CHAPTERXXVIII。
Waseverwomaninthishumorwooed？
Waseverwomaninthishumourwon？
I’llhaveher。
RichardIII。
TWELVEmonthshadpassedawaysincetheMasterofRavenswood’sdepartureforthecontinent，and，althoughhisreturntoScotlandhadbeenexpectedinamuchshorterspace，yettheaffairsofhismission，or，accordingtoaprevailingreport，othersofanaturepersonaltohimself，stilldetainedhimabroad。Inthemeantime，thealteredstateofaffairsinSirWilliamAshton’sfamilymaybegatheredfromthefollowingconversationwhichtookplacebetwixtBucklawandhisconfidentialbottlecompanionanddependant，thenotedCaptainCraigengelt。Theywereseatedoneithersideofthehugesepulchral-lookingfreestonechimneyinthelowhallatGirnington。Awoodfireblazedmerrilyinthegrate；aroundoakentable，placedbetweenthem，supportedastoupofexcellentclaret，tworummerglasses，andothergoodcheer；andyet，withalltheseappliancesandmeanstoboot，thecountenanceofthepatronwasdubious，doubtful，andunsatisfied，whiletheinventionofhisdependantwastaxedtotheutmosttoparrywhathemostdreaded，afit，ashecalledit，ofthesullens，onthepartofhisprotector。Afteralongpause，onlyinterruptedbythedevil’stattoo，whichBucklawkeptbeatingagainstthehearthwiththetoeofhisboot，Craigengeltatlastventuredtobreaksilence。”MayIbedoubledistanced，”saidhe，”ifeverIsawamaninmylifehavelesstheairofabridegroom！Cutmeoutoffeather，ifyouhavenotmorethelookofamancondemnedtobehanged！””Mykindthanksforthecompliment，”repliedBucklaw；”butI
supposeyouthinkuponthepredicamentinwhichyouyourselfaremostlikelytobeplaced；andpray，CaptainCraigengelt，ifitpleaseyourworship，whyshouldIlookmerry，whenI’msad，anddevilishsadtoo？””Andthat’swhatvexesme，”saidCraigengelt。”Hereisthismatch，thebestinthewholecountry，andwhichweresoanxiousabout，isonthepointofbeingconcluded，andyouareassulkyasabearthathaslostitswhelps。””Idonotknow，”answeredtheLaird，doggedly，”whetherIshouldconcludeornot，ifitwasnotthatIamtoofarforwardstoleapback。””Leapback！”exclaimedCraigengelt，withawell-assumedairofastonishment，”thatwouldbeplayingtheback-gamewithawitness！Leapback！Why，isnotthegirl’sfortune——””Theyounglady’s，ifyouplease，”saidHayston，interruptinghim。”Well——well，nodisrespectmeant。WillMissAshton’stochernotweighagainstanyinLothian？””Granted，”answeredBucklaw；”butIcarenotapennyforhertocher；Ihaveenoughofmyown。””Andthemother，thatlovesyoulikeherownchild？””Betterthansomeofherchildren，Ibelieve，”saidBucklaw，”ortherewouldbelittlelovewaredonthematter。””AndColonelSholtoDouglasAshton，whodesiresthemarriageaboveallearthlythings？””Because，”saidBucklaw，”heexpectstocarrythecountyof——
throughmyinterest。””Andthefather，whoisaskeentoseethematchconcludedaseverIhavebeentowinamain？””Ay，”saidBucklaw，inthesamedisparagingmanner，”itlieswithSirWilliam’spolicytosecurethenextbestmatch，sincehecannotbarterhischildtosavethegreatRavenswoodestate，whichtheEnglishHouseofLordsareabouttowrenchoutofhisclutches。””Whatsayyoutotheyoungladyherself？”saidCraigengelt；”thefinestyoungwomaninallScotland，onethatyouusedtobesofondofwhenshewascross，andnowsheconsentstohaveyou，andgivesupherengagementwithRavenswood，youareforjibbing。
Imustsay，thedevil’sinye，whenyeneitherknowwhatyouwouldhavenorwhatyouwouldwant。””I’lltellyoumymeaninginaword，”answeredBucklaw，gettingupandwalkingthroughtheroom；”IwanttoknowwhatthedevilisthecauseofMissAshton’schanginghermindsosuddenly？””Andwhatneedyoucare，”saidCraigengelt，”sincethechangeisinyourfavour？””I’lltellyouwhatitis，”returnedhispatron，”Ineverknewmuchofthatsortoffineladies，andIbelievetheymaybeascapriciousasthedevil；butthereissomethinginMissAshton’schangeadevilishdealtoosuddenandtooseriousforamerefliskofherown。I’llbebound，LadyAshtonunderstandseverymachineforbreakinginthehumanmind，andthereareasmanyastherearecannon-bit，martingales，andcavessonsforyoungcolts。””Andifthatwerenotthecase，”saidCraigengelt，”howthedevilshouldweevergetthemintotrainingatall？””Andthat’struetoo，”saidBucklaw，suspendinghismarchthroughthedining-room，andleaninguponthebackofachair。”Andbesides，here’sRavenswoodinthewaystill，doyouthinkhe’llgiveupLucy’sengagement？””Tobesurehewill，”answeredCraigengelt；”whatgoodcanitdohimtorefuse，sincehewishestomarryanotherwomanandsheanotherman？””Andyoubelieveseriously，”saidBucklaw，”thatheisgoingtomarrytheforeignladyweheardof？””Youheardyourself，”answeredCraigengelt，”whatCaptainWestenhosaidaboutit，andthegreatpreparationmadefortheirblythesomebridal。””CaptainWestenho，”repliedBucklaw，”hasrathertoomuchofyourowncastabout，Craigie，tomakewhatSirWilliamwouldcalla’famouswitness。’Hedrinksdeep，playsdeep，swearsdeep，andIsuspectcanlieandcheatalittleintothebargain；usefulqualities，Craigie，ifkeptintheirpropersphere，butwhichhavealittletoomuchofthefreebootertomakeafigureinacourtofevidence。””Well，then，”saidCraigengelt，”willyoubelieveColonelDouglasAshton，whoheardtheMarquisofA——sayinapubliccircle，butnotawarethathewaswithinear-shot，thathiskinsmanhadmadeabetterarrangementforhimselfthantogivehisfather’slandforthepale-cheekeddaughterofabroken-downfanatic，andthatBucklawwaswelcometothewearingofRavenswood’sshaughledshoes。””Didhesayso，byheavens！”criedBucklaw，breakingoutintooneofthoseincontrollablefitsofpassiontowhichhewasconstitutionallysubject；”ifIhadheardhim，Iwouldhavetornthetongueoutofhisthroatbeforeallhispeatsandminions，andHighlandbulliesintothebargain。WhydidnotAshtonrunhimthroughthebody？””CapotmeifIknow，”saidtheCaptain。”Hedeserveditsureenough；butheisanoldman，andaministerofstate，andtherewouldbemoreriskthancreditinmeddlingwithhim。YouhadmoreneedtothinkofmakinguptoMissLucyAshtonthedisgracethat’sliketofalluponherthanofinterferingwithamantoooldtofight，andontoohighatoolforyourhandtoreachhim。””ItSHALLreachhim，though，oneday，”saidBucklaw，”andhiskinsmanRavenswoodtoboot。Inthemeantime，I’lltakecareMissAshtonreceivesnodiscreditfortheslighttheyhaveputuponher。It’sanawkwardjob，however，andIwishitwereended；Iscarceknowhowtotalktoher，——butfillabumper，Craigie，andwe’lldrinkherhealth。Itgrowslate，andanight-
cowlofgoodclaretisworthalltheconsidering-capsinEurope。”
CHAPTERXXIX。
Itwasthecopyofourconference。
Inbedshesleptnot，formyurgingit；
Atboardshefednot，formyurgingit；
Alone，itwasthesubjectofmytheme；
IncompanyIoftenglancedatit。
ComedyofErrors。
THEnextmorningsawBucklawandhisfaithfulAchates，Craigengelt，atRavenswoodCastle。Theyweremostcourteouslyreceivedbytheknightandhislady，aswell，asbytheirsonandheir，ColonelAshton。Afteragooddealofstammeringandblushing——forBucklaw，notwithstandinghisaudacityinothermatters，hadallthesheepishbashfulnesscommontothosewhohavelivedlittleinrespectablesociety——hecontrivedatlengthtoexplainhiswishtobeadmittedtoaconferencewithMissAshtonuponthesubjectoftheirapproachingunion。SirWilliamandhissonlookedatLadyAshton，whorepliedwiththegreatestcomposure，”ThatLucywouldwaituponMr。Haystondirectly。I
hope，”sheaddedwithasmile，”thatasLucyisveryyoung，andhasbeenlatelytrepannedintoanengagementofwhichsheisnowheartilyashamed，ourdearBucklawwillexcuseherwishthatI
shouldbepresentattheirinterview？””Intruth，mydearlady，”saidBucklaw，”itistheverythingthatIwouldhavedesiredonmyownaccount；forIhavebeensolittleaccustomedtowhatiscalledgallantry，thatIshallcertainlyfallintosomecursedmistakeunlessIhavetheadvantageofyourladyshipasaninterpreter。”
ItwasthusthatBucklaw，intheperturbationofhisembarrassmentuponthiscriticaloccasion，forgotthejustapprehensionshehadentertainedofLadyAshton’soverbearingascendencyoverherdaughter’smind，andlostanopportunityofascertaining，byhisowninvestigation，therealstateofLucy’sfeelings。
Theothergentlemenlefttheroom，andinashrottimeLadyAshton，followedbyherdaughter，enteredtheapartment。Sheappeared，ashehadseenheronformeroccasions，rathercomposedthanagitated；butanicerjudgethanhecouldscarcehavedeterminedwhetherhercalmnesswasthatofdespairorofindifference。Bucklawwastoomuchagitatedbyhisownfeelingsminutelytoscrutinisethoseofthelady。Hestammeredoutanunconnectedaddress，confoundingtogetherthetwoorthreetopicstowhichitrelated，andstoptshortbeforehebroughtittoanyregularconclusion。MissAshtonlistened，orlookedasifshelistened，butreturnednotasinglewordinanswer，continuingtofixhereyesonasmallpieceofembroideryonwhich，asifbyinstinctorhabit，herfingerswerebusilyemployed。LadyAshtonsatatsomedistance，almostscreenedfromnoticebythedeepembrasureofthewindowinwhichshehadplacedherchair。Fromthisshewhispered，inatoneofvoicewhich，thoughsoftandsweet，hadsomethinginitofadmonition，ifnotcommand:”Lucy，mydear，remember——haveyouheardwhatBucklawhasbeensaying？”
Theideaofhermother’spresenceseemedtohaveslippedfromtheunhappygirl’srecollection。Shestarted，droppedherneedle，andrepeatedhastily，andalmostinthesamebreath，thecontradictoryanswers:”Yes，madam——no，mylady——Ibegpardon，I
didnothear。””Youneednotblush，mylove，andstilllessneedyoulooksopaleandfrightened，”saidLadyAshton，comingforward；”weknowthatmaiden’searsmustbeslowinreceivingagentleman’slanguage；butyoumustrememberMr。Haystonspeaksonasubjectonwhichyouhavelongsinceagreedtogivehimafavourablehearing。YouknowhowmuchyourfatherandIhaveourheartssetuponaneventsoextremelydesirable。”
InLadyAshton’svoice，atoneofimpressive，andevenstern，innuendowassedulouslyandskilfullyconcealedunderanappearanceofthemostaffectionatematernaltenderness。ThemannerwasforBucklaw，whowaseasilyenoughimposedupon；thematteroftheexhortationwasfortheterrifiedLucy，whowellknewhowtointerprethermother’shints，howeverskilfullytheirrealpurportmightbeveiledfromgeneralobservation。
MissAshtonsatuprightinherchair，castroundheraglanceinwhichfearwasmingledwithastillwilderexpression，butremainedperfectlysilent。Bucklaw，whohadinthemeantimepacedtheroomtoandfro，untilhehadrecoveredhiscomposure，nowstoppedwithintwoorthreeyardsofherchair，andbrokeoutasfollows:”IbelieveIhavebeenad——dfool，MissAshton；I
havetriedtospeaktoyouaspeopletellmeyoungladiesliketobetalkedto，andIdon’tthinkyoucomprehendwhatIhavebeensaying；andnowonder，ford——nmeifIunderstanditmyself！
But，however，onceforall，andinbroadScotch，yourfatherandmotherlikewhatisproposed，andifyoucantakeaplainyoungfellowforyourhusband，whowillnevercrossyouinanythingyouhaveamindto，IwillplaceyouattheheadofthebestestablishmentinthethreeLothians；youshallhaveLadyGirnington’slodgingintheCanongateofEdinburgh，gowhereyouplease，dowhatyouplease，andseewhatyouplease——andthat’sfair。OnlyImusthaveacornerattheboard-endforaworthlessoldplayfellowofmine，whosecompanyIwouldratherwantthanhave，ifitwerenotthatthed——dfellowhaspersuadedmethatI
can’tdowithouthim；andsoIhopeyouwon’texceptagainstCraigie，althoughitmightbeeasytofindmuchbettercompany。””Now，outuponyou，Bucklaw，”saidLadyAshton，againinterposing；”howcanyouthinkLucycanhaveanyobjectiontothatblunt，honest，good-naturedcreature，CaptainCraigengelt？””Why，madam，”repliedBucklaw，”astoCraigie’ssincerity，honesty，andgood-nature，theyare，Ibelieve，prettymuchuponapar；butthat’sneitherherenorthere——thefellowknowsmyways，andhasgotusefultome，andIcannotwelldowithouthim，asI
saidbefore。Butallthisisnothingtothepurpose；forsinceI
havemusteredupcouragetomakeaplainproposal，IwouldfainhearMissAshton，fromherownlips，givemeaplainanswer。””MydearBucklaw，”saidLadyAshton，”letmespareLucy’sbashfulness。Itellyou，inherpresence，thatshehasalreadyconsentedtobeguidedbyherfatherandmeinthismatter。
Lucy，mylove，”sheadded，withthatsingularcombinationofsuavityoftoneandpointedenergywhichwehavealreadynoticed——”Lucy，mydearestlove！speakforyourself，isitnotasIsay？”
Hervictimansweredinatremulousandhollowvoice:”IHAVE
promisedtoobeyyou——butupononecondition。””Shemeans，”saidLadyAshton，turningtoBucklaw，”sheexpectsananswertothedemandwhichshehasmadeuponthemanatVienna，orRatisbon，orParis——orwhereishe？——forrestitutionoftheengagementinwhichhehadthearttoinvolveher。Youwillnot，Iamsure，mydearfriend，thinkitiswrongthatsheshouldfeelmuchdelicacyuponthishead；indeed，itconcernsusall。””Perfetlyright——quitefair，”saidBucklaw，halfhumming，halfspeakingtheendoftheoldsong——”Itisbesttobeoffwi’theoldloveBeforeyoubeonwi’thenew。
ButIthought，”saidhe，pausing，”youmighthavehadananswersixtimestoldfromRavenswood。D——nme，ifIhavenotamindtogofetchonemyself，ifMissAshtonwillhonourmewiththecommission。””Bynomeans，”saidLadyAshton；”wehavehadtheutmostdifficultyofpreventingDouglas，forwhomitwouldbemoreproper，fromtakingsorashastep；anddoyouthinkwecouldpermityou，mygoodfriend，almostequallydeartous，togotoadesperatemanuponanerrandsodesperate？Infact，allthefriendsofthefamilyareofopinion，andmydearLucyherselfoughtsotothink，that，asthisunworthypersonhasreturnednoanswertoherletter，silencemustonthis，asinothercases，beheldtogiveconsent，andacontractmustbesupposedtobegivenup，whenthepartywaivesinsistinguponit。SirWilliam，whoshouldknowbest，isclearuponthissubject；andtherefore，mydearLucy——””Madam，”saidLucy，withunwontedenergy，”urgemenofarther；
ifthisunhappyengagementberestored，Ihavealreadysaidyoushalldisposeofmeasyouwill；tillthenIshouldcommitaheavysininthesightofGodandmanindoingwhatyourequire。””But，mylove，ifthismanremainsobstinatelysilent——””HewillNOTbesilent，”answeredLucy；”itissixweekssinceIsenthimadoubleofmyformerletterbyasurehand。””Youhavenot——youcouldnot——youdurstnot，”saidLadyAshton，withviolenceinconsistentwiththetoneshehadintendedtoassume；butinstantlycorrectingherself，”MydearestLucy，”
saidshe，inhersweetesttoneofexpostulation，”howcouldyouthinkofsuchathing？””Nomatter，”saidBucklaw；”IrespectMissAshtonforhersentiments，andIonlywishIhadbeenhermessengermyself。””Andprayhowlong，MissAshton，”saidhermother，ironically，”arewetowaitthereturnofyourPacolet——yourfairymessenger——sinceourhumblecouriersoffleshandbloodcouldnotbetrustedinthismatter？””Ihavenumberedweeks，days，hours，andminutes，”saidMissAshton；”withinanotherweekIshallhaveananswer，unlessheisdead。Tillthattime，sir，”shesaid，addressingBucklaw，”letmebethusfarbeholdentoyou，thatyouwillbegmymothertoforbearmeuponthissubject。””IwillmakeitmyparticularentreatytoLadyAshton，”saidBucklaw。”Bymyhonour，madam，Irespectyourfeelings；and，althoughtheprosecutionofthisaffairberendereddearertomethanever，yet，asIamagentleman，Iwouldrenounceit，wereitsourgedastogiveyouamoment’spain。””Mr。Hayston，Ithink，cannotcomprehendthat，”saidLadyAshton，lookingpalewithanger，”whenthedaughter’shappinessliesinthebosomofthemother。Letmeaskyou，MissAshton，inwhattermsyourlastletterwascouched？””Exactlyinthesame，madam，”answeredLucy，”whichyoudictatedonaformeroccasion。””Wheneightdayshaveelapsed，then，”saidhermother，resuminghertoneoftenderness，”weshallhope，mydearestlove，thatyouwillendthissuspense。””MissAshtonmustnotbehurried，madam，”saidBucklaw，whosebluntnessoffeelingdidnotbyanymeansarisefromwantofgood-nature；”messengersmaybestoppedordelayed。Ihaveknownaday’sjourneybrokebythecastingofaforeshoe。Stay，letmeseemycalendar:thetwentiethdayfromthisisSt。
Jude’s，andthedaybeforeImustbeatCavertonEdge，toseethematchbetweentheLairdofKittlegirth’sblackmareandJohnstonthemeal-monger’sfour-year-old-colt；butIcanrideallnight，orCraigiecanbringmewordhowthematchgoes；andIhope，inthemeantime，asIshallnotmyselfdstressMissAshtonwithanyfurtherimportunity，thatyourladyshipyourself，andSirWilliam，andColonelDouglaswillhavethegoodnesstoallowheruninterruptedtimeformakinguphermind。””Sir，”saidMissAshton，”youaregenerous。””Asforthat，madam，”answeredBucklaw，”Ionlypretendtobeaplain，good-humouredyoungfellw，asIsaidbefore，whowillwillinglymakeyouhappyifyouwillpermithim，andshowhimhowtodoso。”
Havingsaidthis，hesalutedherwithmoreemotionthanwasconsistentwithhisusualtrainoffeeling，andtookhisleave；
LadyAshton，assheaccompaniedhimoutoftheapartment，assuringhimthtaherdaughterdidfulljusticetothesincerityofhisattachment，andrequestinghimtoseeSirWilliambeforehisdeparture，”since，”asshesaid，withakeenglancerevertingtowardsLucy，”againstSt。Jude’sday，wemustallbereadytoSIGNANDSEAL。””Tosignandseal！”echoedLucy，inamutteringtone，asthedooroftheapartmentclosed——”tosignandseal——todoanddie！”
and，claspingherextenuatedhandstogether，shesunkbackontheeasy-chairsheoccupied，inastateresemblingstupor。
FromthisshewasshortlyafterawakenedbytheboisterousentryofherbrotherHenry，whoclamorouslyremindedherofapromisetogivehimtwoyardsofcarnationribbontomakeknotstohisnewgarters。WiththemostpatientcomposureLucyarose，andopeningalittleivorycabinet，soughtouttheribbontheladwaned，measureditaccurately，cutitoffintoproperlengths，andknotteditintothefashionhisboyishwhimrequired。”Dinnashutthecabinetyet，”saidHenry，”forImusthavesomeofyoursilverwiretofastenthebellstomyhawk’sjesses，——andyetthenewfalcon’snotworththemneither；fordoyouknow，afteralltheplaguewehadtogetherfrmaneyrie，allthewayatPosso，inMannorWater，she’sgoingtoprove，afterall，nothingbetterthanarifler:shejustwetshersinglesinthebloodofthepartridge，andthenbreaksaway，andletsherfly；andwhatgoodcanthepoorbirddoafterthat，youknow，exceptpineanddieinthefirstheather-coworwhin-bushshecancrawlinto？””Right，Henry——right——veryright，”saidLuch，mournfully，holdingtheboyfastbythehand，aftershehadgivenhimthewirehewanted；”buttherearemoreriflersintheworldthanyourfalcon，andmorewoundedbirdsthatseekbuttodieinquiet，thatcanfindneitherbrakenorwhin-bushtohidetheirheadin。””Ah！that’ssomespeechoutofyourromances，”saidtheboy；”andSholtosaystheyhaveturnedyourhead。ButIhearNormanwhistlingtothehawk；Imustgofastenonthejesses。”
Andhescamperedawaywiththethoughtlessgaietyofboyhood，leavinghissistertothebitternessofherownreflections。”Itisdecreed，”shesaid，”thateverylivingcreature，eventhosewhoowememostkindness，aretoshunme，andleavemetothosebywhomIambeset。Itisjustitshouldbethus。Aloneanduncounselled，Iinvolvedmyselfintheseperils；aloneanduncounselled，Imustextricatemyselfordie。”
CHAPTERXXX。
WhatdothensueButmoodyanddullmelancholy，Kinsmantogrimandcomfortlessdespair，Andatherheel，ahugeinfectioustroopOfpaledistemperatures，andfoestolife？
ComedyofErrors。
ASsomevindicationoftheeasewithwhichBucklawwhootherwise，ashetermedhimself，wasreallyaverygood-humouredfellowresignedhisjudgmenttothemanagementofLadyAshton，whilepayinghisaddressestoherdaughter，thereadermustcalltomindthestrictdomesticdisciplinewhich，atthisperiod，wasexercisedoverthefemalesofaScottishfamily。
Themannersofthecountryinthis，asinmanyotherrespects，coincidedwiththoseofFrancebeforetheRevolution。
Youngwomenofthehigherrankseldommingledinsocietyuntilaftermarriage，and，bothinlawandfact，wereheldtobeunderthestricttutelageoftheirparents，whoweretooapttoenforcetheviewsfortheirsettlementinlifewithoutpayinganyregardtotheinclinationofthepartieschieflyinterested。Onsuchoccasions，thesuitorexpectedlittlemorefromhisbridethanasilentacquiescenceinthewillofherparents；andasfewopportunitiesofacquaintance，farlessofintimacy，occurred，hemadehischoicebytheoutside，astheloversintheMerchantofVeniceselectthecasket，contentedtotrusttochancetheissueofthelotteryinwhichhehadhazardedaventure。
Itwasnotthereforesurprising，suchbeingthegeneralmannersoftheage，thatMr。HaystonofBucklaw，whomdissipatedhabitshaddetachedinsomedegreefromthebestsociety，shouldnotattendparticularlytothosefeelingsinhiselectedbridetowhichmanymenofmoresentiment，experience，andreflectionwould，inallprobability，havebeenequallyindifferent。Heknewwhatallaccountedtheprincipalpoint，thatherparentsandfriends，namely，weredecidedlyinhisfavour，andthatthereexistedmostpowerfulreasonsfortheirpredilection。
Intruth，theconductoftheMarquisofA——，sinceRavenswood’sdeparture，hadbeensuchasalmosttobarthepossibilityofhiskinsman’sunionwithLucyAshton。TheMarquiswasRavenswood’ssincerebutmisjudgingfriend；orrather，likemanyfriendsandpatrons，heconsultedwhatheconsideredtobehisrelation’strueinterest，althoughheknewthatindoingsoheruncountertohisinclinations。
TheMarquisdroveon，therefore，withtheplentitudeofministerialauthority，anappealtotheBritishHouseofPeersagainstthosejudgmentsofthecourtsoflawbywhichSirWilliambecamepossessedofRavenswood’shereditaryproperty。Asthismeasure，enforcedwithalltheauthorityofpower，wasnewinScottishjudicialproceedings，thoughnowsofrequentlyresortedto，itwasexclaimedagainstbythelawyersontheoppositesideofpolitics，asaninterferencewiththeciviljudicatureofthecountry，equallynew，arbitrary，andtyrannical。Andifitthusaffectedevenstrangersconnectedwiththemonlybypoliticalparty，itmaybeguessedwhattheAshtonfamilythemselvessaidandthoughtundersogrossadispensation。SirWilliam，stillmoreworldly-mindedthanhewastimid，wasreducedtodespairbythelossbywhichhewasthreatened。Hisson’shaughtierspiritwasexaltedintorageattheideaofbeingdeprivedofhisexpectedpatrimony。ButtoLadyAshton’syetmorevindictivetempertheconductofRavenswood，orratherofhispatron，appearedtobeanoffencechallengingthedeepestandmostimmortalrevenge。EventhequietandconfidingtemperofLucyherself，swayedbytheopinionsexpressedbyallaroundher，couldnotbutconsidertheconductofRavenswoodasprecipitate，andevenunkind。”Itwasmyfather，”sherepeatedwithasigh，”whowelcomedhimtothisplace，andencouraged，oratleastallowed，theintimacybetweenus。Shouldhenothaverememberedthis，andrequiteditwithatleastsomemoderatedegreeofprocrastinationintheassertionofhisownallegedrights？I
wouldhaveforfeitedforhimdoublethevalueoftheselands，whichhepursueswithanardourthatshowshehasforgottenhowmuchIamimplicatedinthematter。”
Lucy，however，couldonlymurmurthesethingstoherself，unwillingtoincreasetheprejudicesagainstherloverentertainedbyallaroundher，whoexclaimedagainstthestepspursuedonhisaccountasillegal，vexatious，andtyrannical，resemblingtheworstmeasuresintheworsttimesoftheworstStuarts，andadegradationofScotland，thedecisionsofwhoselearnedjudgeswerethussubjectedtothereviewofacourtcomposedindeedofmenofthehighestrank，andwhowerenottrainedtothestudyofanymunicipallaw，andmightbesupposedspeciallytoholdincontemptthatofScotland。Asanaturalconsequenceoftheallegedinjusticemeditatedtowardsherfather，everymeanswasrestoredto，andeveryargumenturgedtoinduceMissAshtontobreakoffherengagementwithRavenswood，asbeingscandalous，shameful，andsinful，formedwiththemortalenemyofherfamily，andcalculatedtoaddbitternesstothedistressofherparents。
Lucy’sspirit，however，washigh，and，althoughunaidedandalone，shecouldhavebornemuch:shecouldhaveenduredtherepiningsofherfather；hismurmursagainstwhathecalledthetyrannicalusageoftherulingparty；hisceaselesschargesofingratitudeagainstRavenswood；hisendlesslecturesonthevariousmeansbywhichcontractsmaybevoidedanannulled；hisquotationsfromthecivil，municipal，andthecanonlaw；andhisprelectionsuponthepatriapotestas。
Shemighthavebornealsoinpatience，orrepelledwithscorn，thebittertauntsandoccasionalviolenceofherbrother，ColonelDouglasAshton，andtheimpertinentandintrusiveinterferenceofotherfriendsandrelations。ButitwasbeyondherpowereffectuallytowithstandoreludetheconstantandunceasingpersecutionofLadyAshton，who，layingeveryotherwishaside，hadbentthewholeffortsofherpowerfulmindtobreakherdaughter’scontractwithRavenswood，andtoplaceaperpetualbarbetweenthelovers，byeffectingLucy’sunionwithBucklaw。Farmoredeeplyskilledthanherhusbandintherecessesofthehumanheart，shewasawarethatinthiswayshemightstrikeablowofdeepanddecisivevengeanceupononewhomsheesteemedashermortalenemy；nordidshehestitateatraisingherarm，althoughsheknewthatthewoundmustbedealtthroughthebosomofherdaughter。Withthissternandfixedpurpose，shesoundedeverydeepandshallowofherdaughter’ssoul，assumedalternatelyeverydisguiseofmannerwhichcouldserveherobject，andpreparedatleisureeveryspeciesofdiremachinerybywhichthehumanmindcanbewrenchedfromitssettleddetermination。Someofthesewereofanobviousdescription，andrequireonlytobecursorilymentioned；otherswerecharacteristicofthetime，thecountry，andthepersonsengagedinthissingulardrama。
Itwasofthelastconsequencethatallintercoursebetwixttheloversshouldbestopped，and，bydintofgoldandauthority，LadyAshtoncontrivedtopossessherselfofsuchacompletecommandofallwhowereplacedaroundherdaughter，that，iffact，noleagueredfortresswasevermorecompletelyblockaded；
while，atthesametime，toalloutwardappearanceMissAshtonlayundernorestriction。Thevergeofherparents’domainsbecame，inrespecttoher，liketheviewlessandenchantedlinedrawnaroundafairycastle，wherenothingunpermittedcaneitherenterfromwithoutorescapefromwithin。Thuseveryletter，inwhichRavenswoodconveyedtoLucyAshtontheindispensablereasonswhichdetainedhimabroad，andmorethanonenotewhichpoorLucyhadaddressedtohimthroughwhatshethoughtasecurechannel，fellintothehandsofhermother。Itcouldnotbebutthatthetenoroftheseinterceptedletters，especiallythoseofRavenswood，shouldcontainsomethingtoirritatethepassionsandfortifytheobstinacyofherintowhosehandstheyfell；butLadyAshton’spassionsweretoodeep-rootedtorequirethisfreshfood。Sheburntthepapersasregularlyassheperusedthem；andastheyconsumedintovapourandtinder，regardedthemwithasmileuponhercompressedlips，andanexultationinhersteadyeye，whichshowedherconfidencethatthehopesofthewritersshouldsoonberenderedequallyunsubstantial。
Itusuallyhappensthatfortuneaidsthemachinationsofthosewhoareprompttoavailthemselvesofeverychancethatoffers。
Areportwaswaftedfromthecontinent，founded，likeothersofthesamesort，uponmanyplausiblecircumstances，butwithoutanyrealbasis，statingtheMasterofRavenswoodtobeontheeveofmarriagewithaforeignladyoffortuneanddistinction。Thiswasgreedilycaughtupbyboththepoliticalparties，whowereatoncestrugglingforpowerandforpopularfavour，andwhoseized，asusual，uponthemostprivatecircumstancesinthelivesofeachother’spartisanstconvertthemintosubjectsofpoliticaldiscussion。
TheMarquisofA——gavehisopinionaloudandpublicly，notindeedinthecoarsetermsascribedtohimbyCaptainCraigengelt，butinamannersufficientlyoffensivetotheAshtons。”Hethoughtthereport，”hesaid，”highlyprobably，andheartilywisheditmightbetrue。SuchamatchwasfitterandfarmorecreditableforaspiritedyoungfellowthanamarriagewiththedaughterofanoldWhiglawyer，whosechicaneryhadsonearlyruinedhisfather。”
Theotherparty，ofcourse，layingoutofviewtheoppositionwhichtheMasterofRavenswoodreceivedfromMissAshton’sfamily，criedshameuponhisficklenessandperfidy，asifhehadseducedtheyoungladyintoanengagement，andwilfullyandcauselesslyabandonedherforanother。
SufficientcarewastakenthatthisreportshouldfinditswaytoRavenswoodCastlethrougheveryvariouschannel，LadyAshtonbeingwellawarethattheveryreiterationofthesamerumour，fromsomanyquarters，couldnotbutgiveitasemblanceoftruth。Bysomeitwastoldasapieceofordinarynews，bysomecommunicatedasseriousintelligence；nowitwaswhisperedtoLucyAshton’searinthetoneofmalignantpleasantry，andnowtransmittedtoherasamatterofgraveandseriouswarning。
Eventheboyhenrywasmadetheinstrumentofaddingtohissister’storments。Onemorningherushedintotheroomwithawillowbranchinhishand，whichhetoldherhadarrivedthatinstantfromGermanyforherspecialwearing。Lucy，aswehaveseen，wasremarkablyfondofheryoungerbrother，andatthatmomenthiswantonandthoughtlessunkindnessseemedmorekeenlyinjuriousthaneventhestudiedinsultsofherelderbrother。
Hergrief，however，hadnoshadeofresentment；shefoldedherarmsabouttheboy’sneck，andsayingfaintly，”PoorHenry！youspeakbutwhattheytellyou”sheburstintoafloodofunrestrainedtears。Theboywasmoved，notwithstandingthethoughtlessnessofhisageandcharacter。”Thedeviltakeme，”
saidhe，”Lucy，ifIfetchyouanymoreofthesetormentingmessagesagain；forIlikeyoubetter，”saidhe，kissingawaythetears，”thanthewholepackofthem；andyoushallhavemygreyponytorideon，andyoushallcanterhimifyoulike——ay，andridebeyondthevillage，too，ifyouhaveamind。””Whotoldyou，”saidLucy，”thatIamnotpermittedtoridewhereIplease？””That’sasecret，”saidtheboy；”butyouwillfindyoucanneverridebeyondthevillagebutyourhorsewillcastashe，orfalllame，orthecatlebellwillring，orsomethingwillhappentobringyouback。ButifItellyoumoreofthesethings，Douglaswillntogetmethepairofcolourstheyhavepromisedme，andsogood-morrowtoyou。”
ThisdialogueplungedLucyinstilldeeperdejection，asittendedtoshowherplainlywhatshehadforsometimesuspected，thatshewaslittlebetterthanaprisoneratlargeinherfather’shouse。Wehavedescribedherintheoutsdetofourstoryasofaromanticdisposition，delightingintalesofloveandwonder，andreadilyidentifyingherselfwiththesituationofthoselegendaryheroineswithwhoseadventures，forwantofbetterreading，hermemoryhadbecomestocked。Thefairywand，withwhichinhersolitudeshehaddelightedtoraisevisionsofenchantment，becamenowtherodofamagician，thebondslavepofevilgenii，servingonlytoinvokespectresatwhichtheexorcisttrembled。Shefeltherselftheobjectofsuspicion，ofscorn，ofdislikeatleast，ifnotofhatred，toherownfamily；anditseemedtoherthatshewasabandonedbytheverypersononwhoseaccountshewasexposedtotheenmityofallaroundher。Indeed，theevidenceofRavenswood’sinfidelitybegantoassumeeverydayamoredeterminedcharacter。Asoldieroffortune，ofthenameofWestenho，anoldfamiliarofCraigengelt’s，chancedtoarrivefromabroadaboutthistime。TheworthyCaptian，thoughwithoutanyprecisecommunicationwithLadyAshton，alwaysactedmostregularlyandsedulouslyinsupportofherplans，andeasilyprevaileduponhisfriend，bydintofexaggerationofrealcircumstancesandcoiningofothers，togiveexplicittestimonytothetruthofRavenswood’sapproachingmarriage。
Thusbesetonallhands，andinamannerreducedtodespair，Lucy’stempergavewayunderthepressureofconstantafflictionandpersecution。Shebecamegloomyandabstracted，and，contrarytohernaturalandordinaryhabitofmind，sometimesturnedwithspirit，andevenfierceness，onthosebywhomshewaslongandcloselyannoyed。Herhealthalsobegantobeshaken，andherhecticcheekandwanderingeyegavesymptomsofwhatiscalledafeveruponthespirits。Inmostmothersthiswouldhavemovedcompassion；butLadyAshton，compactandfirmofpurpose，sawthesewaveringsofhealthandintellectwithnogreatersympathythanthatwithwhichthehostileengineerregardsthetowersofabeleagueredcityastheyreelunderthedischargeofhisartillery；orrather，sheconsideredthesestartsandinequalitiesoftemperassymptomsofLucy’sexpiringresolution；
astheangler，bythethroesandconvulsiveexertionsofthefishwhichhehashooked，becomesawarethathesoonwillbeabletolandhim。Toacceleratethecatastropheinthepresentcase，LadyAshtonhadrecoursetoanexpedientveryconsistentwiththetemperandcredulityofthosetimes，butwhichthereaderwillprobablypronouncetrulydetestableanddiabolical。
CHAPTERXXXI。
Inwhichawitchdiddwell，inloathlyweeds，Andwilfulwant，allcarelessofherdeeds；
Sochoosingsolitarytoabide，Farfromallneighbours，thatherdevilishdeedsAndhellishartsfrompeopleshemighthide，Andhurtfaroff，unknown，whome’ersheenvied。
FaerieQueene。
THEhealthofLucyAshtonsoonrequiredtheassistanceofapersonmoreskilfulintheofficeofasick-nursethanthefemaledomesticsofthefamily。AilsieGourlay，sometimescalledtheWiseWomanofBowden，wasthepersonwhom，forherownstrongreasons，LadyAshtonselectedasanattendantuponherdaughter。
Thiswomanhadacquiredaconsiderablereputationamongtheignorantbythepretendedcureswhichsheperformed，especiallyin”oncomes，”astheScotchcallthem，ormysteriousdiseases，whichbaffletheregularphysician。Herpharmacopoeiaconsistedpartlyofherbsselectedinplanetaryhours，partlyofwords，signs，andcharms，whichsometimes，perhaps，producedafavourableinfluenceupontheimaginationofherpatients。SuchwastheavowedprofessionofLuckieGourlay，which，asmaywellbesupposed，waslookeduponwithasuspiciouseye，notonlybyherneighbours，butevenbytheclergyofthedistrict。Inprivate，however，shetradedmoredeeplyintheoccultsciences；
for，notwithstandingthedreadfulpunishmentsinflicteduponthesupposedcrimeofwitchcraft，therewantednotthosewho，steeledbywantandbitternessofspirit，werewillingtoadoptthehatefulanddangerouscharacter，forthesakeoftheinfluencewhichitsterrorsenabledthemtoexerciseinthevicinity，andthewretchedemolumentwhichtheycouldextractbythepracticeoftheirsupposedart。
AilsieGourlaywasnotindeedfoolenoughtoacknowledgeacompactwiththeEvilOne，whichwouldhavebeenaswiftandreadyroadtothestakeandtar-barrel。Herfairy，shesaid，likeCaliban’s，wasaharmlessfairy。Nevertheless，she”spaedfortunes，”readdreams，composedphiltres，discoveredstolengoods，andmadeanddissolvedmatchesassuccessfullyasif，accordingtothebeliefofthewholeneighbourhood，shehadbeenaidedinthoseartsbyBeelzebubhimself。Theworstofthepretenderstothesescienceswas，thattheyweregenerallypersonswho，feelingthemselvesodioustohumanity，werecarelessofwhattheydidtodeservethepublichatred。Realcrimeswereoftencommittedunderpretenceofmagicalimposture；anditsomewhatrelievesthedisgustwithwhichweread，inthecriminalrecords，theconvictionofthesewretches，tobeawarethatmanyofthemmerited，aspoisoners，suborners，anddiabolicalagentsinsecretdomesticcrimes，theseverefatetowhichtheywerecondemnedfortheimaginaryguiltofwitchcraft。
SuchwasAislieGourlay，whom，inordertoattaintheabsolutesubjugationofLucyAshton’smind，hermotherthoughtitfittingtoplacenearherperson。AwomanoflessconsequencethanLadyAshtonhadnotdaredtotakesuchastep；butherhighrankandstrengthofcharactersetherabovethecensureoftheworld，andshewasallowedtohaveselecedforherdaughter’sattendantthebestandmostexperiencedsick-nurseand”mediciner”intheneighbourhood，whereaninferiorpersonwouldhavefallenunderthereproachofcallingintheassistanceofapartnerandallyofthegreatEnemyofmankind。
Thebeldamcaughthercuereadilyandbyinnuendo，withoutgivingLadyAshtonthepainofdistinctexplanation。Shewasinmanyrespectsqualifiedforthepartsheplayed，whichindeedcouldnotbeefficientlyassumedwithoutsomeknowledgeofthehumanheartandpassions。DameGourlayperceivedthatLucyshudderedatherexternalappearance，whichwehavealreadydescribedwhenwefoundherinthedeath-chamberofblindAlice；
andwhileinternallyshehatedthepoorgirlfortheinvoluntaryhorrorwithwhichshesawshewasregarded，shecommencedheroperationsbyendeavouringtoeffaceorovercomethoseprejudiceswhich，inherheart，sheresentedasmortaloffences。Thiswaseasilydone，forthehag’sexternaluglinesswassoonbalancedbyashowofkindnessandinterest，towhichLucyhadoflatebeenlittleaccustomed；herattentiveservicesandrealskillgainedhertheear，ifnottheconfidence，ofherpatient；andunderpretenceofdivertingthesolitudeofasick-room，shesoonledherattentioncaptivebythelegendsinwhichshewaswellskilled，andtowhichLucy’shabitofreadingandreflectioninducedherto”lendanattentiveear。”DameGourlay’staleswereatfirstofamildandinterestingcharacter——
Offaysthatnightlydanceuponthewold，Andloversdoom’dtowanderandtoweep，Andcastleshigh，wherewickedwizardskeepTheircaptivethralls。
Gradually，however，theyassumedadarkerandmoremysteriouscharacter，andbecamesuchas，toldbythemidnightlamp，andenforcedbythetremuloustone，thequiveringandlividlip，theupliftedskinnyforefinger，andtheshakingheadoftheblue-eyedhag，mighthaveappalledalesscredulousimaginationinanagemorehardofbelief。TheoldSycoraxsawheradvantage，andgraduallynarrowedhermagiccirclearoundthedevotedvictimonwhosespiritshepractised。HerlegendsbegantorelatetothefortunesoftheRavenswoodfamily，whoseancientgrandeurandportentousauthoritycredulityhadgracedwithsomanysuperstitiousattributes。Thestoryofthefatalfountainwasnarratedatfulllength，andwithformidableadditions，bytheancientsibyl。Theprophecy，quotedbyCaleb，concerningthedeadbridewhowastobewonbythelastoftheRavenswoods，haditsownmysteriouscommentary；andthesingularcircumstanceoftheapparitionseenbytheMasterofRavenswoodintheforest，havingpartlytranspiredthroughhishastyinquiriesinthecottageofOldAlice，formedathemeformanyexaggerations。
Lucymighthavedespisedthesetalesiftheyhadbeenrelatedconcerninganotherfamily，orifherownsituationhadbeenlessdespondent。Butcircumstancedasshewas，theideathatanevilfatehungoverherattachmentbecamepredominantoverherotherfeelings；andthegloomofsuperstitiondarkenedamindalreadysufficientlyweaknedbysorrow，distress，uncertainty，andanoppressivesenseofdesertionanddesolation。Storiesweretoldbyherattendantsocloselyresemblingherownintheircircumstances，thatshewasgraduallyledtoconverseuponsuchtragicandmysticalsubjectswiththebeldam，andtoreposeasortofconfidenceinthesibyl，whomshestillregardedwithinvoluntaryshuddering。DameGourlayknewhowtoavailherselfofthisimperfectconfidence。ShedirectedLucy’sthoughtstothemeansofinquiringintofuturity——thesurestmodeperhaps，ofshakingtheunderstandinganddestroyingthespirits。Omenswereexpounded，dreamswereinterpreted，andothertricksofjuggleryperhapsresortedto，bywhichthepretendedadeptsoftheperioddeceivedandfascinatedtheirdeludedfollowers。IfinditmentionedinthearticlesofdittayagainstAilsieGourlay——foritissomecomforttoknowthattheoldhagwastried，condemned，andburnedonthetopofNorthBerwickLaw，bysentenceofacommissionfromtheprivycouncil——Ifind，Isay，itwaschargedagainsther，amongotheroffences，thatshehad，bytheaidanddelusionsofSatan，showntoayoungpersonofquality，inamirrorglass，agentlemanthenabroad，towhomthesaidyoungpersonwasbetrothed，andwhoappearedinthevisiontobeintheactofbestowinghishanduponanotherlady。Butthisandsomeotherpartsoftherecordappeartohavebeenstudiouslyleftimperfectinnamesanddates，probablyoutofregardtothehonourofthefamiliesconcerned。IfDameGourlaywasableactuallytoplayoffsuchapieceofjugglery，itisclearshemusthavehadbetterassistancetopractisethedeceptionthanherownskillorfundscouldsupply。Meanwhile，thismysteriousvisionarytraffichaditsusualeffectinunsettlingMissAshton’smind。Hertemperbecameunequal，herhealthdecayeddaily，hermannersgrewmoping，melancholy，anduncertain。herfather，guessingpartlyatthecauseoftheseappearances，madeapointofbanishingDameGourlayfromthecastle；butthearrowwasshot，andwasranklingbarb-deepinthesideofthewoundeddeer。
Itwasshortlyafterthedepartureofthiswoman，thatLucyAshton，urgedbyherparents，announcedtothem，withavivacitybywhichtheywerestartled，”ThatshewasconciousheavenandearthandhellhadsetthemselvesagainstherunionwithRavenswood；stillhercontract，”shesaid，”wasabindingcontract，andsheneitherwouldnorcouldresignitwithouttheconsentofRavenswood。Letmebeassured，”sheconcluded，”thathewillfreemefrommyengagement，anddisposeofmeasyouplease，Icarenothow。Whenthediamondsaregone，whatsignifiesthecasket？”
Thetoneofobstinacywithwhichthiswassaid，hereyesflashingtwithunnaturallight，andherhandsfirmlyclenched，precludedthepossibilityofdispute；andtheutmostlengthwhichLadyAshton’sartcouldattain，onlygothertheprivilegeofdictatingtheletter，bywhichherdaughterrequiredtoknowofRavenswoodwhetherheintendedtoabidebyortosurrenderwhatshetermed”theirunfortuanteengagement。”OfthisadvantageLadyAshtonsofarandsoingeniouslyavailedherselfthat，accordingtothewordingoftheletter，thereaderwouldhavesupposedLucywascallinguponherlovertorenounceacontractwhichwascontrarytotheinterestsandinclinationsofboth。
Nottrustingeventothispointofdeception，LadyAshtonfinallydeterminedtosuppresstheletteraltogether，inhopesthatLucy’simpatiencewouldinducehertocondemnRavenswoodunheardandinabsence。Inthisshewasdisappointed。Thetime，indeed，hadlongelapsedwhenananswershouldhavebeenreceivedfromthecontinent。ThefaintrayofhopewhichstillglimmeredinLucy’smindwaswellnighextinguished。Buttheideaneverforsookherthatherlettermightnothavebeendulyforwarded。
Oneofhermother’snewmachinationsunexpectedlyfurnishedherwiththemeansofascertainingwhatshemostdesiredtoknow。
Thefemaleagentofhellhavingbeendismissedfromthecastle，LadyAshton，whowroughtbyallvarietyofmeans，resolvedtoemploy，forworkingthesameendonLucy’smind，anagentofaverydifferentcharacter。ThiswasnootherthantheReverentMr。Bide-the-Bent，apresbyterianclergyman，formerlymentioned，oftheverystrictestorderandthemostrigidorthodoxy，whoseaidshecalledin，upontheprincipleofthetyrantintheinthetragedy:
I’llhaveapriestshallpreachherfromherfaith，AndmakeitsinnottorenouncethatvowWhichI’dhavebroken。
ButLadyAshtonwasmistakenintheagentshehadselected。Hisprejudices，indeed，wereeasilyenlistedonherside，anditwasnodifficultmattertomakehimregardwithhorrortheprospectofaunionbetwixtthedaughterofaGod-fearing，professing，andPresbyterianfamilyofdistinctionandtheheirofabloodthirstyprelatistandpersecutor，thehandsofwhosefathershadbeendyedtothewristsinthebloodofGod’ssaints。Thisresembled，inthedivine’sopinion，theunionofaMoabitishstrangerwithadaughterofZion。Butwithallthemoresevereprejudicesandprinciplesofhissect，Bide-the-Bentpossessedasoundjudgment，andhadlearntsympathyeveninthatveryschoolofpresecutionwheretheheartissofrequentlyhardened。InaprivateinterviewwithMissAshton，hewasdeeplymovedbyherdistress，andcouldnotbutadmitthejusticeofherrequesttobepermittedadirectcommunicationwithRavenswooduponthesubjectoftheirsolemncontract。Whensheurgedtohimthegreatuncertaintyunderwhichshelabouredwhetherherletterhadbeeneverforwarded，theoldmanpacedtheroomwithlongsteps，shookhisgreyhead，restedrepeatedlyforaspaceonhisivory-headedstaff，and，aftermuchhesitation，confessedthathethoughtherdoubtssoreasonablethathewouldhimselfaidintheremovalofthem。”Icannotbutopine，MissLucy，”hesaid，”thatyourworshipfulladymotherhathinthismatteraneagernesswhilk，althoughitarisethdoubtlessfromlovetoyourbestinterestshereandhereafter，forthemanisofpersecutingblood，andhimselfapersecutor，aCavalierorMalignant，andascoffer，whohathnoinheritanceinJesse；nevertheless，wearecommandedtodojusticeuntoall，andtofulfilourbondandcovenant，aswelltothestrangerastohimwhoisinbrotherhoodwithus。
Whereforemyself，evenImyself，willbeaidinguntothedeliveryofyourlettertothemanEdgarRavenswood，trustingthattheissuetherofmaybeyourdeliverancefromthenetsinwhichhehathsinfullyengagedyou。AndthatImaydointhisneithermorenorlessthanhathbeenwarrantedbyyourhonourableparents，Iprayyoutotranscribe，withoutincrementorsubtraction，theletterformerlyexpededunderthedictationofyourrighthonourablemother；andIshallputitintosuchsurecourseofbeingdelivered，thatif，honourableyoungmadam，youshallreceivenoanswer，itwillbenecessarythatyouconcludethatthemanmeanethinsilencetoabandonthatnaughtycontract，which，peradventure，hemaybeunwillingdirectlytorestore。”
Lucyeagerlyembracedtheexpedientoftheworthydivine。Anewletterwaswrittenintheprecisetermsoftheformer，andconsignedbyMr。Bide-the-BenttothechargeofSaundersMoonshine，azealouselderofthechurchwhenonshore，andwhenonboardhisbrigasboldasmuggleraseverranoutaslidingbowsprittothewindsthatblowbetwixtCampvereandtheeastcoastofScotland。Attherecommendationofhispastor，SaundersreadilyundertookthatthelettershouldbesecurelyconveyedtotheMasterofRavenswoodatthecourtwherehenowresided。
ThisretrospectbecamenecessarytoexplaintheconferencebetwixtMissAshton，hermother，andBucklawwhichwehavedetailedinaprecedingchapter。
Lucywasnowlikethesailorwho，whiledriftingthroughatempestuousocean，clingsforsafetytoasingleplank，hispowersofgraspingitbecomingeverymomentmorefeeble，andthedeepdarknessofthenightonlycheckeredbytheflashesoflightning，hissingastheyshowthewhitetopsofthebillows，inwhichheissoontobeengulfed。
Weekcreptawayafterweek，anddayafterday。St。Jude’sdayarrived，thelastandprotractedtermtowhichLucyhadlimitedherself，andtherewasneitherletternornewsofRavenswood。
CHAPTERXXXII。
Howfairthesenames，howmuchunliketheylookToalltheblurr’dsubscriptionsinmybook！
Thebridegroom’slettersstandinrowabove，Tapering，yetstraight，likepine-treesinhisgrove；
Whilefreeandfinethebride’sappearbelow，Aslightandslenderasherjessaminesgrow。
CRABBE。
ST。JUDE’sdaycame，thetermassignedbyLucyherselfasthefurthestdateofexpectation，and，aswehavealreadysaid，therewereneitherlettersfromnornewsofRavenswood。ButtherewerenewsofBucklaw，andofhistrustyassociateCraigengelt，whoarrivedearlyinthemorningforthecompletionoftheproposedespousals，andforsigningthenecessarydeeds。
ThesehadbeencarefullypreparedundertherevisalofSirWilliamAshtonhimself，ithavingbeenresolved，onaccountofthestateofMissAshton’shealth，asitwassaid，thatnonesavethepartiesimmediatelyinterestedshouldbepresentwhentheparchmentsweresubscribed。Itwasfurtherdeterminedthatthemarriageshouldbesolemniseduponthefourthdayaftersigningthearticles，amasureadoptedbyLadyAshton，inorderthatLucymighthaveaslittletimeaspossibletorecedeorrelapseintointractability。Therewasnoappearance，however，ofherdoingeither。Sheheardtheproposedarrangementwiththecalmindifferenceofdespair，orratherwithanapathyarisingfromtheoppressedandstupifiedstateofherfeelings。ToaneyesounobservingasthatofBucklaw，herdemeanourhadlittlemoreofreluctancethanmightsuitthecharacterofabashfulyounglady，who，however，hecouldnotdisguisefromhimself，wascomplyingwiththechoiceofherfriendsratherthanexercisinganypersonalpredilectioninhisfavour。
Whenthemorningcomplimentofthebridegroomhadbeenpaid，MissAshtonwasleftforsometimetoherself；hermotherremarking，thatthedeedsmustbesignedbeforethehourofnoon，inorderthatthemarriagemightbehappy。Lucysufferedherselftobeattiredfortheoccasionasthetasteofherattendantssuggested，andwasofcoursesplendidlyarrayed。HerdresswascomposedofwhitesatinandBrusselslace，andherhairarrangedwithaprofusionofjewels，whoselustremadeastrangecontrasttothedeadlypalenessofhercomplexion，andtothetroublewhichdweltinherunsettledeye。
HertoilettewashardlyfinishedereHenryappeared，toconductthepassivebridetothestateapartment，whereallwaspreparedforsigningthecontract。”Doyouknow，sister，”hesaid，”IamgladyouaretohaveBucklawafterall，insteadofRavenswood，wholookedlikeaSpanishgrandeecometocuteourthroatsandtrampleourbodiesunderfoot。AndIamgladthebroadseasarebetweenusthisday，forIshallneverforgethowfrightenedI
waswhenItookhimforthepictureofoldSirMalisewalkedoutofthecanvas。Tellmetrue，areyounotgladtobefairlyshotofhim？””Askmenoquestions，dearHenry，”saidhisunfortunatesister；”thereislittlemorecanhappentomakemeeithergladorsorryinthisworld。””Andthat’swhatallyoungbridessay，”saidHenry；”andsodonotbecastdown，Lucy，foryou’lltellanothertaleatwelvemonthhence；andIamtobebride’s-man，andridebeforeyoutothekirk；andallourkith，kin，andallies，andallBucklaw’s，aretobemountedandinorder；andIamtohaveascarletlacedcoat，andafeatheredhat，andaswordbelt，doubleborderedwithgold，andpointd’Espagne，andadaggerinsteadofasword；andIshouldlikeaswordmuchbetter，butmyfatherwon’thearofit。Allmythings，andahundredbesides，aretocomeoutfromEdinburghto-nightwitholdGilbertandthesumptermules；andIwillbringthemandshowthemtoyoutheinstanttheycome。”
Theboy’schatterwashereinterruptedbythearrivalofLadyAshton，somewhatalarmedatherdaughter’sstay。Withoneofhersweetestsmiles，shetookLucy’sarmunderherown。
Therewereonlypresent，SirWilliamAshtonandColonelDouglasAshton，thelastinfullregimentals；Bucklaw，inbridegroomtrim；Craigengelt，freshlyequiptfromtoptotoebythebountyofhispatron，andbedizenedwithasmuchlaceasmighthavebecomethedressoftheCopperCaptain；togetherwiththeRev。
Mr。Bide-the-Bent；thepresenceofaministerbeing，instrictPresbyterianfamilies，anindispensablerequisiteuponalloccasionsofunusualsolemnity。
Winesandrefreshmentswereplacedonatable，onwhichthewritingsweredisplayed，readyforsignature。
Butbeforeproceedingeithertobusinessorrefreshment，Mr。
Bide-the-Bent，atasignalfromSirWilliamAshton，invitedthecompanytojoinhiminashortextemporaryprayer，inwhichheimploredablessinguponthecontractnowtobesolemnisedbetweenthehonourablepartiesthenpresent。Withthesimplicityofhistimesandprofession，whichpermittedstrongpersonalallusions，hepetitionedthatthewoundedmindofoneofthesenoblepartiesmightbehealed，inrewardofhercompliancewiththeadviceofherrighthonourableparents；andthat，asshehadprovedherselfachildafterGod’scommandment，byhonouringherfatherandmother，sheandhersmightenjoythepromisedblessing——lengthofdaysinthelandhere，andahappyportionhereafterinabettercountry。Heprayedfarther，thatthebridegroommightbeweanedfromthosefollieswhichseducedyouthfromthepathofknowledge；thathemightceasetotakedelightinvainandunprofitablecompany，scoffers，rioters，andthosewhositlateatthewinehereBucklawwinkedatCraigengelt，andceasefromthesocietythatcausethtoerr。AsuitablesupplicationinbehalfofSirWilliamandLadyAshtonandtheirfamilyconcludedthisreligiousaddress，whichthusembracedeveryindividualpresentexceptingCraigengelt，whomtheworthydivineprobablyconsideredaspastallhopesofgrace。
Thebusinessofthedaynowwentforward:SirWilliamAshtonsignedthecontractwithlegalsolemnityandprecision；hisson，withmilitarynonchalance；andBucklaw，havingsubscribedasrapidlyasCraigengeltcouldmanagetoturntheleaves，concludedbywipinghispenonthatworthy’snewlacedcravat。ItwasnowMissAshton’sturntosignthewritings，andshewasguidedbyherwatchfulmothertothetableforthatpurpose。Atherfirstattempt，shebegantowritewithadrypen，andwhenthecircumstancewaspointedout，seemedunable，afterseveralattempts，todipitinthemassivesilverink-
standish，whichstoodfullbeforeher。LadyAshton’svigilancehastenedtosupplythedeficiency。Ihavemyselfseenthefataldeed，andinthedistinctcharactersinwhichthenameofLucyAshtonistracedoneachpagethereisonlyaveryslighttremulousirregularity，indicativeofherstateofmindatthetimeofthesubscription。Butthelastsignatureisincomplete，defaced，andblotted；for，whileherhandwasemployedintracingit，thehastytrampofahorsewasheardatthegate，succeededbyastepintheoutergallery，andavoicewhich，inacommandingtone，boredowntheoppositionofthemenials。ThependroppedfromLucy’sfingers，assheexclaimedwithafaintshriek:”Heiscome——heiscome！”
CHAPTERXXXIII。
ThisbyhistongueshouldbeaMontague！
Fetchmemyrapier，boy；
Now，bythefaithandhonourofmykin，TostrikehimdeadIholditnotasin。
RomeoandJuliet。
HARDLYhadMissAshtondroppedthepen，whenthedooroftheapartmentflewopen，andtheMasterofRavenswoodenteredtheapartment。
Lockhardandanotherdomestic，whohadinvainattemptedtoopposehispassagethroughthegalleryorantechamber，wereseenstandingonthethresholdtransfixedwithsurprise，whichwasinstantlycommunicatedtothewholepartyinthestaterroom。
ThatofColonelDouglasAshtonwasmingledwithresentment；thatofBucklawwithhaughtyandaffectedindifference；therest，evenLadyAshtonherself，showedsignsoffear；andLucyseemedstiffenedtostonebythisunexpectedapparition。Apparitionitmightwellbetermed，forRavenswoodhadmoretheappearanceofonereturnedfromthedeadthanofalivingvisitor。
Heplantedhimselffullinthemiddleoftheapartment，oppositetothetableatwhichLucywasseated，onwhom，asifshehadbeenaloneinthechamber，hebenthiseyeswithamingledexpressionofdeepgriefanddeliberateindignation。Hisdark-
colouredridingcloak，displacedfromoneshoulder，hungaroundonesideofhispersonintheamplefoldsoftheSpanishmantle。
Therestofhisrichdresswastravel-soiled，andderangedbyhardriding。Hehadaswordbyhisside，andpistolsinhisbelt。Hisslouchedhat，whichhehadnotremovedatentrance，gaveanadditionalgloomtohisdarkfeatures，which，wastedbysorrowandmarkedbytheghastlylookcommunicatedbylongillness，addedtoacountenancenaturallysomewhatsternandwildafierceandevensavageexpression。Themattedanddishevelledlocksofhairwhichescapedfromunderhishat，togetherwithhisfixedandunmovedposture，madehisheadmoreresemblethatofamarblebustthanthatofalivingman。Hesaidnotasingleword，andtherewasadeepsilenceinthecompanyformorethantwominutes。
ItwasbrokenbyLadyAshton，whointhatspacepartlyrecoveredhernaturalaudacity。Shedemandedtoknowthecauseofthisunauthorisedintrusion。”Thatisaquestion，madam，”saidherson，”whichIhavethebestrighttoask；andImustrequestoftheMasterofRavenswoodtofollowmewherehecanansweritatleisure。”
Bucklawinterposed，saying，”NomanonearthshouldusurphispreviousrightindemandinganexplanationfromtheMaster。
Craigengelt，”headded，inanundertone，”d——nye，whydoyoustandstaringasifyousawaghost？fetchmemyswordfromthegallery。””Iwillrelinquishtonone，”saidColonelAshton，”myrightofcallingtoaccountthemanwhohasofferedthisunparalleledaffronttomyfamily。””Bepatient，gentlemen，”saidRavenswood，turningsternlytowardsthem，andwavinghishandasiftoimposesilenceontheiraltercation。”IfyouareaswearyofyourlivesasIam，Iwillfindtimeandplacetopledgemineagainstoneorboth；
atpresent，Ihavenoleisureforthedisputesoftriflers。””Triflers！”echoedColonelAshton，halfunsheathinghissword，whileBucklawlaidhishandonthehiltofthatwhichCraigengelthadjustreachedhim。
SirWilliamAshton，alarmedforhisson’ssafety，rushedbetweentheyoungmenandRavenswood，exclaiming:”Myson，Icommandyou——
Bucklaw，Ientreatyou——keepthepeace，inthenameoftheQueenandofthelaw！””InthenameofthelawofGod，”saidBide-the-Bent，advancingalsowithupliftedhandsbetweenBucklaw，theColonel，andtheobjectoftheirresentment——”inthenameofHimwhobroughtpeaceonearthandgood-willtomankind，Iimplore——I
beseech——Icommandyoutoforbearviolencetowardseachother！
Godhateththebloodthirstyman；hewhostrikethwiththeswordshallperishwiththesword。””Doyoutakemeforadog，sir”saidColonelAshton，turningfiercelyuponhim，”orsomethingmorebrutallystupid，toendurethisinsultinmyfather’shouse？Letmego，Bucklaw！Heshallaccounttome，or，byHeavens，Iwillstabhimwherehestands！””Youshallnottouchhimhere，”saidBucklaw；”heoncegavememylife，andwerehethedevilcometoflyawaywiththewholehouseandgeneration，heshallhavenothingbutfairplay。”
ThepassionsofthetwoyoungmenthuscounteractingeachothergaveRavenswoodleisuretoexclaim，inasternandsteadyvoice:”Silence！——lethimwhoreallyseeksdangertakethefittingtimewhenitistobefound；mymissionherewillbeshortlyaccomplished。IsTHATyourhandwriting，madam？”headdedinasoftertone，extendingtowardsMissAshtonherlastletter。
Afaltering”Yes”seemedrathertoescapefromherlipsthantobeutteredasavoluntaryanswer。”AndisTHISalsoyourhandwriting？”extendingtowardsherthemutualengagement。
Lucyremainedsilent。Terror，andayetstrongerandmoreconfusedfeeling，soutterlydisturbedherunderstandingthatsheprobablyscarcelycomprehendedthequestionthatwasputtoher。”Ifyoudesign，”saidSirWilliamAshton，”tofoundanylegalclaimonthatpaper，sir，donotexpecttoreceiveanyanswertoanextrajudicialquestion。””SirWilliamAshton，”saidRavenswood，”Iprayyou，andallwhohearme，thatyouwillnotmistakemypurpose。Ifthisyounglady，ofherownfreewill，desirestherestorationofthiscontract，asherletterwouldseemtoimply，thereisnotawitheredleafwhichthisautumnwindstrewsontheheaththatismorevaluelessinmyeyes。ButImustandwillhearthetruthfromherownmouth；withoutthissatisfactionIwillnotleavethisspot。Murdermebynumbersyoupossiblymay；butIamanarmedman——Iamadesperateman，andIwillntodiewithoutamplevengeance。Thisismyresolution，takeitasyoumay。IWILL
hearherdeterminationfromherownmouth；fromherownmouth，alone，andwithoutwitnesses，willIhearit。Now，choose，”hesaid，drawinghisswordwiththerighthand，and，withtheleft，bythesamemotiontakingapistolfromhisbeltandcockingit，butturningthepointofoneweaponandthemuzzleoftheothertotheground——”chooseifyouwillhavethishallfloatedwithblood，orifyouwillgrantmethedecisiveinterviewwithmyaffiancedbridewhichthelawsofGodandthecountryalikeentitlemetodemand。”
Allrecoiledatthesoundofhisvoiceandthedeterminedactionbywhichitwasaccompanied；fortheecstasyofrealdesperationseldomfailstooverpowerthelessenergeticpassionsbywhichitmaybeopposed。Theclergymanwasthefirsttospeak。”InthenameofGod，”hesaid，”receiveanovertureofpeacefromthemeanestofHisservants。Whatthishonourablepersondemands，albeititisurgedwithoverviolence，hathyetinitsomethingofreason。LethimhearfromMissLucy’sownlipsthatshehathdutifullyaccededtothewillofherparents，andrepentethherofhercovenantwithhim；andwhenheisassuredofthishewilldepartinpeaceuntohisowndwelling，andcumberusnomore。Alas！theworkingsoftheancientAdamarestrongevenintheregenerate；surelyweshouldhavelong-
sufferingwiththosewho，beingyetinthegallofbitternessandbondofiniquity，aresweptforwardbytheuncontrollablecurrentofworldlypassion。Let，then，theMasterofRavenswoodhavetheinterviewonwhichheinsisteth；itcanbutbeasapassingpangtothishonourablemaiden，sinceherfaithisnowirrevocablypledgedtothechoiceofherparents。Letit，Isay，bethis:itbelongethtomyfunctionstoentreatyourhonours’compliancewiththisheadlingoverture。””Never！”answeredLadyAshton，whoseragehadnowovercomeherfirstsurpriseandterror——”nevershallthismanspeakinprivatewithmydaughter，theaffiancedbrideofanother！passfromthisroomwhowill，Iremainhere。Ifearneitherhisviolencenorhisweapons，thoughsome，”shesaid，glancingalooktowardsColonelAshton，”whobearmynameappearmoremovedbythem。””ForGod’ssake，madam，”answeredtheworthydivine，”addnotfueltofirebrands。TheMasterofRavenswoodcannot，Iamsure，objecttoyourpresence，theyounglady’sstateofhealthbeingconsidered，andyourmaternalduty。Imyselfwillalsotarry；
peradventuremygreyhairsmayturnawaywrath。””Youarewelcometodoso，sir，”saidRavenswood；”andLadyAshtonisalsowelcometoremain，ifsheshallthinkproper；butletallothersdepart。””Ravenswood，”saidColonelAshton，crossinghimashewentout，”youshallaccountforthiserelong。””Whenyouplease，”repliedRavenswood。”ButI，”saidBucklaw，withahalfsmile，”haveapriordemandonyourleisure，aclaimofsomestanding。””Arrangeitasyouwill，”saidRavenswood；”leavemebutthisdayinpeace，andIwillhavenodeareremploymentonearthto-
morrowthantogiveyouallthesatisfactionyoucandesire。”
Theothergentlemenlefttheapartment；butSirWilliamAshtonlingered。”MasterofRavenswood，”hesaid，inaconciliatingtone，”I
thinkIhavenotdeservedthatyoushouldmakethisscandalandoutrageinmyfamily。Ifyouwillsheatheyoursword，andretirewithmeintomystudy，Iwillprovetoyou，bythemostsatisfactoryarguments，theinutilityofyourpresentirregularprocedure——””To-morrow，sir——to-morrow——to-morrow，Iwillhearyouatlength，”reiteratedRavenswood，interruptinghim；”thisdayhathitsownsacredandindispensablebusiness。”
Hepointedtothedoor，andSirWilliamlefttheapartment。