CHAPTERXXV。
Truelove，anthoubetrue，Thouhasanekittleparttoplay；
Forfortune，fashion，fancy，andthou，Maunstriveformanyaday。
I’vekendbymonyafriend’stale，Farbetterbythisheartofmine，WhattimeandchangeoffancyavailAtrue-loveknottountwine。
HENDERSOUN。”IWISHEDtotellyou，mygoodkinsman，”saidtheMarquis，”nowthatwearequitofthatimpertinentfiddler，thatIhadtriedtodiscussthisloveaffairofyourswithSirWilliamAshton’sdaughter。Ineversawtheyoungladybutforafewminutesto-
day；so，beingastrangertoherpersonalmerits，Ipayacomplimenttoyou，andofferhernooffence，insayingyoumightdobetter。””Mylord，Iammuchindebtedfortheinterestyouhavetakeninmyaffairs，”saidRavenswood。”IdidnotintendtohavetroubledyouinanymatterconcerningMissAshton。Asmyengagementwiththatyoungladyhasreachedyourlordship，Icanonlysay，thatyoumustnecessarilysupposethatIwasawareoftheobjectionstomymarryingintoherfather’sfamily，andofcoursemusthavebeencompletelysatisfiedwiththereasonsbywhichtheseobjectionsareoverbalanced，sinceIhaveproceededsofarinthematter。””Nay，Master，ifyouhadheardmeout，”saidhisnoblerelation，”youmighthavesparedthatobservation；for，withotuquestioningthatyouhadreasonswhichseemedtoyoutocounterbalanceeveryotherobstacle，Isetmyself，byeverymeansthatitbecamemetousetowardstheAshtons，topersuadethemtomeetyourviews。””Iamobligedtoyourlordshipforyourunsolicitedintercession，”saidRavenswood；”especiallyasIamsureyourlordshipwouldnevercarryitbeyondtheboundswhichitbecamemetouse。””Ofthat，”saidtheMarquis，”youmaybeconfident；ImyselffeltthedelicacyofthemattertoomuchtoplaceagentlemannearlyconnectedwithmyhouseinadegradingordubioussituationwiththeseAshtons。ButIpointedoutalltheadvantagesoftheirmarryingtheirdaughterintoahousesohonourable，andsonearlyrelatedwiththefirstofScotland；I
explainedtheexactdegreeofrelationshipinwhichtheRavenswoodsstandtoourselves；andIevenhintedhowpoliticalmatterswereliketoturn，andwhatcardswouldbetrumpsnextParliament。IsaidIregardedyouasason——oranephew，orso——
ratherthanasamoredistantrelation；andthatImadeyouraffairentirelymyown。””Andwhatwastheissueofyourlordship’sexplanation？”saidRavenswood，insomedoubtwhetherheshouldresentorexpressgratitudeforhisinterference。”Why，theLordKeeperwouldhavelistenedtoreason，”saidtheMarquis；”heisratherunwillingtoleavehisplace，which，inthepresentviewofachange，mustbevacated；and，tosaytruth，heseemedtohavealikingforyou，andtobesensibleofthegeneraladvantagestobeattainedbysuchamatch。Buthislady，whoistongueofthetrump，Master——””WhatofLadyAshton，mylord？”saidRavenswood；”letmeknowtheissueofthisextraordinaryconference:Icanbearit。””Iamgladofthat，kinsman，”saidtheMarquis，”forIamashamedtotellyouhalfwhatshesaid。Itisenough——hermindismadeup，andthemistressofafirst-rateboarding-schoolcouldnothaverejectedwithmorehaughtyindifferencethesuitofahalf-payIrishofficer，beseechingpermissiontowaitupontheheiressofaWestIndiaplanter，thanLadyAshtonspurnedeveryproposalofmediationwhichitcouldatallbecomemetoofferinbehalfofyou，mygoodkinsman。Icannotguesswhatshemeans。Amorehonourableconnexionshecouldnotform，that’scertain。Asformoneyandland，thatusedtobeherhusband’sbusinessratherthanhers；Ireallythinkshehatesyouforhavingtherankwhichherhusbandhasnot，andperhapsfornothavingthelandsthathergoodmanhas。ButIshouldonlyvexyoutosaymoreaboutit——hereweareatthechange-house。”
TheMasterofRavenswoodpausedasheenteredthecottage，whichreekedthroughallitscrevices，andtheywerenotfew，fromtheexertionsoftheMarquis’stravelling-cookstosupplygoodcheer，andspread，asitwere，atableinthewilderness。”MyLordMarquis，”saidRavenswood，”Ialreadymentionedthataccidenthasputyourlordshipinpossessionofasecretwhich，withmyconsent，shouldhaveremainedoneeventoyou，mykinsman，forsometime。Sincethesecretwastopartfrommyowncustody，andthatoftheonlypersonbesideswhowasinterestedinit，Iamnotsorryitshouldhavereachedyourlordship’sears，asbeingfullyawarethatyouaremynoblekinsmanandfriend。””Youmaybelieveitissafelylodgedwithme，MasterofRavenswood，”saidtheMarquis；”butIshouldlikewelltohearyousaythatyourenouncedtheideaofanalliancewhichyoucanhardlypursuewithoutacertaindegreeofdegradation。””Ofthat，mylord，Ishalljudge，”answeredRavenswood，”andI
hopewithdelicacyassensitiveasanyofmyfriends。ButI
havenoengagementwithSirWilliamandLadyAshton。ItiswithMissAshtonalonethatIhaveentereduponthesubject，andmyconductinthemattershallbeentirelyruledbyhers。Ifshecontinuestoprefermeinmypovertytothewealthiersuitorswhomherfriendsrecommend，Imaywellmakesomesacrificetohersincereaffection:Imaywellsurrendertoherthelesstangibleandlesspalpableadvantagesofbirth，andthedeep-rootedprejudicesoffamilyhatred。IfMissLucyAshtonshouldchangehermindonasubjectofsuchdelicacy，Itrustmyfriendswillbesilentonmydisappointment，andIshallknowhowtomakemyenemiesso。””Spokelikeagallantyoungnobleman，”saidtheMarquis；”formypart，Ihavethatregardforyou，thatIshouldbesorrythethingwenton。ThisSirWilliamAshtonwasaprettyenoughpettifoggingkindofalawyertwentyyearsago，andbetwixtbattlingatthebarandleadingincommitteesofParliamenthehasgotwellon；theDarienmatterlenthimalift，forhehadgoodintelligenceandsoundviews，andsoldoutintime；butthebestworkishadoutofhim。Nogovernmentwilltakehimathisown，orratherhiswife’sextravagant，valuation；andbetwixthisindecisionandherinsolence，fromallIcanguess，hewilloutsithismarket，andbehadcheapwhennoonewillbidforhim。
IsaynothingofMissAshton；butIassureyou，aconnexionwithherfatherwillbeneitherusefulnorornamental，beyondthatpartofyourfather’sspoilswhichhemaybeprevailedupontodisgorgebywayoftocher-good；andtakemywordforit，youwillgetmoreifyouhavespirittobellthecatwithhimintheHouseofPeers。AndIwillbetheman，cousin，”continuedhislordship，”willcoursethefoxforyou，andmakehimruethedaythateverherefusedacompositiontoohonourableforhim，andproposedbymeonthebehalfofakinsman。”
Therewassomethinginallthisthat，asitwere，overshotthemark。Ravenswoodcouldnotdisguisefromhimselfthathisnoblekinsmanhadmorereasonsfortakingoffenceatthereceptionofhissuitthanregardedhisinterestandhonour，yethecouldneithercomplainnorbesurprisedthatitshouldbeso。
Hecontentedhimself，therefore，withrepeating，thathisattachmentwastoMissAshtonpersonally；thathedesiredneitherwealthnoraggrandisementfromherfather’smeansandinfluence；
andthatnothingshouldpreventhiskeepinghisengagement，exceptingherownexpressdesirethatitshouldberelinquished；
andherequestedasafavourthatthemattermightbenomorementionedbetwixtthematpresent，assuringtheMarquisofA——
thatheshouldbehisconfidantoritsinterruption。
TheMarquissoonhadmoreagreeable，aswellasmoreinteresting，subjectsonwhichtoconverse。Afoot-post，whohadfollowedhimfromEdinburghtoRavenswoodCastle，andhadtracedhisstepstotheTod’sHole，broughthimapacketladenwithgoodnews。ThepoliticalcalculationsoftheMarquishadprovedjust，bothinLondonandatEdinburgh，andhesawalmostwithinhisgraspthepre-eminenceforwhichhehadpanted。Therefreshmentswhichtheservantshadpreparedwerenowputonthetable，andanepicurewouldperhapshaveenjoyedthemwithadditionalzestfromthecontrastwhichsuchfareaffordedtothemiserablecabininwhichitwasservedup。
Theturnofconversationcorrespondedwithandaddedtothesocialfeelingsofthecompany。TheMarquisexpandedwithpleasureonthepowerwhichprobablyincidentswerelikelytoassigntohim，andontheusewhichehhopedtomakeofitinservinghiskinsmanRavenswood。Ravenswoodcouldbutrepeatthegratitudewhichhereallyfelt，evenwhenheconsideredthetopicastoolongdweltupon。Thewinewasexcellent，notwithstandingitshavingbeenbroughtinarunletfromEdinburgh；andthehabitsoftheMarquis，whenengagedwithsuchgoodcheer，weresomewhatsedentary。Andsoitfelloutthattheydelayedtheirjourneytwohourslaterthanwastheiroriginalpurpose。”Butwhatofthat，mygoodyoungfriend？”saidtheMarquis。”YourCastleofWolf’sCragisatbutfiveorsixmiles’
distance，andwillaffordthesamehospitalitytoyourkinsmanofA——thatitgavetothissameSirWilliamAshton。””SirWilliamtookthecastlebystorm，”saidRavenswood，”and，likemanyavictor，hadlittlereasontocongratulatehimselfonhisconquest。””Well——well！”saidLordA——，whosedignitywassomethingrelaxedbythewinehehaddrunk，”IseeImustbribeyoutoharbourme。Come，pledgemeinabumperhealthtothelastyoungladythatsleptatWolf’sCrag，andlikedherquarters。Mybonesarenotsotenderashers，andIamresolvedtooccupyherapartmentto-night，thatImayjudgehowhardthecouchisthatlovecansoften。””Yourlordshipmaychoosewhatpenanceyouplease，”saidRavenswood；”butIassureyou，Ishouldexpectmyoldservanttohanghimself，orthrowhimselffromthebattlements，shouldyourlordshipvisithimsounexpectedly。Idoassureyou，wearetotallyandliterallyunprovided。”
Buthisdeclarationonlybroughtfromhisnoblepatronanassuranceofhisowntotalindifferenceastoeveryspeciesofaccommodation，andhisdeterminationtoseetheTowerofWolf’sCrag。Hisancestor，hesaid，hadbeenfeastedthere，whenhewentforwardwiththethenLordRavenswoodtothefatalbattleofFlodden，inwhichtheybothfell。Thushardpressed，theMasterofferedtorideforwardtogetmattersputinsuchpreparationastimeandcircumstancesadmitted；buttheMarquisprotestedhiskinsmanmustaffordhimhiscompany，andwouldonlyconsentthatanavant-couriershouldcarrytothedesintedseneschal，CalebBalderstone，theunexpectednewsofthisinvasion。
TheMasterofRavenswoodsoonafteraccompaniedtheMarquisinhiscarriage，asthelatterhadproposed；andwhentheybecamebetteracquaintedintheprogressofthejourney，hisnoblerelationexplainedtheveryliberalviewswhichheentertainedforhisrelation’spreferment，incaseofthesuccessofhisownpoliticalschemes。Theyrelatedtoasecretandhighlyimportantcommissionbeyondsea，whichcouldonlybeentrustedtoapersonofrank，talent，andperfectconfidence，andwhich，asitrequiredgreattrustandrelianceontheenvoyemployed，couldbutnotprovebothhonourableandadvantageoustohim。Weneednotenterintothenatureandpurposeofthiscommission，fartherthantoacquaintourreadersthatthechargewasinprospecthighlyacceptabletotheMasterofRavenswood，whohailedwithpleasurethehopeofemergingfromhispresentstateofindigenceandinactionintoindependenceandhonourableexertion。
WhilehelistenedthuseagerlytothedetailswithwhichtheMarquisnowthoughtitnecessarytoentrusthim，themessengerwhohadbeendespatchedtotheTowerofWolf’sCragreturnedwithCalebBalderstone’shumbleduty，andanassurancethat”a’shouldbeinseemlyorder，sicasthehurryoftimepermitted，toreceivetheirlordshipsasitbehoved。”
Ravenswoodwastoowellaccustomedtohisseneschal’smodeofactingandspeakingtohopemuchfromthisconfidentassurance。HeknewthatCalebactedupontheprincipleoftheSpanishgeenrals，inthecampaignof——，who，muchtotheperplexityofthePrinceofOrange，theircommander-in-chief，usedtoreporttheirtroopsasfullinnumber，andpossessedofallnecessarypointsofequipment，notconsideringitconsistentwiththeirdignity，orthehonourofSpain，toconfessanydeficiencyeitherinmenormunition，untilthewantofbothwasunavoidablydiscoveredinthedayofbattle。Accordingly，RavenswoodthoughtitnecessarytogivetheMarquissomehintthatthefairassurancewhichtheyhadjustreceivedfromCalebdidnotbyanymeansensurethemagainstaveryindifferentreception。”Youdoyourselfinjustice，Master，”saidtheMarquis，”oryouwishtosurprisemeagreeably。FromthiswindowIseeagreatlightinthedirectionwhere，ifIrememberaright，Wolf’sCraglies；and，tojudgefromthesplendourwhichtheoldTowershedsaroundit，thepreparationsforourreceptionmustbeofnoordinarydescription。Irememberyourfatherputtingthesamedeceptiononme，whenwewenttotheTowerforafewdays’
hawking，abouttwentyyearssince，andyetwespentourtimeasjollilyatWolf’sCragaswecouldhavedoneatmyownhuntingseatatB。””Yourlordship，Ifear，willexperiencethatthefacultyofthepresentproprietortoentertainhisfriendsisgreatlyabridged，”saidRavenswood；”thewill，Ineedhardlysay，remainsthesame。ButIamasmuchatalossasyourlordshiptoaccountforsostrongandbrilliantalightasisnowaboveWolf’sCrag；
thewindowsoftheTowerarefewandnarrow，andthoseofthelowerstoryarehiddenfromusbythewallsofthecourt。I
cannotconceivethatanyilluminationofanordinarynaturecouldaffordsuchablazeoflight。”
Themysterywassoonexplained；forthecavalcadealmostinstantlyhalted，andthevoiceofCalebBalderstonewasheardp278
atthecoachwindow，exclaiming，inaccentsbrokenbygriefandfear，”Och，gentlemen！Och，mygudelords！Och，haudtotheright！Wolf’sCragisburning，bowerandha’——a’therichplenishingoutsideandinside——a’thefinegraith，pictures，tapestries，needle-wark，hangings，andotherdecorements——a’inableeze，asiftheywerenaemairthansaemonypeats，orasmucklepease-strae！Haudtotheright，gentlemen，Iimploreye；
thereissomesma’provisionmakingatLuckieSma’trash’s；butoh，waeforthisnight，andwaeformethatlivestoseeit！”
Ravenswoodwasfirststunnedbythisnewandunexpectedcalamity；butafteramoment’srecollectionhesprangfromthecarriage，andhastilybiddinghisnoblekinsmangoodnight，wasabouttoascendthehilltowardsthecastle，thebroadandfullconflagrationofwhichnowflungforthahighcolumnofredlight，thatflickeredfartoseawarduponthedashingwavesoftheocean。”Takeahorse，Master，”exclaimedtheMarquis，greatlyaffectedbythisadditionalmisfortune，sounexpectedlyheapeduponhisyoungprotege；”andgivememyamblingpalfrey；andhasteforward，youknaves，toseewhatcanbedonetosavethefurniture，ortoextinguishthefire——ride，youknaves，foryourlives！”
Theattendantsbustledtogether，andbegantostriketheirhorseswiththespur，andcalluponCalebtoshowthemtheroad。
Butthevoiceofthatcarefulseneschalwasheardabovethetumult，”Oh，stopsirs，stop——turnbridle，fortheluveofMercy；
addnotlossoflivestothelossofwarld’sgean！Thirtybarrelsofpowther，landedoutofaDunkirkdoggerintheauldlord’stime——a’inthevau’tsoftheauldtower，——thefirecannabefaroffit，Itrow。Lord’ssake，totheright，lads——totheright；let’spitthehillatweenusandperil，——awapwi’acorner-staneo’Wolf’sCragwaddefythedoctor！”
ItwillreadilybesupposedthatthisannunciationhurriedtheMarquisandhisattendantsintotheroutewhichCalebprescribed，draggingRavenswoodalongwiththem，althoughtherewasmuchinthematterwhichhecouldnotpossiblycomprehend。”Gunpowder！”heexclaimed，layingholdofCaleb，whoinvainendeavouredtoescapefromhim；”whatgunpowder？HowanyquantityofpowdercouldbeinWolf’sCragwithoutmyknowledge，Icannotpossiblycomprehend。””ButIcan，”interruptedtheMarquis，whisperinghim，”Icancomprehenditthoroughly；forGod’ssake，askhimnomorequestionsatpresent。””Thereitis，now，”saidCaleb，extricatinghimselffromhismaster，andadjustinghisdress，”yourhonourwillbelievehislordship’shonourabletestimony。Hislordshipmindsweelhow，intheyearthathimtheyca’dKingWilliedied——””Hush！hush，mygoodfriend！”saidtheMarquis；”Ishallsatisfyyourmasteruponthatsubject。””AndthepeopleatWolf’sHope，”saidRavenswood，”didnoneofthemcometoyourassistancebeforetheflamegotsohigh？””Aydidthey，monyaneofthem，therapscallions！”saidCaleb；”buttrulyIwasinnaehurrytoletthemintotheTower，wherethereweresomuchplateandvaluables。””Confoundyouforanimpudentliar！”saidRavenswood，inuncontrollableire，”therewasnotasingleounceof——””Forbye，”saidthebutler，mostirreverentlyraisinghisvoicetoapitchwhichdrownedhismaster’s，”thefiremadefastonus，owingtothestoreoftapestryandcarvedtimmerinthebanqueting-ha’，andtheloonsranlikescauldedratssaesuneastheyheardofthegunpouther。””Idoentreat，”saidtheMarquistoRavenswood，”youwillaskhimnomorequestions。””Onlyone，mylord。WhathasbecomeofpoorMysie？””Mysie！”saidCaleb，”IhadnaetimetolookaboutonyMysie；
she’sintheTower，I’sewarrant，bidingherawfuldoom。””Byheaven，”saidRavenswood，”Idonotunderstandallthis！
Thelifeofafaithfuloldcreatureisatstake；mylord，Iwillbewithheldnolonger；Iwillatleastrideup，andseewhetherthedangerisasimminentasthisoldfoolpretends。””Weel，then，asIlivebybread，”saidCaleb，”Mysieisweelandsafe。IsawheroutofthecastlebeforeIleftitmysell。WasIgangingtoforgetanauldfellow-servant？””Whatmadeyoutellmethecontrarythismoment？”saidhismaster。”DidItellyouthecontrary？”saidCaleb；”thenImaunhaebeendreamingsurely，orthisawsomenighthasturnedmyjudgment；butsafesheis，andne’eralivingsoulinthecastle，a’thebetterforthem:theywauhavegottenanuncoheezy。”
TheMasterofRavenswood，uponthisassurancebeingsolemnlyreiterated，andnotwithstandinghisextremewishtowitnessthelastexplosion，whichwastoruintothegroundthemansionofhisfathers，sufferedhimselftobedraggedonwardtowardsthevillageofWolf’sHope，wherenotonlythechange-house，butthatofourwell-knownfriendthecooper，wereallpreparedforreceptionofhimselfandhisnobleguest，withaliberalityofprovisionwhichrequiressomeexplanation。
Weomittedtomentioninitsplace，thatLockhardhavingfishedoutthetruthconcerningthemodebywhichCalebhadobtainedthesuppliesforhisbanquet，theLordKeeper，amusedwiththeincident，anddesirousatthetimetogratifyRavenswood，hadrecommendedthecooperofWolf’’sHopetotheofficialsituationundergovernmenttheprospectofwhichhadreconciledhimtothelossofhiswild-fowl。Mr。Girder’sprefermenthadoccasionedapleasingsurprisetooldCaleb；forwhen，somedaysafterhismaster’sdeparture，hefoundhimselfabsolutelycompelled，bysomenecessarybusiness，tovisitthefishinghamlet，andwasglidinglikeaghostpastthedoorofthecooper，forfearofbeingsummonedtogivesomeaccountoftheprogressofthesolicitationinhisfavour，or，moreprobablythattheinmatesmightupbraidhimwiththefalsehopehehadheldoutuponthesubject，heheardhimself，notwithoutsomeapprehension，summonedatonceintreble，tenor，andbass——atrioperformedbythevoicesofMrs。Girder，oldDameLoup-the-Dyke，andthegoodmanofthedwelling——”Mr。Caleb！——Mr。CalebBalderstone！Ihopeyearenagangingdry-lippedbyourdoor，andwesaemuckleindebtedtoyou？”
Thismightbesaidironicallyaswellasinearnest。Calebauguredtheworst，turnedadeafeartothetrioaforesaid，andwasmovingdoggedlyon，hisancientcastorpulledoverhisbrows，andhiseyesbentontheground，asiftocounttheflintypebbleswithwhichtherudepathwaywascausewayed。Butonasuddenhefoundhimselfsurroundedinhisprogress，likeastatelymerchantmanintheGutofGibraltarIhopetheladieswillexcusethetarpaulinphrasebythreeAlgerinegalleys。”Gudeguideus，Mr。Balderstone！”saidMrs。Girder。”Whawadhaethoughtitofanauldandkenn’dfriend！”saidthemother。”Andnosaemuckleasstaytoreceiveourthanks，”saidthecooperhimself，”andfraethelikeo’methatseldomoffersthem！
IamsureIhopethere’snaeillseedsawnbetweenus，Mr。
Balderstone。OnymanthathassaidtoyeIamnogratefu’forthesituationofQueen’scooper，letmehaeawhampleathimwi’
mineeatche，that’sa’。””Mygoodfriends——mydearfriends，”saidCaleb，stilldoubtinghowthecertaintyofthemattermightstand，”whatneedsa’thisceremony？Anetriestoservetheirfriends，andsometimestheymayhappentoprosper，andsometimestomisgie。
NaethingIcaretobefashedwi’lessthanthanks；Inevercouldbidethem。””Faith，Mr。Balderstone，yesuldhaebeenfashedwi’fewo’
mine，”saidthedownrightmanofstavesandhoops，”ifIhadonlyyourgude-willtothankyefor:Isulde’enhaesettheguse，andthewilddeukes，adntherunletofsacktobalancethataccount。
Gude-will，man，isageizen’dtub，thathaudsinnaeliquor；butgudedeed’slikethecask，tight，round，andsound，thatwillhaudliquorfortheking。””Haveyenoheardofourletter，”saidthemother-in-law，”makingourJohn[Gibbie]theQueen’scooperforcertain？andscarceachieldthathadeverhammeredgirdupontubbutwasapplyingforit？””HaveIheard！！！”saidCaleb，whonowfoundhowthewindset，withanaccentofexceedingcontempt，atthedoubtexpressed——”haveIheard，quo’she！！！”andashespokehechangedhisshambling，skulking，dodgingpaceintoamanlyandauthoritativestep，readjustedhiscockedhat，andsufferedhisbrowtoemergefromunderitinalltheprideofaristocracy，likethesunfrombehindacloud。”Tobesure，hecannabuthaeheard，”saidthegoodwoman。”Ay，tobesureit’simpossiblebutIshould，”saidCaleb；”andsaeI’llbethefirsttokissye，joe，andwishyou，cooper，muchjoyofyourpreferment，naethingdoubtingbutyekenwhaareyourfriends，andHAVEhelpedye，andCANhelpye。Ithoughtitrighttolookaweestrangeuponitatfirst，”addedCaleb，”justtoseeifyeweremadeoftherightmettle；butyeringtrue，lad——yeringtrue！”
Sosaying，withamostlordlyairhekissedthewomen，andabandonedhishand，withanairofserenepatronage，totheheartyshakeofMr。Girder’shorn-hardpalm。Uponthiscomplete，andtoCalebmostsatisfactory，informationhedidnot，itmayreadilybebelieved，hesitatetoacceptaninvitationtoasolemnfeast，towhichwereinvited，notonlyalltheNOTABLESofthevillage，butevenhisancientantagonist，Mr。Dingwall，himself。
Atthisfestivityhewas，ofcourse，themostwelcomeandmosthonouredguest；andsowelldidheplythecompanywithstoriesofwhathecoulddowithhismaster，hismasterwiththeLordKeeper，theLordKeeperwiththecouncil，andthecouncilwiththeking[queen]，thatbeforethecompanydismissedwhichwas，indeed，ratheratanearlyhourthanalateone，everymanofnoteinthevillagewasascendingtothetop-gallantofsomeidealprefermentbytheladderofropeswhichCalebhadpresentedtotheirimagination。Nay，thecunningbutlerregainedinthatmomentnotonlyalltheinfluencehepossessedformerlyoverthevillagers，whenthebaronialfamilywhichheservedwereattheproudest，butacquiredevenanaccessionofimportance。Thewriter——theveryattorneyhimself，suchisthethirstofpreferment——felttheforceoftheattraction，andtakinganopportunitytodrawCalebintoacorner，spoke，withaffectionateregret，ofthedeclininghealthofthesheriff-clerkofthecounty。”Anexcellentman——amostvaluableman，Mr。Caleb；butfatsallIsay！wearepeerfecklessbodies，herethedayandawa’bycock-screechthemorn；andifhefailyies，theremaunbesomebodyinhisplace；andgifthatyecouldairtitmyway，Isallbethankful，man——agluvestuffedwigowdnobles；an’harkye，mansomethingcannytillyoursell，andtheWolf’sHopecarlestosettlekindlywi’theMasterofRavenswood——thatis，LordRavenswood——Godblesshislordship！”
Asmile，andaheartysqueezebythehand，wasthesuitableanswertothisoverture；andCalebmadehisescapefromthejovialparty，inordertoavoidcommittinghimselfbyanyspecialpromises。”TheLordbegudetome，”saidCaleb，whenhefoundhimselfintheopenair，andatlibertytogiveventtotheself-
exultationwithwhichhewas，asitwere，distended；”dideveronymanseesicasetofgreen-gaislings？Theverypickmawsandsolan-geeseout-byeyonderattheBasshaetentimestheirsense！
God，anIhadbeentheLordHighCommissionertotheEstateso’
Parliament，theycouldnahaebeflumm’dmemair；and，tospeakHeaven’struth，Icouldhardlyhaebeflumm’dthembetterneither！
Butthewriter——ha！ha！ha！——ah，ha！ha！ha！mercyonme，thatI
suldliveinmyaulddaystogietheganag-byetotheverywriter！Sheriff-clerk！！！ButIhaeanauldaccounttosettlewi’thecarle；andtomakeamendsforbye-ganes，theofficeshalljustcosthimasmuchtime-servingandtide-servingasifheweretogetitingudeearnest，ofwhilkthereissma’appearance，unlesstheMasterlearnsmairthewaysofthiswarld，whilkitismuckletobedoubtedthatheneverwilldo。”
CHAPTERXXVI。
Whyflamesyonfarsummit——whyshoottotheblastThoseembers，likestarsfromthefirmamentcast？
’Tisthefire-showerofruin，alldreadfullydrivenFromthineeyrie，thatbeaconsthedarknessofHeaven。
CAMPBELL。
THEcircumstancesannouncedintheconclusionofthelastchapterwillaccountforthereadyandcheerfulreceptionoftheMarquisofA——andtheMasterofRavenswoodinthevillageofWolf’sHope。Infact，Calebhadnosoonerannouncedtheconflagrationofthetowerthanthewholehamletwereuponfoottohastentoextinguishtheflames。Andalthoughthatzealousadherentdivertedtheirzealbyintimatingtheformidablecontentsofthesubterraneanapartments，yetthecheckonlyturnedtheirassiduityintoanotherdirection。Neverhadtherebeensuchslaughteringofcapons，andfatgeese，andbarndoorfowls；neversuchboilingof”reested”hams；neversuchmakingofcar-cakesandsweetscones，Selkirkbannocks，cookies，andpetticoat-tails——delicacieslittleknowntothepresentgeneration。Neverhadtherebeensuchatappingofbarrels，andsuchuncorkingofgreybeards，inthevillageofWolf’sHope。AlltheinferiorhouseswerethrownopenforthereceptionoftheMarquis’sdependants，whocame，itwasthought，asprecursorsoftheshowerofprefermentwhichhereafterwastoleavetherestofScotlanddry，inordertodistilitsrichdewsonthevillageofWolf’sHopeunderLammermoor。Theministerputinhisclaimtohavetheguestsofdistinctionlodgedatthemanse，havinghiseye，itwasthought，uponaneighbouringpreferment，wheretheincumbentwassickly；butMr。Balderstonedestinedthathonourtothecooper，hiswife，andwife’smother，whodancedforjoyatthepreferencesthusassignedthem。
Manyabeckandmanyabowwelcomedthesenoblegueststoasgoodentertainmentaspersonsofsuchrankcouldsetbeforesuchvisitors；andtheolddame，whohadformerlylivedinRavenswoodCastle，andknew，asshesaid，thewaysofthenobility，wasinnowhitwantinginarrangingmatters，aswellascircumstancespermitted，accordingtotheetiquetteofthetimes。Thecooper’shousewassoroomythateachguesthadhisseparateretiring-room，towhichtheywereusheredwithalldueceremony，whiletheplentifulsupperwasintheactofbeingplaceduponthetable。
Ravenswoodnosoonerfoundhimselfalonethan，impelledbyathousandfeelings，helefttheapartment，thehouse，andthevillage，andhastilyretracedhisstepstothebrowofthehill，whichrosebetwixtthevillageandscreeneditfromthetower，inordertoviewthefinalfallofthehouseofhisfathers。Someidleboysfromthehamlethadtakenthesamedirectionoutofcuriosity，havingfirstwitnessedthearrivalofthecoachandsixanditsattendants。AstheyranonebyonepasttheMaster，callingtoeachotherto”Comeandseetheauldtowerblawupintheliftlikethepeelingsofaningan，”hecouldnotbutfeelhimselfmovedwithindignation。”Andthesearethesonsofmyfather’svassals，”hesaid——”ofmenbound，bothbylawandgratitude，tofollowourstepsthroughbattle，andfire，andflood；andnowthedestructionoftheirliegelord’shouseisbutaholiday’ssighttothem”
Theseexasperatingreflectionswerepartlyexpresssedintheacrimonywithwhichheexclaimed，onfeelinghimselfpulledbythecloak:”Whatdoyouwant，youdog？””Iamadog，andanaulddogtoo，”answeredCaleb，foritwashewhohadtakenthefreedom，”andIamliketogetadog’swages；
butitdoesnotsignificationapinchofsneesing，forIamowerauldadogtolearnnewtricks，ortofollowanewmaster。”
Ashespoke，RavenswoodattainedtheridgeofthehillfromwhichWolf’sCragwasvisible；theflameshadentirelysunkdown，and，tohisgreatsurprise，therewasonlyaduskyreddeninguponthecloudsimmediatelyoverthecastle，whichseemedthereflectionoftheembersofthesunkenfire。”Theplacecannothaveblownup，”saidtheMaster；”wemusthaveheardthereport:ifaquarterofthegunpowderwasthereyoutellmeof，itwouldhavebeenheardtwentymilesoff。””It’veverylikeitwad，”saidBalderstone，composedly。”Thenthefirecannothavereachedthevaults？””It’slikeno，”answeredCaleb，withthesameimpenetrablegravity。”Harkye，Caleb，”saidhismaster，”thisgrowsalittletoomuchformypatience。ImustgoandexaminehowmattersstandatWolf’sCragmyself。””Yourhonourisgangingtogangnaesicgate，”saidCaleb，firmly。”Andwhynot？”saidRavenswood，sharply；”whoorwhatshallpreventme？””EvenImysell，”saidCaleb，withthesamedetermination。”You，Balderstone！”repliedtheMaster；”youareforgettingyourself，Ithink。””ButIthinkno，”saidBalderstone；”forIcanjusttellyea’
aboutthecastleonthisknowe-headasweelasifyewereatit。
Onlydinnapityoursellintoakippage，andexposeyoursellbeforetheweans，orbeforetheMarquis，whenyegangdown-bye。””Speakout，youoldfool，”repliedhismaster，”andletmeknowthebestandtheworstatonce。””Ou，thebestandthewarstis，justthatthetowerisstandinghailandfeir，assafeandasemptyaswhenyeleftit。””Indeed！andthefire？”saidRavenswood。”Notagleedoffire，then，exceptthebitkindlingpeat，andmaybeaspunkinMysie’scutty-pipe，”repliedCaleb。”Buttheflame？”demandedRavenswood——”thebroadblazewhichmighthavebeenseentenmilesoff——whatoccasionedthat？””Houtawa’！it’sanauldsayingandatrue——
Little’sthelightWillbeseenfarinamirknight。
AwheenfernandhorselittlethatIfiredinthecourtyard，aftersendingbacktheloonofafootman；and，tospeakHeaven’struth，thenexttimethatyesendorbringonybodyhere，letthemgegentlesallenarly，withoutonyfremdservants，likethatchieldLockhard，tobegledgingandgleeingabout，andlookinguponthewrangsideofane’shousekeeping，tothediscreditofthefamily，andforcinganetodamntheirsoulswi’tellingaeleeafteranotherfasterthanIcancountthem:Iwadrathersetfiretothetoweringudeearnest，andburnitowermyainheadintothebargain，orIseethefamilydishonouredinthesort。””Uponmyword，Iaminfinitelyobligedbytheproposal，Caleb，”
saidhismaster，scarceabletotorestrainhislaughter，thoughratherangryatthesametime。”Butthegunpowder——istheresuchathinginthetower？TheMarquisseemedtoknowofit。””Thepouther，ha！ha！ha！——theMarquis，ha！ha！ha！”repliedCaleb，——”ifyourhonourweretobrainme，Ibehoovedtolaugh，——
theMarquis——thepouther！Wasitthere？Ay，itwasthere。Didhekeno’t？Mycertie！theMarquiskenn’do’t，anditwasthebesto’thegame；for，whenIcouldnapacifyyourhonourwi’a’
thatIcouldsay，Iayethrewoutawordmairaboutthegunpouther，andgarr’dtheMarquistakthejobinhisainhand。””Butyouhavenotansweredmyquestion，”saidtheMaster，impatiently；”howcamethepowderthere，andwhereisitnow？””Ou，itcamethere，anyemaunneedsken，”saidCaleb，lookingmysteriously，andwhispering，”whentherewasliketobeaweebitrisinghere；andtheMarquis，anda’thegreatlordsofthenorth，werea’init，andmonyagudelygunandbroadswordwereferriedowerfraeDunkirkforbyethepouther。Awfu’workwehadgettingthemintothetowerundercloudo’night，foryemaunthinkitwasnaeverybodycouldbetrustedwi’sickittlejobs。
Butifyewillgaehametoyoursupper，Iwilltellyoua’aboutitasyegangdown。””Andthesewretchedboys，”saidRavenswood，”isityourpleasuretheyaretositthereallnight，towaitfortheblowingupofatowerthatisnotevenonfire？””Surelynot，ifitisyourhonour’spleasurethattheysuldganghame；although，”addedCaleb，”itwadnadothemagrain’sdamage:theywadscreighlessthenextday，andsleepthesounderate’en。Butjustasyourhonourlikes。”
Steppingaccordinglytowardstheurchinswhomannedtheknollsnearwhichtheystood，Calebinformedthem，inanauthoritativetone，thattheirhonoursLordRavenswoodandtheMarquisofA——hadgivenordersthatthetowerwasnottobeblowuptillnextdayatnoon。Theboysdisperseduponthiscomfortableassurance。Oneortwo，however，followedCalebformoreinformation，particularlytheurchinwhomhehadcheatedwhileofficiatingasturnspit，whoscreamed，”Mr。Balderstone！——
Mr。Balderstone！thenthecastle’sganeoutlikeanauldwife’sspunk？””Tobesureitis，callant，”saidthebutler；”doyethinkthecastleofasgreatalordasLordRavenswoodwadcontinueinableeze，andhimstandinglookingonwi’hisainveryeen？It’sayeright，”continuedCaleb，shakingoffhisraggedpage，andclosingintohisMaster，”totrainupweans，asthewisemansays，inthewaytheyshouldgo，and，aboona’，toteachthemrespecttotheirsuperiors。””Butallthiswhile，Caleb，youhavenevertoldmewhatbecameofthearmsandpowder，”saidRavenswood。”Why，asforthearms，”saidCaleb，”itwasjustlikethebairn’srhyme——
Somegaedeastandsomegaedwest，Andsomegaedtothecraw’snest。
Andforthepouther，Ie’enchangedit，asoccasionserved，withtheskipperso’DutchluggersandFrenchvessels，forginandbrandy，andisservedthehousemonyayear——agudeswaptoo，betweenwhatcheereththesoulofmanandthatwhichhingethitcleanoutofhisbody；forbye，Ikeepitawheenpoundsofitforyoursellwhenyewantedtotakethepleasureo’shooting:whiles，intheselatterdays，Iwadhardlyhaekenn’delsewhartogetpoutherforyourpleasure。Andnowthatyourangerisower，sir，wasnathatweelmanagedo’me，andarenayefarbettersorteddounyonderthanyecouldhaebeeninyourainauldruinsup-byeyonder，asthecasestandswi’usnow？themair’sthepity！””Ibelieveyoumayberight，Caleb；but，beforeburningdownmycastle，eitherinjestorinearnest，”saidRavenswood，”IthinkIhadarighttobeinthesecret。””Fieforshame，yourhonour！”repliedCaleb；”itfitsanauldcarlelikemeweeleneughtotellleesforthecreditofthefamily，butitwadnabeseemthelikeo’yourhonour’ssell；
besides，youngfolkarenojudicious:theycannotmakethemaistofabitfigment。Nowthisfire——forafireitsallbe，ifI
suldburntheauldstabletomakeitmairfeasible——thisfire，besidesthatitwillbeanexcuseforaskingonythingwewantthroughthecountry，ordounatthehaven——thisfirewillsettlemonythingsonanhonourablefootingforthefamily’scredit，thatcostmetellingtwentydailyleestoawheenidlechapsandqueans，and，what’swaur，withoutgainingcredence。””Thatwashardindeed，Caleb；butIdonotseehowthisfireshouldhelpyourveracityoryourcredit。””Thereitisnow？”saidCaleb；”wasnaIsayingthatyoungfolkhadagreenjudgment？Howsuldithelpme，quotha？Itwillbeacreditableapologyforthehonourofthefamilyforthisscoreofyearstocome，ifitisweelguided。’Where’sthefamilypictures？’saysaemeddlingbody。’ThegreatfireatWolf’sCrag，’answersI。’Where’sthefamilyplate？’saysanother。
’Thegreatfire，’saysI；’whawastothinkofplate，whenlifeandlimbwereindanger？’’Where’sthewardrobeandthelinens？——
where’sthetapestriesandthedecorements？——bedsofstate，twilts，pandsandtestors，naperyandbroideredwark？’’Thefire——thefire——thefire。’Guidethefireweel，anditwillserveyefora’thatyesuldhaveandhavenot；and，insomesort，agudeexcuseisbetterthanthethingsthemselves；fortheymauncrackandwearout，andbeconsumedbytime，whereasagudeoffcome，prudentlyandcreditablyhandled，mayserveanoblemanandhisfamily，Lordkenshowlang！”
Ravenswoodwastoowellacquaintedwithhisbutler’spertinacityandself-opiniontodisputethepointwithhimanyfarther。LeavingCaleb，therefore，totheenjoymentofhisownsuccessfulingenuity，hereturnedtothehamlet，wherehefoundtheMarquisandthegoodwomenofthemansionundersomeanxiety——
theformeronaccountofhisabsence，theothersforthediscredittheircookerymightsustainbythedelayofthesupper。
Allwerenowatease，andheardwithpleasurethatthefireatthecastlehadburnedoutofitselfwithoutreachingthevaults，whichwastheonlyinformationthatRavenswoodthoughtitpropertogiveinpublicconcerningtheeventofhisbutler’sstrategem。
Theysatdowntoanexcellentsupper。NoinvitationcouldprevailonMr。andMrs。Girder，evenintheirownhouse，tositdownattablewithguestsofsuchhighquality。Theyremainedstandingintheapartment，andactedthepartofrespectfulandcarefulattendantsonthecompany。Suchwerethemannersofthetime。Theelderdame，confidentthroughherageandconnexionwiththeRavenswoodfamily，waslessscrupulouslyceremonious。Sheplayedamixedpartbetwixtthatofthehostessofaninnandthemistressofaprivatehouse，whoreceivesguestsaboveherowndegree。Sherecommended，andevenpressed，whatshethoughtbest，andwasherselfeasilyentreatedtotakeamoderateshareofthegoodcheer，inordertoencourageherguestsbyherownexample。Oftensheinterruptedherself，toexpressherregretthat”mylorddidnoteat；thattheMasterwaspykingabarebane；that，tobesure，therewasnaethingtherefittosetbeforetheirhonours；thatLordAllan，resthissaul，usedtolikeapoutheredguse，andsaiditwasLatinforatasso’brandy；thatthebrandycamefraeFrancedirect；for，fora’
theEnglishlawsandgaugers，theWolf’sHopebrigshadnaforgottenthegatetoDunkirk。”
Herethecooperadmonishedhismother-in-lawwithhiselbow，whichprocuredhimthefollowingspecialnoticeintheprogressofherspeech:”Yeneednabedunshinthatgate，John[Gibbie]，”continuedtheoldlady；”naebodysaysthatYEkenwharthebrandycomesfrae；anditwadnabefittingyeshould，andyoutheQueen’scooper；andwhatsignifies’t，”continuedshe，addressingLordRavenswood，”toking，queen，orkaiserwharanauldwifelikemebuysherpicklesneeshin，orherdrapbrandy-wine，tohaudherheartup？”
Havingthusextricatedherselffromhersupposedfalsestep，DameLoup-the-Dykeproceeded，duringtherestoftheevening，tosupply，withgreatanimation，andverylittleassistancefromherguests，thefundsnecessaryforthesupportoftheconversation，until，declininganyfurthercirculationoftheirglass，herguestsrequestedherpermissiontoretiretotheirapartments。
TheMarquisoccupiedthechamberofdais，which，ineveryhouseabovetherankofamerecottage，waskeptsacredforsuchhighoccasionsasthepresent。Themodernfinishingwithplasterwasthenunknown，andtapestrywasconfinedtothehousesofthenobilityandsuperiorgentry。Thecooper，therefore，whowasamanofsomevanity，aswellassomewealth，hadimitatedthefashionobservedbytheinferiorlandholdersandclergy，whousuallyornamentedtheirstateapartmentswithhangingsofasortofstampedleather，manufacturedintheNetherlands，garnishedwithtreesandaminalsexecutedincopperfoil，andwithmanyapithysentenceofmorality，which，althoughcouchedinLowDutch，wereperhapsasmuchattendedtoinpracticeasifwritteninbroadScotch。Thewholehadsomewhatofagloomyaspect；butthefire，composedofoldpitch-barrelstaves，blazedmerrilyupthechimney；thebedwasdecoratedwithlinenofmostfreshanddazzlingwhiteness，whichhadneverbeforebeenused，andmight，perhaps，haveneverbeenusedatall，butforthishighoccasion。Onthetoilettebeside，stoodanold-fashionedmirror，inafillagreeframe，partofthedispersedfineryoftheneighbouringcastle。Itwasflankedbyalong-neckedbottleofFlorencewine，bywhichstoodaglassenarlyastall，resemblinginshapethatwhichTeniersusuallyplacesinthehandsofhisownportrait，whenhepaintshimselfasminglingintherevelsofacountryvillage。Tocounterbalancethoseforeignsentinels，theremountedguardontheothersideofthemirrortwostoutwardersofScottishlineage；ajug，namely，ofdoubleale，whichheldaScotchpint，andaquaigh，orbicker，ofivoryandebony，hoopedwithsilver，theworkofJohnGirder’sownhands，andtheprideofhisheart。
Besidesthesepreparationsagainstthirst，therewasagoodlydiet-loaf，orsweetcake；sothat，withsuchauxiliaries，theapartmentseemedvictualledagainstasiegeoftwoorthreedays。
Itonlyremainstosay，thattheMarquis’svaletwasinattendance，displayinghismaster’sbrocadednightgown，andrichlyembroideredvelvetcap，linedandfacedwithBrusselslace，uponahugeleatherneasy-chair，wheeledroundsoastohavethefulladvantageofthecomfortablefirewhichwehavealreadymentioned。Wethereforecommitthateminentpersontohisnight’srepose，trustingheprofitedbytheamplepreparationsmadeforhisaccommodation——preparationswhichwehavementionedindetail，asillustrativeofancientScottishmanners。
ItisnotnecessaryweshouldbeequallyminuteindescribingthesleepingapartmentoftheMasterofRavenswood，whichwasthatusuallyoccupiedbythegoodmanandgoodwifethemselves。Itwascomfortablyhungwithasortofwarm-colouredworsted，manufacturedinScotland，approachingintrexturetowhatisnowcalledshalloon。AstaringpictureofJohn[Gibbie]
Girderhimselfornamentedthisdormiory，paintedbyastarvingFrenchman，whohad，Godknowshoworwhy，strolledoverfromFlushingorDunkirktoWolf’sHopeinasmugglingdogger。Thefeatureswere，indeed，thoseofthestubborn，opinionative，yetsensibleartisan，butMonsieurhadcontrivedtothrowaFrenchgraceintothelookandmanner，soutterlyinconsistentwiththedoggedgravityoftheoriginal，thatitwasimpossibletolookatitwithoutlaughing。Johnandhisfamily，however，piquedthemselvesnotalittleuponthispicture，andwereproportionablycensuredbytheneighbourhood，whopronouncedthatthecooper，insittingforthesame，andyetmoreinpresumingtohangitupinhisbedchamber，hadexceededhisprivilegeastherichestmanofthevillage；atoncesteptbeyondtheboundsofhisownrank，andencroacheduponthoseofthesuperiororders；
and，infine，hadbeenguiltyofaveryoverweeningactofvanityandpresumption。Respectforthememoryofmydeceasedfriend，Mr。RichardTinto，hasobligedmetotreatthismatteratsomelength；butIsparethereaderhisprolixthoughcuriousobservations，aswelluponthecharacteroftheFrenchschoolasuponthestateofpaintinginScotlandatthebeginningofthe18thcentury。
TheotherpreparationsoftheMaster’ssleepingapartmentweresimilartothoseinthechamberofdais。
Attheusualearlyhourofthatperiod，theMarquisofA——andhiskinsmanpreparedtoresumetheirjourney。Thiscouldnotbedonewithoutanamplebreakfast，inwhichcoldmeatandhotmeat，andoatmealflummery，wineandspirits，andmilkvariedbyeverypossiblemodeofpreparation，evincedthesamedesiretodohonourtotheirguestswhichhadbeenshownbythehospitableownersofthemansionupontheeveningbefore。AllthebustleofpreparationfordeparturenowresoundedthroughWolf’sHope。
Therewaspayingofbillsandshakingofhands，andsaddlingofhorses，andharnessingofcarriages，anddistributingofdrink-
money。TheMarquisleftabroadpieceforthegratificationofJohnGirder’shousehold，whichhe，thesaidJohn，wasforsometimedisposedtoconverttohisownuse；Dingwall，thewriter，assuringhimhewasjustifiedinsodoing，seeinghewasthedisburserofthoseexpenseswhichweretheoccasionofthegratification。But，notwithstandingthislegalauthority，Johncouldnotfindinhishearttodimthesplendourofhislatehospitalitybypicketinganythinginthenatureofagratuity。
Heonlyassuredhismenialshewouldconsiderthemasadamnedungratefulpackiftheyboughtagillofbrandyelsewherethanoutofhisownstores；andasthedrink-moneywaslikelytogotoitslegitimateuse，hecomfortedhimselfthat，inthismanner，theMarquis’sdonativewould，withoutanyimpeachmentofcreditandcharacter，comeultimatelyintohisownexclusivepossession。
Whilearrangementsweremakingfordeparture，Ravenswoodmadeblythetheheartofhisancientbutlerbyinforminghim，cautiouslyhoweverforheknewCaleb’swarmthofimagination，oftheprobablychangewhichwasabouttotakeplaceinhisfortunes。HedepositedwithBalderstone，atthesametime，thegreaterpartofhisslenderfunds，withanassurance，whichhewasobligedtoreiteratemorethanonce，thathehimselfhadsufficientsuppliesincertainprospect。HethereforeenjoinedCaleb，ashevaluedhisfavour，todesistfromallfarthermaneouvresagainsttheinhabitantsofWolf’sHope，theircellars，poultry-yards，andsubstancewhatsoever。Inthisprohibition，theolddomesticacquiescedmorereadilythanhismasterexpected。”Itwasdoubtless，”hesaid，”ashame，adiscredit，andasintoharrythepuircreatures，whenthefamilywereincircumstancestolivehonourablyontheirainmeans；andtheremightbewisdom，”headded，”ingivingthemawhile’sbreathing-
timeatanyrate，thattheymightbethemorereadilybrougthforwarduponhishonour’sfutureoccasions。”
Thismatterbeingsettled，andhavingtakenanaffectionatefarewellofhisolddomestic，theMasterrejoinedhisnoblerelative，whowasnowreadytoenterhiscarriage。Thetwolandladies，oldandyoung，havingreceivedinallkindlygreetingakissfromeachoftheirnobleguests，stoodsimperingatthedooroftheirhouse，asthecoachandsix，followedbyitstrainofclatteringhorsemen，thunderedoutofthevillage。JohnGirderalsostooduponhisthreshold，nowlookingathishonouredrighthand，whichhadbeensolatelyshakenbyamarquisandalord，andnowgivingaglanceintotheinteriorofhismansion，whichmanifestedallthedisarrayofthelaterevel，asifbalancingthedistinctionwhichhehadattainedwiththeexpensesoftheentertainment。
Atlengthheopenedhisoracularjaws。”Leteverymanandwomanheresetabouttheirainbusiness，asiftherewasnaesicthingasmarquisormaster，dukeordrake，lairdorlord，inthisworld。Letthehousebereddup，thebrokenmeatsetbye，andifthereisonythingtotallyuneatable，letitbegientothepuirfolk；and，gudemotherandwife，Ihaejustaethingtoentreatye，thatyewillneverspeaktomeasingleword，goodorbad，anenta’thisnonsensewark，butkeepa’yourcracksaboutittoyoursellsandyourkimmers，formyheadisweel-nighdungdonnartwi’italready。”
AsJohn’sauthoritywastolerablyabsolute，alldepartedtotheirusualoccupations，leavinghimtobuildcastlesintheair，ifhehadamind，uponthecourtfavourwhichhehadacquiredbytheexpenditureofhisworldlysubstance。
CHAPTERXXVII。
Why，nowIhaveDameFortunebytheForelock，Andifsheescapesmygrasp，thefaultismine；
HethathathbuffetedwithsternadversityBestknowstheshapehiscoursetofavouringbreezes。
OldPlay。
OURtravellersreachEdinburghwithoutanyfartheradventure，andtheMasterofRavenswood，ashadbeenpreviouslysettled，tookuphisabodewithhisnoblefriend。
Inthemeantime，thepoliticalcrisiswhichhadbeenexpectedtookplace，andtheTorypartyobtainedintheScottish，asintheEnglish，councilsofQueenAnneashort-livedascendency，ofwhichitisnotourbusinesstotraceeitherthecauseorconsequences。Sufficeittosay，thatitaffectedthedifferentpoliticalpartiesaccordingtothenatureoftheirprinciples。InEngland，manyoftheHighChurchparty，withHarley，afterwardsEarlofOxford，attheirhead，affectedtoseparatetheirprinciplesfromthoseoftheJacobites，and，onthataccount，obtainedthedenominationofWhimsicals。TheScottishHighChurchparty，onthecontrary，or，astheytermedthemselves，theCavaliers，weremoreconsistent，ifnotsoprudent，intheirpolitics，andviewedallthechangesnowmadeaspreparatorytocallingtothethrone，uponthequeen’sdemise，herbrothertheChevalierdeSt。George。Thosewhohadsufferedinhisservicenowentertainedthemostunreasonablehopes，notonlyofindemnification，butofvengeanceupontheirpoliticaladversaries；whilefamiliesattachedtotheWhiginterestsawnothingbeforethembutarenewalofthehardshipstheyhadundergoneduringthereignsofCharlestheSecondandhisbrother，andaretaliationoftheconfiscationwhichhadbeeninflictedupontheJacobitesduringthatofKingWilliam。
Butthemostalarmedatthechangeofsystemwasthatprudentialsetofpersons，someofwhomarefoundinallgovernments，butwhoaboundinaprovincialadministrationlikethatofScotlandduringtheperiod，andwhoarewhatCromwellcalledwaitersuponProvidence，or，inotherwords，uniformadherentstothepartywhoareuppermost。ManyofthesehastenedtoreadtheirrecantationtotheMarquisofA——；and，asitwaseasilyseenthathetookadeepinterestintheaffairsofhiskinsman，theMasterofRavenswood，theywerethefirsttosuggestmeasuresforretrievingatleastapartofhisproperty，andforrestoringhiminbloodagainsthisfather’sattainder。
OldLordTurntippetprofessedtobeoneofthemostanxiousforthesuccessofthesemeasures；for”itgrievedhimtotheverysaul，”hesaid，”toseesobraveayounggentleman，ofsicauldandundoubtednobility，and，whatwasmairthana’that，abluidrelationoftheMarquisofA——，themanwhom，”heswore，”hehonouredmostuponthefaceoftheearth，brougthtososevereapass。Forhisainpuirpeculiar，”ashesaid，”andtocontributesomethingtotherehabilitationofsaeauldanehouse，”thesaidTurntippetsentinthreefamilypictureslackingtheframes，andsixhigh-backedchairs，withworkedTurkeycushions，havingthecrestofRavenswoodbroideredthereon，withoutchargingapennyeitheroftheprincipalorinteresttheyhadcosthim，whenheboughtthem，sixteenyearsbefore，ataroupofthefurnitureofLordRavenswood’slodgingsintheCanongate。
MuchmoretoLordTurntippet’sdismaythantohissurprise，althoughheaffectedtofeelmoreofthelatterthantheformer，theMarquisreceivedhisgiftverydrily，andobserved，thathislordship’srestitution，ifheexpectedittobereceivedbytheMasterofRavenswoodandhisfriends，mustcomprehendaprettylargefarm，which，havingbeenmortgagedtoTurntippetforaveryinadequatesum，hehadcontrived，duringtheconfusionofthefamilyaffairs，andbymeanswellunderstoodbythelawyersofthatperiod，toacquiretohimselfinabsoluteproperty。
Theoldtime-servinglordwincedexcessivelyundertherequisition，protestingtoGod，thathesawnooccasiontheladcouldhavefortheinstantpossessionoftheland，seeinghewoulddoubtlessnowrecoverthebulkofhisestatefromSirWilliamAshton，towhichhewasreadytocontributebyeverymeansinhispower，aswasjustandreasonable；andfinallydeclaring，thathewaswillingtosettlethelandontheyounggentlemanafterhisownnaturaldemise。
Butalltheseexcusesavailednothing，andhewascompelledtodisgorgetheproperty，onreceivingbackthesumforwhichithadbeenmortgaged。Havingnoothermeansofmakingpeacewiththehigherpowers，hereturnedhomesorrowfulandmalcontent，complainingtohisconfidants，”Thateverymutationorchangeinthestatehadhithertobeenproductiveofsomesma’advantagetohiminhisainquietaffairs；butthatthepresenthad——pizeuponit！——costhimoneofthebestpenfeatherso’hiswing。”
SimilarmeasureswerethreatenedagainstotherswhohadprofitedbythewreckofthefortuneofRavenswood；andSirWilliamAshton，inparticular，wasmenacedwithanappealtotheHouseofPeers，acourtofequity，againstthejudicialsentences，proceedinguponastrictandsevereconstructionoftheletterofthelaw，underwhichheheldthecastleandbaronyofRavenswood。Withhim，however，theMaster，aswellforLucy’ssakeasonaccountofthehospitalityhehadreceivedfromhim，felthimselfunderthenecessityofproceedingwithgreatcandor。HewrotetothelateLordKeeper，forhenolongerheldthatoffice，statingfranklytheengagementwhichexistedbetweenhimandMissAshton，requestinghispermissionfortheirunion，andassuringhimofhiswillingnesstoputthesettlementofallmattersbetweenthemuponsuchafootingasSirWilliamhimselfshouldthinkfavourable。
ThesamemessengerwaschargedwithalettertoLadyAshton，deprecatinganycauseofdispleasurewhichtheMastermightunintentionallyhavegivenher，enlarginguponhisattachmenttoMissAshton，andthelengthtowhichithadproceeded，andconjuringthelady，asaDouglasinnatureaswellasinname，generouslytoforgetancientprejudicesandmisunderstandings，andtobelievethatthefamilyhadacquiredafriend，andsheherselfarespectfulandattachedhumbleservant，inhimwhosubscribedhimself，”Edgar，MasterofRavenswood。”
AthirdletterRavenswoodaddressedtoLucy，andthemessengerwasinstructedtofindsomesecretandsecuremeansofdeliveringitintoherownhands。Itcontainedthestrongestprotestationsofcontinuedaffection，anddweltupontheapproachingchangeofthewriter’sfortunes，aschieflyvaluablebytendingtoremovetheimpedimentstotheirunion。Herelatedthestepshehadtakentoovercometheprejudicesofherparents，andespeciallyofhermother，andexpressedhishopetheymightproveeffectual。Ifnot，hestilltrustedthathisabsencefromScotlanduponanimportantandhonourablemissionmightgivetimeforprejudicestodieaway；whilehehopedandtrustedMissAshton’sconstancy，onwhichhehadthemostimplicitreliance，wouldbaffleanyeffortthatmightbeusedtodivertherattachment。Muchmoretherewas，which，howeverinterestingtotheloversthemselves，wouldaffordthereaderneitherinterestnorinformation。ToeachofthesethreeletterstheMasterofRavenswoodreceivedananswer，butbydifferentmeansofconveyance，andcertainlycouchedinverydifferentstyles。
LadyAshtonansweredhisleetterbyhisownmessenger，whowasnotallowedtoremainatRavenswoodamomentlongerthanshewasengagedinpenningtheselines。”ForthehandofMr。
RavenswoodofWolf’sCrag——These:”SIR，UNKNOWN:”Ihavereceivedaletter，signed’Edgar，MasterofRavenswood，’concerningthewriterwhereofIamuncertain，seeingthatthehonoursofsuchafamilywereforfeitedforhighreasoninthepersonofAllan，lateLordRavenswood。Sir，ifyoushallhappentobethepersonsosubscribingyourself，youwillpleasetoknow，thatIclaimthefullinterestofaparentinMissLucyAshton，whichIhavedisposedofirrevocablyinbehalfofaworthyperson。And，sir，werethisotherwise，Iwouldnotlistentoaproposalfromyou，oranyofyourhouse，seeingtheirhandhasbeenuniformlyheldupagainstthefreedomofthesubjectandtheimmunitiesofGod’skirk。Sir，itisnotaflighteringblinkofprosperitywhichcanchangemyconstantopinioninthisregard，seeingithasbeenmylotbeforenow，likeholyDavid，toseethewickedgreatinpowerandflourishinglikeagreenbay-
tree；neverthelessIpassed，andtheywerenot，andtheplacethereofknewthemnomore。Wishingyoutolaythesethingstoyourheartforyourownsake，sofarastheymayconcernyou，I
prayyoutotakenofarthernoticeofherwhodesirestoremainyourunknownservant，”MARGARETDOUGLAS，”otherwiseASHTON。”
Abouttwodaysafterhehadreceivedthisveryunsatisfactoryepistle，theMasterofRavenswood，whilewalkinguptheHighStreetofEdinburgh，wasjostledbyaperson，inwhom，asthemanpulledoffhishattomakeanapology，herecognizedLockhard，theconfidentialdomesticofSirWilliamAshton。Themanbowed，sliptaletterintohishand，anddisappeared。Thepacketcontainedfourclose-writtenfolios，fromwhich，however，asissometimesincidenttothecompositionsofgreatlawyers，littlecouldbeextracted，exceptingthatthewriterfelthimselfinaverypuzzlingpredicament。
SirWilliamspokeatlengthofhishighvalueandregardforhisdearyoungfriend，theMasterofRavenswood，andofhisveryextremehighvalueandregardfortheMarquisofA——，hisverydearoldfriend；hetrustedthatanymeasuresthattheymightadopt，inwhichhewasconcerned，wouldbecarredonwithdueregardtothesanctityofdecreetsandjudgmentsobtainedinforocontentioso；protesting，beforemenandangels，thatifthelawofScotland，asdeclaredinhersupremecourts，weretoundergoareversalintheEnglishHouseofLords，theevilswhichwouldthencearisetothepublicwouldinflictagreaterwounduponhisheartthananylosshemighthimselfsustainbysuchirregularproceedings。Heflourishedmuchongenerosityandforgivenessofmutualinjuries，andhintedatthemutabilityofhumanaffairs，alwaysfavouritetopicswiththeweakerpartyinpolitics。Hepatheticallylamented，andgentlycensured，thehastewhichhadbeenusedindeprivinghimofhissituationofLordKeeper，whichhisexperiencehadenabledhimtofillwithsomeadvantagetothepublic，withoutsomuchasgivinghimanopportunityofexplaininghowfarhisownviewsofgeneralpoliticsmightessentiallydifferfromthosenowinpower。HewasconvincedtheMarquisofA——hadassincereintentionstowardsthepublicashimselforanyman；andif，uponaconference，theycouldhaveagreeduponthemeasuresbywhichitwastobepursued，hisexperienceandhisinterestshouldhavegonetosupportthepresentadministration。UpontheengagementbetwixtRavenswoodandhisdaughter，hespokeinadryandconfusedmanner。Heregrettedsoprematureastepastheengagementoftheyoungpeopleshouldhavebeentaken，andconjuredtheMastertorememberhehadnevergivenanyencouragementthereunto；andobservedthat，asatransactioninterminores，andwithoutconcurrenceofhisdaughter’snaturalcurators，theengagementwasinept，andvoidinlaw。
Thisprecipitatemeasure，headded，hadproducedaverybadeffectuponLadyAshton’smind，whichitwasimpossibleatpresenttoremove。Herson，ColonelDouglasAshton，hadembracedherprejudicesinthefullestextent，anditwasimpossibleforSirWilliamtoadoptacoursedisagreeabletothemwithoutafatalandirreconcilablebreachinhisfamily；whichwasnotatpresenttobethoughtof。Time，thegreatphysician，hehoped，wouldmendall。
Inapostscript，SirWilliamsaidsomethingmoreexplicitly，whichseemedtointimatethat，ratherthanthelawofScotlandshouldsustainaseverewoundthroughhissides，byareversalofthejudgmentofhersupremecourts，inthecaseofthebaronyofRavenswood，throughtheinterventionofwhat，withallsubmission，hemusttermaforeigncourtofappeal，hehimselfwouldextrajudicallyconsenttoconsiderablesacrifices。
FromLucyAshton，bysomeunknownconveyance，theMasterreceivedthefollowinglines:”Ireceivedyours，butitwasattheutmostrisk；donotattempttowriteagaintillbettertimes。Iamsorebeset，butIwillbetruetomyword，whiletheexerciseofmyreasonisvouchsafedtome。Thatyouarehappyandprosperousissomeconsolation，andmysituationrequiresitall。”Thenotewassigned”L。A。”
ThisletterfilledRavenswoodwiththemostlivelyalarm。Hemademanyattempts，notwithstandingherprohibition，toconveyletterstoMissAshton，andeventoobtainaninterview；buthisplanswerefrustrated，andhehadonlythemortificationtolearnthatanxiousandeffectualprecautionshadbeentakentopreventthepossibilityoftheircorrespondence。TheMasterwasthemoredistressedbythesecircumstances，asitbecameimpossibletodelayhisdeparturefromScotland，upontheimportantmissionwhichhadbeenconfidedtohim。Beforehisdeparture，heputSirWilliamAshton’sletterintothehandsoftheMarquisofA——，whoobservedwithasmile，thatSirWilliam’sdayofgracewaspast，andthathehadnowtolearnwhichsideofthehedgethesunhadgotto。ItwaswiththegreatestdifficultythatRavenswoodextortedfromtheMarquisapromisethathewouldcompromisetheproceedingsinParliament，providingSirWilliamshouldbedisposedtoacquiesceinaunionbetweenhimandLucyAshton。”Iwouldhardly，”saidtheMarquis，”consenttoyourthrowingawayyourbirthrightinthismanner，wereInotperfectlyconfidentthatLadyAshton，orLadyDouglas，orwhatevershecallsherself，will，asScotchmensay，keepherthreep；andthatherhusbanddaresnotcontradicther。””Butyet，”saidtheMaster，”Itrustyourlordshipwillconsidermyengagementassacred。””Believemywordofhonour，”saidtheMarquis，”Iwouldbeafriendeventoyourfollies；andhavingthustoldyouMY
opinion，Iwillendeavour，asoccasionoffers，toserveyouaccordingtoyourown。”
ThemasterofRavenswoodcouldbutthankhisgenerouskinsmanandpatron，andleavehimfullpowertoactinallhisaffairs。
HedepartedfromScotlanduponhismission，which，itwassupposed，mightdetainhimuponthecontinentforsomemonths。