimidandcautious:thefoottakesleaveoftheearthslowly，andisplanteddownuponitwithhesitation；itisthehastyanddeterminedstepofyouththatI
nowhear，and——couldIgivecredittosostrangeathought——I
shouldsayiswasthestepofaRavenswood。””Thisisindeed，”saidRavenswood，”anacutenessoforganwhichIcouldnothavecreditedhadInotwitnessedit。IamindeedtheMasterofRavenswood，Alice，——thesonofyouroldmaster。””You！”saidtheoldwoman，withalmostascreamofsurprise——”youtheMasterofRavenswood——here——inthisplace，andthusaccompanied！Icannotbelieveit。letmepassmyoldhandoveryourface，thatmytouchmaybearwitnesstomyears。”
TheMastersatedownbesideherontheearthenbank，andpermittedhertotouchhisfeatureswithhertremblinghand。”Itisindeed！”shesaid——”itisthefeaturesaswellasthevoiceofRavenswood——thehighlinesofpride，aswellastheboldandhaughtytone。Butwhatdoyouhere，MasterofRavenwsood？——
whatdoyouinyourenemy’sdomain，andincompanywithhischild？”
AsOldAlicespoke，herfacekindled，asprobablythatofanancientfeudalvassalmighthavedoneinwhosepresencehisyouthfulliege-lordhadshowedsomesymptomofdegeneratingfromthespiritofhisancestors。”TheMasterofRavenswood，”saidLucy，wholikednotthetoneofthisexpostulation，andwasdesiroustoabridgeit，”isuponavisittomyfather。””Indeed！”saidtheoldblindwoman，inanaccentofsurprise。”Iknew，”continuedLucy，”Ishoulddohimapleasurebyconductinghimtoyourcottage。””Where，tosaythetruth，Alice，”saidRavenswood，”Iexpectedamorecordialreception。””Itismostwonderful！”saidtheoldwoman，mutteringtoherself；”butthewaysofHeavenarenotlikeourways，anditsjudgmentsarebroughtaboutbymeansfarbeyondourfathoming。