Ravenswoodsheathedhissword，uncockedandreturnedhispistoltohisbelt；walkeddeliberatelytothedooroftheapartment，whichhebolted；returned，raisedhishatfromhisforehead，andgazinguponLucywitheyesinwhichanexpressionofsorrowovercametheirlatefierceness，spreadhisdishevelledlocksbackfromhisface，andsaid，”Doyouknowme，MissAshton？IamstillEdgarRavenswood。”Shewassilent，andhewentonwithincreasingvehemence:”IamstillthatEdgarRavenswoodwho，foryouraffection，renouncedthedeartiesbywhichinjuredhonourboundhimtoseekvengeance。IamthatRavenswoodwho，foryoursake，forgave，nay，claspedhandsinfriendshipwith，theoppressorandpillagerofhishouse，thetraducerandmurdererofhisfather。””Mydaughter，”answeredLadyAshton，interruptinghim，”hasnooccasiontodisputetheidentityofyourperson；thevenomofyourpresentlanguageissufficienttoremindherthatshespeakswiththemoralenemyofherfather。””Iprayyoutobepatient，madam，”answeredRavenswood；”myanswermustcomefromherownlips。Oncemore，MissLucyAshton，IamthatRavenswoodtowhomyougrantedthesolemnengagementwhichyounowdesiretoretractandcancel。”
Lucy’sbloodlesslipscouldonlyfalteroutthewords，”Itwasmymother。””Shespeakstruly，”saidLadyAshton，”itWASIwho，authorisedalikebythelawsofGodandman，advisedher，andconcurredwithher，tosetasideanunhappyandprecipitateengagement，andtoannulitbytheauthorityofScriptureitself。””Scripture！”saidRavenswood，scornfully。”Lethimhearthetext，”saidLadyAshton，appealingtothedivine，”onwhichyouyourself，withcautiousreluctance，declaredthenullityofthepretendedengagementinsisteduponbythisviolentman。”
TheclergymantookhisclaspedBiblefromhispocket，andreadthefollowingwords:”IfawomanvowavowuntotheLord，andbindherselfbyabond，beinginherfather’shouseinheryouth，andherfatherhearhervow，andherbondwherewithshehathboundhersoul，andherfathershallholdhispeaceather；
thenallhervowsshallstand，andeveryvowwherewithshehathboundhersoulshallstand。””Andwasitnotevensowithus？”interrruptedRavenswood。”Controlthyimpatience，youngman，”answeredthedivine，”andhearwhatfollowsinthesacredtext:’Butifherfatherdisallowherinthedaythatheheareth，notanyofhervows，orofherbondswherewithshehathboundhersoul，shallstand；andtheLordshallforgiveher，becauseherfatherdisallowedher。””Andwasnot，”saidLadyAshton，fiercelyandtriumphantlybreakingin——”wasnotoursthecasestatedintheHolyWrit？
Willthispersondeny，thattheinstantherparentsheardofthevow，orbond，bywhichourdaughterhadboundhersoul，wedisallowedthesameinthemostexpressterms，andinformedhimbywritingofourdetermination？””Andisthisall？”saidRavenswood，lookingatLucy。”Areyouwillingtobarterswornfaith，theexerciseoffreewill，andthefeelingsofmutualaffectiontothiswretchedhypocriticalsophistry？””Hearhim！”saidLadyAshton，lookingtotheclergyman——”heartheblasphemer！””MayGodforgivehim，”saidBide-the-Bent，”andenlightenhisignorance！””HearwhatIhavesacrificedforyou，”saidRavenswood，stilladdressingLucy，”ereyousanctionwhathasbeendoneinyourname。Thehonourofanancientfamily，theurgentadviceofmybestfriends，havebeeninvainusedtoswaymyresolution；
neithertheargumentsofreasonnortheportentsofsuperstitionhaveshakenmyfidelity。Theverydeadhavearisentowarnme，andtheirwarninghasbeendespised。Areyoupreparedtopiercemyheartforitsfidelitywiththeveryweaponwhichmyrashconfidenceentrustedtoyourgrasp？””MasterofRavenswood，”saidLadyAshton，”youhaveaskedwhatquestionsyouthoughtfit。Youseethetotalincapacityofmydaughtertoansweryou。ButIwillreplyforher，andinamannerwhichyoucannotdispute。YoudesiretoknowwhetherLucyAshton，ofherownfreewill，desirestoannualtheengagementintowhichshehasbeentrepanned。Youhaveherletterunderherownhand，demandingthesurrenderofit；and，inyetmorefullevidenceofherpurpose，hereisthecontractwhichshehasthismorningsubscribed，inpresenceofthisreverencegentleman，withMr。HaystonofBucklaw。”
Ravenswoodgazeduponthedeedasifpetrified。”Anditwaswithoutfraudorcompulsion，”saidhe，lookingtowardstheclergyman，”thatMissAshtonsubscribedthisparchment？””Icouchituponmysacredcharacter。””Thisisindeed，madam，anundeniablepieceofevidence，”saidRavenswood，sternly；”anditwillbeequallyunnecessaryanddishonourabletowasteanotherwordinuselessremonstranceorreproach。There，madam，”hesaid，layingdownbeforeLucythesignedpaperandthebrokenpieceofgold——”therearetheevidencesofyourfirstengagement；mayyoubemorefaithfultothatwhichyouhavejustformed。Iwilltroubleyoutoreturnthecorrespondingtokensofmyill-placedconfidence；Ioughtrathertosay，ofmyegregiousfolly。”
Lucyreturnedthescornfulglanceofherloverwithagazefromwhichperceptionseemedtohavebeenbanisshed；yetsheseemedpartlytohaveunderstoodhismeaning，forsheraisedherhandsasiftoundoablueribbonwhichsheworearoundherneck。Shewasunabletoaccomplishherpurpose，butLadyAshtoncuttheribbonasunder，anddetachedthebrokenpieceofgold，whichMissAshtonhadtillthenwornconcealedinherbosom；thewrittencounterpartofthelovers’engagementsheforsometimehadhadinherownpossession。Withahaughtycourtesy，shedeliveredbothtoRavenswood，whowasmuchsoftenedwhenhetookthepieceofgold。”Andshecouldwearitthus，”hesaid，speakingtohimself——”couldwearitinherverybosom——couldwearitnexttoherheart——evenwhen——Butcomplainavailsnot，”hesaid，dashingfromhiseyethetearwhichhadgatheredinit，andresumingthesterncomposureofhismanner。Hestrodetothechimney，andthrewintothefirethepaperandpieceofgold，stampinguponthecoalswiththeheelofhisboot，asiftoensuretheirdestruction。”Iwillbenolonger，”hethensaid，”anintruderhere。Yourevilwishes，andyourworseoffices，LadyAshton，I
willonlyreturnbyhopingthesewillbeyourlastmachinationsagainstyourdaughter’shonourandhappiness。Andtoyou，madam，”hesaid，addressingLucy，”Ihavenothingfarthertosay，excepttopraytoGodthatyoumaynotbecomeaworld’swonderforthisactofwilfulanddeliberateperjury。”Havingutteredthesewords，heturnedonhisheelandlefttheapartment。
SirWilliamAshton，byentreatyandauthority，haddetainedhissonandBucklawinadistantpartofthecastle，inordertopreventtheiragainmeetingwithRavenswood；butastheMasterdescendedthegreatstaircase，Lockharddeliveredhimabillet，signed”SholtoDouglasAshton，”requestingtoknowwheretheMasterofRavenswoodwouldbeheardoffourorfivedaysfromhence，asthewriterhadbusinessofweighttosettlewithhim，sosoonasanimportantfamilyeventhadtakenplace。”TellColonelAshton，”saidRavenswood，composedly，”IshallbefoundatWolf’sCragwhenhisleisureserveshim。”
Ashedescendedtheoutwardstairwhichledfromtheterrace，hewasasecondtimeinterruptedbyCraigengelt，who，onthepartofhisprincipal，theLairdofBucklaw，expressedahopethatRavenswoodwouldnotleaveScotlandwithintendaysatleast，ashehadbothformerandrecentcivilitiesforwhichtoexpresshisgratitude。”Tellyourmaster，”saidRavenswood，fiercely，”tochoosehisowntime。HewillfindmeatWolf’sCrag，ifhispurposeisnotforestalled。””MYmaster！”repliedCraigengelt，encouragedbyseeingColonelAshtonandBucklawatthebottomoftheterrace。”GivemeleavetosayIknowofnosuchpersonuponearth，norwillIpermitsuchlanguagetobeusedtome！””Seekyourmaster，then，inhell！”exclaimedRavenswood，givingwaytothepassionhehadhithertorestrained，andthrowingCraigengeltfromhimwithsuchviolencethatherolleddownthestepsandlaysenselessatthefootofthem。”Iamafool，”heinstantlyadded，”toventmypassionuponacaitiffsoworthless。”
Hethenmountedhishorse，whichathisarrivalhehadsecuredtoabalustradeinfrontofthecastle，rodeveryslowlypastBucklawandColonelAshton，raisinghishatashepassedeach，andlookingintheirfacessteadilywhileheofferedthismutesalutation，whichwasreturnedbybothwiththesamesterngravity。Ravenswoodwalkedonwithequaldeliberationuntilhereachedtheheadoftheavenue，asiftoshowthatherathercourtedthanavoidedinterruption。Whenhehadpassedtheuppergate，heturnedhishorse，andlookedatthecastlewithafixedeye；thensetspurstohisgoodsteed，anddepartedwiththespeedofademondismissedbytheexorcist。
CHAPTERXXXIV。
Whocomesfromthebridalchamber？
ItisAzrael，theangelofdeath。
Thalaba。
AFTERthedreadfulscenethathadtakenplaceatthecastle，Lucywastransportedtoherownchamber，wheresheremainedforsometimeinastateofabsolutestupor。Yetafterwards，inthecourseoftheensuingday，sheseemedtohaverecovered，notmerelyherspiritsandresolution，butasortofflightylevity，thatwasforeigntohercharacterandsituation，andwhichwasattimeschequeredbyfitsofdeepsilenceandmelancholyandofcapriciouspettishness。LadyAshtonbecamemuchalarmedandconsultedthefamilyphysicians。Butasherpulseindicatednochange，theycouldonlysaythatthediseasewasonthespirits，andrecommendedgentleexerciseandamusement。MissAshtonneveralludedtowhathadpassedinthestate-room。Itseemeddoubtfulevenifshewasconsciousofit，forshewasoftenobservedtoraiseherhandstoherneck，asifinsearchoftheribbonthathadbeentakenfromit，andmutter，insurpriseanddiscontent，whenshecouldnotfindit，”Itwasthelinkthatboundmetolife。”
Notwithstandingalltheseremarkablesymptoms，LadyAshtonwastoodeeplypledgedtodelayherdaughter’smarriageeveninherpresentstateofhealth。ItcosthermuchtroubletokeepupthefairsideofappearancestowardsBucklaw。Shewaswellaware，thatifheoncesawanyreluctanceonherdaughter’spart，hewouldbreakoffthetreaty，tohergreatpersonalshameanddishonour。Shethereforeresolvedthat，ifLucycontinuedpassive，themarriageshouldtakeplaceuponthedaythathadbeenpreviouslyfixed，trustingthatachangeofplace，ofsituation，andofcharacterwouldoperateamorespeedyandeffectualcureupontheunsettledspiritsofherdaughterthancouldbeattainedbytheslowmeasureswhichthemedicalmenrecommended。SirWilliamAshton’sviewsoffamilyaggrandisement，andhisdesiretostrengthenhimselfagainstthemeasuresoftheMarquisofA——，readilyinducedhimtoacquiesceinwhathecouldnothaveperhapsresistedifwillingtodoso。Asfortheyoungmen，BucklawandColonelAshton，theyprotestedthat，afterwhathadhappened，itwouldbemostdishonourabletopostponeforasinglehourthetimeappointedforthemarriage，asitwouldbegenerallyascribedtotheirbeingintimidatedbytheintrusivevisitandthreatsofRavenswood。
Bucklawwouldindeedhavebeenincapableofsuchprecipitation，hadhebeenawareofthestateofMissAshton’shealth，orratherofhermind。Butcustom，upontheseoccasions，permittedonlybriefandsparingintercoursebetweenthebridegroomandthebetrothed；acircumstancesowellimprovedbyLadyAshton，thatBucklawneithersawnorsuspectedtherealstateofthehealthandfeelingsofhisunhappybride。
Ontheeveofthebridalday，Lucyappearedtohaveoneofherfitsoflevity，andsurveyedwithadegreeofgirlishinterestthevariouspreparationsofdress，etc。，etc。，whichthedifferentmembersofthefamilyhadpreparedfortheoccasion。
Themorningdawnedbrightandcheerily。Thebridalguestsassembledingallanttroopsfromdistantquarters。NotonlytherelationsofSirWilliamAshton，andthestillmoredignifiedconnexionsofhislady，togetherwiththenumerouskinsmenandalliesofthebridegroom，werepresentuponthisjoyfulceremony，gallantlymounted，arrayed，andcaparisoned，butalmosteveryPresbyterianfamilyofdistinctionwithinfiftymilesmadeapointofattendanceuponanoccasionwhichwasconsideredasgivingasortoftriumphovertheMarquisofA——，inthepersonofhiskinsman。Splendidrefreshmentsawaitedtheguestsontheirarrival，andafterthesewerefinished，thecraywas”Tohorse。”ThebridewasledforthbetwixtherbrotherHenryandhermother。Hergaietyoftheprecedingdayhadgivenrise[place]toadeepshadeofmelancholy，which，however，didnotmisbecomeanoccasionsomomentous。Therewasalightinhereyesandacolourinhercheekwhichhadnotbeenkindledformanyaday，andwhich，joinedtohergreatbeauty，andthesplendourofherdress，occasionedherentrancetobegreetedwithanuniversalmurmurofapplause，inwhicheventheladiescouldnotrefrainfromjoining。Whilethecavalcadeweregettingtohorse，SirWilliamAshton，amanofpeaceandofform，censuredhissonHenryforhavingbegirthimselfwithamilitaryswordofpreposterouslength，belongingtohisbrother，ColonelAshton。”Ifyoumusthaveaweapon，”hesaid，”uponsuchapeacefuloccasion，whydidyounotusetheshortponiardsentfromEdinburghonpurpose？”
Theboyvindicatedhimselfbysayingitwaslost。”Youputitoutofthewayyourself，Isuppose，”saidhisfather，”outofambitiontowearthatpreposterousthing，whichmighthaveservedSirWilliamWallace。Butnevermind，gettohorsenow，andtakecareofyoursister。”
Theboydidso，andwasplacedinthecentreofthegallanttrain。Atthetime，hewastoofullofhisownappearance，hissword，hislacedcloak，hisfeatheredhat，andhismanagedhorse，topaymuchregardtoanythingelse；butheafterwardsrememberedtothehourofhisdeath，thatwhenthehandofhissister，bywhichshesupportedherselonthepillionbehindhim，touchedhisown，itfeltaswetandcoldassepulchralmarble。
Glancingwideoverhillanddale，thefairbridalprocessionatlastreachedtheparishchurch，whichtheynearlyfilled；for，besidesdomestics，aboveahundredgentlemenandladieswerepresentupontheoccasion。ThemarriageceremonywasperformedaccordingtotheritesofthePresbyterianpersuasion，towhichBucklawoflatehadjudgeditpropertoconform。
Ontheoutsideofthechurch，aliberaldolewasdistributedtothepooroftheneighbouringparishes，underthedirectionofJohnieMortheuch[Mortsheugh]，whohadlatelybeenpromotedfromhisdesolatequartersattheHermitagetofillthemoreeligiblesituationofsextonattheparishchurchofRavenswood。DameGourlay，withtwoofhercontemporaries，thesamewhoassistedatAlice’slate-wake，seatedapartuponaflatmonument，or”through-stane，”sateenviouslycomparingtheshareswhichhadbeenallottedtothemindividingthedole。”JohnieMortheuch，”saidAnnieWinnie，”mighthaemindedauldlangsyne，andthoughtofhisauldkimmers，forasbrawasheiswithhisnewblackcoat。Ihaegottenbutfiveherringinsteado’sax，andthisdisnalooklikeagudesaxpennys，andIdaresaythisbitmorselo’beefisanuncelighterthanonythat’sbeendealtround；andit’sabito’thetenonyhough，mairbytokenthatyours，Maggie，isouto’theback-sey。””Mine，quo’she！”mumbledtheparalytichag——”mineishalfbanes，Itrow。Ifgritfolkgiepoorbodiesonythingforcomingtotheirweddingsandburials，itsuldbesomethingthatwaddothemgude，Ithink。””Theirgifts，”saidAilsieGourlay，”aredealtfornaeloveofus，noroutofrespectforwhetherwefeedorstarve。Theywadgieuswhinstanesforloaves，ifitwouldservetheirainvanity，andyettheyexpectustobeasgratefu’，astheyca’it，asiftheyservedusfortrueloveandliking。””Andthat’strulysaid，”answeredhercompanion。”But，AislieGourlay，ye’retheauldesto’usthree——didyeeverseeamairgrandbridal？””IwinnasaythatIhave，”answeredthehag；”butIthinksoontoseeasbrawaburial。””Andthatwadpleasemeasweel，”saidAnnieWinnie；”forthere’saslargeadole，andfolkarenoobligedtogirnandlaugh，andmakmurgeons，andwishjoytothesehellicatquality，thatlorditoweruslikebrutebeasts。Iliketopackthedead-
doleinmylapandrinowermyauldrhyme——
Myloafinmylap，mypennyinmypurse，Thouartne’erthebetter，andI’mne’ertheworse。””That’sright，Annie，”saidtheparalyticwoman；”GodsendusagreenYuleandafatkirkyard！””ButIwadliketoken，LuckieGourlay，forye’retheauldestandwisestamangus，whilko’theserevellers’turnitwillbetobestreikitfirst？””D’yeseeyondandillymaiden，”saidDameGourlay，”a’
glistenin’wi’gowdandjewels，thattheyareliftinguponthewhitehorsebehindthathare-brainedcallantinscarlet，wi’thelangswordathisside？””Butthat’sthebride！”saidhercompanion，hercoldhearttouchedwithsomesortofcompassion——”that’stheverybridehersell！Eh，whow！saeyoung，saebraw，andsaebonny——andishertimesaeshort？””Itellye，”saidthesibyl，”herwindingsheetisupashighasherthroatalready，believeitwhalist。Hersandhasbutfewgrainstorinout；andnaewonder——they’vebeenweelshaken。Theleavesarewitheringfastonthetrees，butshe’llneverseetheMartinmaswindgarthemdanceinswirlslikethefairyrings。””Yewaitedonherforaquarter，”saidtheparalyticwoman，”andgottwaredpieces，orIamfarbeguiled？””Ay，ay，”answeredAilsie，withabittergrin；”andSirWilliamAshtonpromisedmeabonnyredgowntothebooto’that——astake，andachain，andatar-barrel，lass！whatthinkyeo’thatforapropine？——forbeingupearlyanddounlateforfourscorenightsandmairwi’hisdwiningdaughter。Buthemaykeepitforhisainleddy，cummers。””Ihaeheardasough，”saidAnnieWinnie，”asifLeddyAshtonwasnaecannybody。””D’yeseeheryonder，”saidDameGourlay，”assheprancesonhergreygeldingoutatthekirkyard？There’smairo’utterdeevilryinthatwoman，asbraveandfair-fashionedassheridesyonder，thanina’theScotchwithcesthateverflewbymoonlightowerNorthBerwickLaw。””What’sthatyesayaboutwitches，yedamnedhags？”saidJohnieMortheuch[Mortsheugh]；”areyecastingyercantripsintheverykirkyard，tomischievethebrideandbridegroom？Getawa’hame，forifItakmysouplet’ye，I’llgaryefindtheroadfasterthanyewadlike。””Hegh，sirs！”answeredAilsieGourlay；”howbra’arewewi’ournewblackcoatandourweel-poutheredhead，asifwehadneverkenn’dhungernorthirstoursells！andwe’llbescrewingupourbitfiddle，doubtless，intheha’thenight，amanga’theotherelbo’-jiggersformilesround。Let’sseeifthepinshaud，Johnie——that’sa’，lad。””Itakeyea’towitness，gudepeople，”saidMorheuch，”thatshethreatensmewi’mischief，andforespeaksme。Ifonythingbutgudehappenstomeormyfiddlethisnight，I’llmakeittheblackestnight’sjobsheeverstirredin。I’llhaeherbeforepresbyteryandsynod:I’mhalfaministermysell，nowthatI’mabedralinaninhabitedparish。”
Althoughthemutualhatredbetwixtthesehagsandtherestofmankindhadsteeledtheirheartsagainstallimpressionsoffestivity，thiswasbynomeansthecasewiththemultitudeatlarge。Thesplendourofthebridalretinue，thegaydresses，thespiritedhorses，theblythesomeappearanceofthehandsomewomenandgallantgentlemenassembledupontheoccasion，hadtheusualeffectuponthemindsofthepopulace。Therepeatedshoutsof”AshtonandBucklawforever！”thedischargeofpistols，guns，andmusketoons，togivewhatwascalledthebridalshot，evincedtheinterestthepeopletookintheoccasionofthecavalcade，astheyaccompanieditupontheirreturntothecastle。Iftherewashereandthereanelderpeasantorhiswifewhosneeredatthepompoftheupstartfamily，andrememberedthedaysofthelong-descendedRavenswoods，eventhey，attractedbytheplentifulcheerwhichthecastlethatdayaffordedtorichandpoor，heldtheirwaythither，andacknowledged，notwithstandingtheirprejudices，theinfluenceofl’Amphitrionoul’ondine。
Thusaccompaniedwiththeattendancebothofrichandpoor，Lucyreturnedtoherfather’shouse。Bucklawusedhisprivilegeofridingnexttothebride，but，newtosuchasituation，ratherendeavouredtoattractattentionbythedisplayofhispersonandhorsemanship，thanbyanyattempttoaddressherinprivate。
Theyreachedthecastleinsafety，amidathousandjoyousacclamations。
Itiswellknownthattheweddingsofancientdayswerecelebratedwithafestivepublicityrejectedbythedelicacyofmoderntimes。Themarriageguests，onthepresentoccasion，wereregaledwithabanquetofunboundedprofusion，therelicsofwhich，afterthedomesticshadfeastedintheirturn，weredistributedamongtheshoutingcrowd，withasmanybarrelsofaleasmadethehilaritywithoutcorrespondtothatwithinthecastle。Thegentlemen，accordingtothefashionofthetimes，indulged，forthemostpart，indeepdraughtsoftherichestwines，whiletheladies，preparedfortheballwhichalwaysclosedabridalentertainment，impatientlyexpectedtheirarrivalinthestategallery。Atlengththesocialpartybrokeupatalatehour，andthegentlemencrowdedintothesaloon，where，enlivenedbywineandthejoyfuloccasion，theylaidasidetheirswordsandhandedtheirimpatientpartnerstothefloor。
Themusicalreadyrungfromthegallery，alongthefrettedroofoftheancientstateapartment。Accordingtostrictetiquette，thebrideoughttohaveopenedtheball；butLadyAshton，makinganapologyonaccountofherdaughter’shealth，offeredherownhandtoBucklawassubstituteforherdaughter’s。
ButasLadyAshtonraisedherheadgracefully，expectingthestrainatwhichshewastobeginthedance，shewassomuchstruckbyanunexpectedalterationintheornamentsoftheapartmentthatshewassurprisedintoanexclamation，”Whohasdaredtochangethepictures？”
Alllookedup，andthosewhoknewtheusualstateoftheapartmentobserved，withsurprise，thatthepictureofSirWilliamAshton’sfatherwasremovedfromitsplace，andinitssteadthatofoldSirMaliseRavenswoodseemedtofrownwrathandvengeanceuponthepartyassembledbelow。Theexchangemusthavebeenmadewhiletheapartmentswereempty，buthadnotbeenobserveduntilthetorchesandlightsinthesconceswerekindledfortheball。Thehaughtyandheatedspiritsofthegentlemenledthemtodemandanimmediateinquiryintothecauseofwhattheydeemedanaffronttotheirhostandtothemselves；butLadyAshton，recoveringherself，passeditoverasthefreakofacrazywenchwhowasmaintainedaboutthecastle，andwhosesusceptibleimaginationhadbeenobservedtobemuchaffectedbythestorieswhichDameGourlaydelightedtotellconcerning”theformerfamily，”soLadyAshtonnamedtheRavenswoods。Theobnoxiouspicturewasimmediatelyremoved，andtheballwasopenedbyLadyAshton，withagraceanddignitywhichsuppliedthecharmsofyouth，andalmostverifiedtheextravagantencomiumsoftheelderpartofthecompany，whoextolledherperformanceasfarexceedingthedancingoftherisinggeneration。
WhenLadyAshtonsatdown，shewasnotsurprisedtofindthatherdaughterhadlefttheapartment，andsheherselffollowed，eagertoobviateanyimpressionwhichmighthavebeenmadeuponhernervesbyanincidentsolikelytoaffectthemasthemysterioustranspositionoftheportraits。Apparentlyshefoundherapprehensionsgroundless，forshereturnedinaboutanhour，andwhisperedthebridegroom，whoextricatedhimselffromthedancers，andvanishedfromtheapartment。Theinstrumetsnowplayedtheirloudeststrains；thedancerspursuedtheirexercisewithalltheenthusiasminspiredbyyouth，mirth，andhighspirits，whenacrywasheardsoshrillandpiercingasatoncetoarrestthedanceandthemusic。Allstoodmotionless；butwhentheyellwasagainrepeated，ColonelAshtonsnatchedatorchfromthesconce，anddemandingthekeyofthebridal-chamberfromHenry，towhom，asbride’s-man，ithadbeenentrusted，rushedthither，followedbySirWilliamAshtonandLadyAshton，andoneortwoothers，nearrelationsofthefamily。Thebridalguestswaitedtheirreturninstupifiedamazement。
Arrivedatthedooroftheapartment，ColonelAshtonknockedandcalled，butreceivednoanswerexceptstifledgroans。Hehesitatednolongertoopenthedooroftheapartment，inwhichhefoundoppositionfromsomethingwhichlayagainstit。Whenhehadsucceededinopeningit，thebodyofthebridegroomwasfoundlyingonthethresholdofthebridalchamber，andallaroundwasfloodedwithblood。Acryofsurpriseandhorrorwasraisedbyallpresent；andthecompany，excitedbythisnewalarm，begantorushtumultuouslytowardsthesleepingapartment。ColonelAshton，firstwhisperingtohismother，”Searchforher；shehasmurderedhim！”drewhissword，plantedhimselfinthepassage，anddeclaredhewouldsuffernomantopassexceptingtheclergymanandamedicalpersonpresent。Bytheirassistance，Bucklaw，whostillbreathed，wasraisedfromtheground，andtransportedtoanotherapartment，wherehisfriends，fullofsuspicionandmurmuring，assembledroundhimtolearntheopinionofthesurgeon。
Inthemeanwhile，LadyAshton，herhusband，andtheirassistantsinvainsoughtLucyinthebridalbedandinthechamber。Therewasnoprivatepassagefromtheroom，andtheybegantothinkthatshemusthavethrownherselffromthewindow，whenoneofthecompany，holdinghistorchlowerthantherest，discoveredsomethingwhiteinthecornerofthegreatold-
fashionedchimneyoftheapartment。Heretheyfoundtheunfortunategirlseated，orrathercouchedlikeahareuponitsform——herhead-geardishevelled，hernight-clothestornanddabbledwithblood，hereyesglazed，andherfeaturesconvulsedintoawildparoxysmofinsanity。Whenshesawherselfdiscovered，shegibbered，mademouths，andpointedatthemwithherbloodyfingers，withthefranticgesturesofanexultingdemoniac。
Femaleassistancewasnowhastilysummoned；theunhappybridewasoverpowered，notwithouttheuseofsomeforce。Astheycarriedheroverthethreshold，shelookeddown，andutteredtheonlyarticulatewordsthatshehadyetspoken，saying，withasortofgrinningexultation，”So，youhaveta’enupyourbonnybridegroom？”Shewas，bytheshudderingassistants，conveyedtoanotherandmoreretiredapartment，whereshewassecuredashersituationrequired，andcloselywatched。
Theunutterableagonyoftheparents，thehorrorandconfusionofallwhowereinthecastle，thefuryofcontendingpassionsbetweenthefriendsofthedifferentparties——passionsaugmentedbypreviousintemperance——surpassdescription。
Thesurgeonwasthefirstwhoobtainedsomethinglikeapatienthearing；hepronouncedthatthewoundofBucklaw，thoughsevereanddangerous，wasbynomeansfatal，butmightreadilyberenderedsobydisturbanceandhastyremoval。ThissilencedthenumerouspartyofBucklaw’sfriends，whohadpreviouslyinsistedthatheshould，atallrates，betransportedfromthecastletothenearestoftheirhouses。Theystilldemanded，however，that，inconsiderationofwhathadhappened，fouroftheirnumbershouldremaintowatchoverthesick-bedoftheirfriend，andthatasuitablenumberoftheirdomestics，wellarmed，shouldalsoremaininthecastle。ThisconditionbeingaccededtoonthepartofColonelAshtonandhisfather，therestofthebridegroom’sfriendsleftthecastle，notwithstandingthehourandthedarknessofthenight。ThecaresofthemedicalmanwerenextemployedinbehalfofMissAshton，whomhepronouncedtobeinaverydangerousstate。Farthermedicalassistancewasimmediatelysummoned。Allnightsheremaineddelirious。Onthemorning，shefellintoastateofabsoluteinsensibility。Thenextevening，thephysicianssaid，wouldbethecrisisofhermalady。Itprovedso；foralthoughsheawokefromhertrancewithsomeappearanceofcalmness，andsufferedhernight-
clothestobechanged，orputinorder，yetsosoonassheputherhandtoherneck，asiftosearchfortheforthefatalflueribbon，atideofrecollectionsseemedtorushuponher，whichhermindandbodywerealikeincapableofbearing。Convulsionfollowedconvulsion，tilltheyclosedindeath，withoutherbeingabletoutterawordexplanatoryofthefatalscene。
Theprovincialjudgeofthedistrictarrivedthedayaftertheyoungladyhadexpired，andexecuted，thoughwithallpossibledelicacytotheafflictedfamily，thepainfuldutyofinquiringintothisfataltransaction。Butthereoccurrednothingtoexplainthegeneralhypothesisthatthebride，inasuddenfitofinsanity，hadstabbedthebridegroomatthethresholdoftheapartment。Thefatalweaponwasfoundinthechambersmearedwithblood。ItwasthesamepiniardwhichHenryshouldhavewornonthewidding-day，andtheunhappysisterhadprobablycontrivedtosecreteontheprecedingevening，whenithadbeenshowntoheramongotherarticlesofpreparationforthewedding。
ThefriendsofBucklawexpectedthatonhisrecoveryhewouldthrowsomelightuponthisdarkstory，andeagerlypressedhimwithinquiries，whichforsometimeheevadedunderpretextofweakness。When，however，hehadbeentransportedtohisownhouse，andwasconsideredinastateofconvalescence，heassembledthosepersons，bothmaleandfemale，whohadconsideredthemselvesasentitledtopresshimonthissubject，andreturnedthemthanksfortheinteresttheyhadexhibitedinhisbehalf，andtheiroffersofadherenceandsupport。”Iwishyouall，”hesaid，”myfriends，tounderstand，however，thatIhaveneitherstorytotellnorinjuriestoavenge。Ifaladyshallquestionmehenceforwardupontheincidentofthatunhappynight，Ishallremainsilent，andinfutureconsiderherasonewhohasshownherselfdesiroustobreakofherfriendshipwithme；inaword，I
willneverspeaktoheragain。Butifagentlemanshallaskmethesamequestion，IshallregardtheincivilityasequivalenttoaninvitationtomeethimintheDuke’sWalk，andIexpectthathewillrulehimselfaccordingly。”
Adeclarationsodecisiveadmittednocommentary；anditwassoonafterseenthatBucklawhadarisenfromthebedofsicknessasadderandawisermanthanhehadhithertoshownhimself。HedismissedCraigengeltfromhissociety，butnotwithoutsuchaprovisionas，ifwellemployed，mightsecurehimagainstindigenceandagainsttemptation。
Bucklawafterwardswentabroad，andneverreturnedtoScotland；
norwasheknownevertohintatthecircumstancesattendinghisfatalmarriage。Bymanyreadersthismaybedeemedoverstrained，romantic，andcomposedbythewildimaginationofanauthordesirousofgratifyingthepopularappetiteforthehorrible；butthosewhoarereadintheprivatefamilyhistoryofScotlandduringtheperiodinwhichthesceneislaid，willreadilydiscover，throughthedisguiseofborrowednamesandaddedincidents，theleadingparticularsofANOWERTRUETALE。
CHAPTERXXXV。
Whosemind’ssomarbled，andhisheartsohard，Thatwouldnot，whenthishugemishapwasheard，Toth’utmostnoteofsorrowsettheirsong，Toseeagallant，withsogreatagrace，Sosuddenlyunthoughton，soo’erthrown，Andsotoperish，insopooraplace，Bytoorashridinginagroundunknown！
POEM，INNISBET’SHeraldry，vol。ii。
WEhaveanticipatedthecourseoftimetomentionBucklaw’srecoveryandfate，thatwemightnotinterruptthedetailofeventswhichsucceededthefuneraloftheunfortunateLucyAshton。Thismelancholyceremonywasperformedinthemistydawnofanautumnalmorning，withsuchmoderateattendanceandceremonyascouldnotpossiblybedispensedwith。Averyfewofthenearestrelationsattendedherbodytothesamechurchyardtowhichshehadsolatelybeenledasabride，withaslittlefreewill，perhaps，ascouldbenowtestifiedbyherlifelessandpassiveremains。AnaisleadjacenttothechurchhadbeenfittedupbySirWilliamAshtonasafamilycemetery；andhere，inacoffinbearingneithernamenordate，wereconsignedtodusttheremainsofwhatwasoncelovely，beautiful，andinnocent，thoughexasperatedtofrenzybyalongtractofunremittingpersecution。
Whilethemournerswerebusyinthevault，thethreevillagehags，who，notwithstandingtheunwontedearlinessofthehour，hadsnuffedthecarrionlikevultures，wereseatedonthe”through-stane，”andengagedintheirwontedunhallowedconference。”DidnotIsay，”saidDameGourlay，”thatthebrawbridalwouldbefollowedbyasbrawafuneral？””Ithink，”answeredDameWinnie，”there’slittlebraveryatit:
neithermeatnordrink，andjustawheensilvertippencestothepoorfolk；itwaslittleworthwhiletocomesaefararoadforsaesma’profit，andussaefrail。””Out，wretch！”repliedDameGourlay，”cana’thedaintiestheycouldgieusbehalfsaesweetasthishour’svengeance？Theretheyarethatwerecaperingontheirprancingnagsfourdayssince，andtheyarenowgangingasdreighandsoberasoursellstheday。Theywerea’glisteningwi’gowdandsilver；they’renowasblackasthecrook。AndMissLucyAshton，thatgrudgedwhenanhonestwomancamenearher——ataidmaysitonhercoffinthatday，andshecanneverscunnerwhenhecroaks。AndLadyAshtonhashell-fireburninginherbreastbythistime；andSirWilliam，wi’hisgibbets，andhisfaggots，andhischains，howlikeshethewitcheriesofhisaindwelling-house？””Andisittrue，then，”mumbledtheparalyticwretch，”thatthebridewastrailedoutofherbedandupthechimlybyevilspirits，andthatthebridegroom’sfacewaswrungroundahinthim？””Yeneednacarewhadidit，orhowitwasdone，”saidAislieGourlay；”butI’lluphauditfornaestickitjob，andthatthelairdsandleddieskenweelthisday。””Andwasittrue，”saidAnnieWinnie，”sinyekensaemuckleaboutit，thatthepictureofauldSirMaliseRavenswoodcamedownontheha’floor，andledoutthebrawlbeforethema’？””Na，”saidAilsie；”butintotheha’camethepicture——andIkenweelhowitcamethere——togiethemawarningthatpridewadgetafa’。Butthere’sasqueeraploy，cummers，asonyo’thae，that’sgaunonevennowintheburialvaultyonder:yesawtwallmourners，wi’crapeandcloak，gangdownthestepspairandpair！””Whatshouldailustoseethem？”saidtheoneoldwoman。”Icountedthem，”saidtheother，withtheeagernessofapersontowhomthespectaclehadaffordedtoomuchinteresttobeviewedwithindifference。”Butyedidnotsee，”saidAilsie，exultinginhersuperiorobservation，”thatthere’sathirteenthamangthemthattheykennaethingabout；and，ifauldfreitssaytrue，there’saneo’thatcompanythat’llnobelangforthiswarld。Butcomeawa’
cummers；ifwebidehere，I’sewarrantwegetthewyteo’
whateverillcomesofit，andthatgudewillcomeofitnaneo’
themneedeverthinktosee。”
Andthus，croakingliketheravenswhentheyanticipatepestilence，theill-bodingsibylswithdrewfromthechurchyard。
Infact，themourners，whentheserviceofintermentwasended，discoveredthattherewasamongthemonemorethantheinvitednumber，andtheremarkwascommunicatedinwhisperstoeachother。Thesuspicionfelluponafigurewhich，muffledinthesamedeepmourningwiththeothers，wasreclined，almostinastateofinsensibility，againstoneofthepillarsofthesepulchralvault。TherelativesoftheAshtonfamilywereexpressinginwhisperstheirsurpriseanddispleasureattheintrusion，whentheywereinterruptedbyColonelAshton，who，inhisfather’sabsence，actedasprincipalmourner。”Iknow，”hesaidinawhisper，”whothispersonis，hehas，orshallsoonhave，asdeepcauseofmourningasourselves；leavemetodealwithhim，anddonotdisturbtheceremonybyunnecessaryexposure。”Sosaying，heseparatedhimselffromthegroupofhisrelations，andtakingtheunknownmournerbythecloak，hesaidtohim，inatoneofsuppressedemotion，”Followme。”
Thestranger，asifstartingfromatranceatthesoundofhisvoice，mechanicallyobeyed，andtheyascendedthebrokenruinousstairwhichledfromthesepulchreintothechurchyard。Theothermournersfollowed，butremainedgroupedtogetheratthedoorofthevault，watchingwithanxietythemotionsofColonelAshtonandthestranger，whonowappearedtobeincloseconferencebeneaththeshadeofayew-tree，inthemostremotepartoftheburial-ground。
TothissequesteredspotColonelAshtonhadguidedthestranger，andthenturninground，addressedhiminasternandcomposedtone——”IcannotdoubtthatIspeaktotheMasterofRavenswood？”Noanswerwasreturned。”Icannotdoubt，”resumedtheColonel，tremblingwithrisingpassion，”thatIspeaktothemurdererofmysister！””Youhavenamedmebuttootruly，”saidRavenswood，inahollowandtremulousvoice。”Ifyourepentwhatyouhavedone，”saidtheColonel，”mayyourpenitenceavailyoubeforeGod；withmeitshallserveyounothing。Here，”hesaid，givingapaper，”isthemeasureofmysword，andamemorandumofthetimeandplaceofmeeting。
Sunriseto-morrowmorning，onthelinkstotheeastofWolf’sHope。”
TheMasterofRavenswoodheldthepaperinhishand，andseemedirresolute。Atlengthhespoke——”Donot，”hesaid，”urgetofartherdesperationawretchwhoisalreadydesperate。Enjoyyourlifewhileyoucan，andletmeseekmydeathfromanother。””Thatyounever，nevershall！”saidDouglasAshton。”Youshalldiebymyhand，oryoushallcompletetheruinofmyfamilybytakingmylife。Ifyourefusemyopenchallenge，thereisnoadvantageIwillnottakeofyou，noindignitywithwhichIwillnotloadyou，untiltheverynameofRavenswoodshallbethesignofeverythingthatisdishonourable，asitisalreadyofallthatisvillainous。””Thatitshallneverbe，”saidRavenswood，fiercely；”ifIamthelastwhomustbearit，Ioweittothosewhoonceowneditthatthenameshallbeextinguishedwithoutinfamy。Iacceptyourchallenge，time，andplaceofmeeting。Wemeet，Ipresume，alone？””Alonewemeet，”saidColonelAshton，”andalonewillthesurvivorofusreturnfromthatplaceofrendezvous。””ThenGodhavemercyonthesoulofhimwhofalls！”saidRavenswood。”Sobeit！”saidColonelAshton；”sofarcanmycharityreachevenforthemanIhatemostdeadly，andwiththedeepestreason。Now，breakoff，forweshallbeinterrupted。Thelinksbythesea-shoretotheeastofWolf’sHope；thehour，sunrise；
ourswordsouronlyweapons。””Enough，”saidtheMaster，”Iwillnotfailyou。”
Theyseparated；ColonelAshtonjoiningtherestofthemourners，andtheMasterofRavenswoodtakinghishorse，whichwastiedtoatreebehindthechurch。ColonelAshtonreturnedtothecastlewiththefuneralguests，butfoundapretextfordetachinghimselffromthemintheevening，when，changinghisdresstoariding-habit，herodetoWolf’sHope，thatnight，andtookuphisabodeinthelittleinn，inorderthathemightbereadyforhisrendezvousinthemorning。
ItisnotknownhowtheMasterofRavenswooddisposedoftherestofthatunhappyday。Lateatnight，however，hearrivedatWolf’sCrag，andarousedhisolddomestic，CalebBalderstone，whohadceasedtoexpecthisreturn。ConfusedandflyingrumoursofthelatetragicaldeathofMissAshton，andofitsmysteriouscause，hadalreadyreachedtheoldman，whowasfilledwiththeutmostanxiety，onaccountoftheprobableeffecttheseeventsmightproduceuponthemindofhismaster。
TheconductofRavenswooddidnotalleviatehisapprehensions。Tothebutler’stremblingentreatiesthathewouldtakesomerefreshment，heatfirstreturnednoanswer，andthensuddenlyandfiercelydemandingwine，hedrank，contrarytohishabits，averylargedraught。Seeingthathismasterwouldeatnothing，theoldmanaffectionatelyentreatedthathewouldpermithimtolighthimtohischamber。ItwasnotuntiltherequestwasthreeorfourtimesrepeatedthatRavenswoodmadeamutesignofcompliance。ButwhenBalderstoneconductedhimtoanapartmentwhichhadbeencomfortablyfittedup，andwhich，sincehisreturn，hehadusuallyoccupied，Ravenswoodstoppedshortonthethreshold。”Nothere，”saidhe，sternly；”showmetheroominwhichmyfatherdied；theroominwhichSHEsleptthenightthewereatthecastle。””Who，sir？”saidCaleb，tooterrifiedtopreservehispresenceofmind。”SHE，LucyAshton！Wouldyoukillme，oldman，byforcingmetorepeathername？”
Calebwouldhavesaidsomethingofthedisrepairofthechamber，butwassilencedbytheirritableimpatiencewhichwasexpressedinhismaster’scountenance；helightedthewaytremblingandinsilence，placedthelamponthetableofthedesertedroom，andwasabouttoattemptsomearrangementofthebed，whenhismasterbighimbegoneinatonethatadmittedofnodelay。Theoldmanretired，nottorest，buttoprayer；andfromtimetotimecrepttothedooroftheapartment，inordertofindoutwhetherRavenswoodhadgonetorepose。Hismeasuredheavystepuponthefloorwasonlyinterruptedbydeepgroans；
andtherepeatedstampsoftheheelofhisheavybootintimatedtooclearlythatthewretchedinmatewasabandoninghimselfatsuchmomentstoparoxysmsofuncontrolledagony。Theoldmanthoughtthatthemroning，forwhichhelonged，wouldneverhavedawned；buttime，whosecourserollsonwithequalcurrent，howeveritmayseemmorerapidormoreslowtomortalapprehension，broughtthedawnatlast，andspreadaruddylightonthebroadvergeoftheglisteningocean。ItwasearlyinNovember，andtheweatherwasserenefortheseasonoftheyear。
Butaneasterlywindhadprevailedduringthenight，andtheadvancingtiderollednearerthanusualtothefootofthecragsonwhichthecastlewasfounded。
Withthefirstpeepoflight，CalebBalderstoneagainresortedtothedoorofRavenswood’ssleepingapartment，throughachinkofwhichheobservedhimengagedinmeasuringthelengthoftwoorthreeswordswhichlayinaclosetadjoiningtotheapartment。
Hemutteredtohimself，asheselectedoneoftheseweapons:”Itisshorter:lethimhavethisadvantage，ashehaseveryother。”
CalebBalderstoneknewtoowell，fromwhathewitnessed，uponwhatenterprisehismasterwasbound，andhowvainallinterferenceonhispartmustnecessarilyprove。Hehadbuttimetoretreatfromthedoor，sonearlywashesurprisedbyhismastersuddenlycomingoutanddescendingtothestables。Thefaithfuldomesticfollowed；andfromthedishevelledappearanceofhismaster’sdress，andhisghastlylooks，wasconfirmedinhisconjecturethathehadpassedthenightwithoutsleeporrepose。Hefoundhimbusilyengagedinsaddlinghishorse，aservicefromwhichCaleb，thoughwithfalteringvoiceandtremblinghands，offeredtorelievehim。Ravenswoodrejectedhisassistancebyamutesign，andhavingledtheanimalintothecourt，wasjustabouttomounthim，whentheolddomestic’sfeargivingwaytothestrongattachmentwhichwastheprincipalpassionofhismind，heflunghimselfsuddenlyatRavenswood’sfeet，andclaspedhisknees，whileheexclaimed:”Oh，sir！oh，master！killmeifyouwill，butdonotgooutonthisdreadfulerrand！Oh！mydearmaster，waitbutthisday；theMarquisofA——
comesto-morrow，anda’willberemedied。””Youhavenolongeramaster，Caleb，”saidRavenswood，endeavouringtoextricatehimself；”why，oldman，wouldyouclingtoafallingtower？””ButIHAVEamaster，”criedCaleb，stillholdinghimfast，”whiletheheirofRavenswoodbreathes。Iambutaservant；butIwasbornyourfather’s——yourgrandfather’sservant。Iwasbornforthefamily——Ihavelivedforthem——I
woulddieforthem！Staybutathome，andallwillbewell！””Well，fool！well！”saidRavenswood。”Vainoldman，nothinghereafterinlifewillbewellwithme，andhappiestisthehourthatshallsoonestcloseit！”
Sosaying，heextricatedhimselffromtheoldman’shold，threwhimselfonhishorse，androdeoutthegate；butinstantlyturningback，hethrewtowardsCaleb，whohastenedtomeethim，aheavypurseofgold。”Caleb！”hesaid，withaghastlysmile，”Imakeyoumyexecutor”；andagainturninghisbridle，heresumedhiscoursedownthehill。
Thegoldfellunheededonthepavement，fortheoldmanrantoobservethecoursewhichwastakenbyhismaster，whoturnedtotheleftdownasmallandbrokenpath，whichgainedthesea-
shorethroughacleftintherock，andledtoasortofcovewhere，informertimes，theboatsofthecastlewerewonttobemoored。Observinghimtakethiscourse，Calebhastenedtotheeasternbattlement，whichcommandedtheprospectofthewholesands，verynearasfarasthevillageofWolf’sHope。Hecouldeasilyseehismasterridinginthatdirection，asfastasthehorsecouldcarryhim。TheprophecyatoncerushedonBalderstone’smind，thattheLordofRavenswoodshouldperishontheKelpie’sflow，whichlayhalf-waybetwixttheTowerandthelinks，orsandknolls，tothenorthwardofWolf’sHope。Hesawhimaccordingreachthefatalspot；butheneversawhimpassfurther。
ColonelAshton，franticforrevenge，wasalreadyinthefield，pacingtheturfwitheagerness，andlookingwithimpatiencetowardstheTowerforthearrivalofhisantagonist。
Thesunhadnowrisen，andshoweditsbroaddiskabovetheeasternsea，sothathecouldeasilydiscernthehorsemanwhorodetowardshimwithspeedwhicharguedimpatienceequaltohisown。Atoncethefigurebecameinvisible，asifithadmeltedintotheair。Herubbedhiseyes，asifhehadwitnessedanapparition，andthenhastenedtothespot，nearwhichhewasmetbyBalderstone，whocamefromtheoppositedirection。Notracewhateverohorseorridercouldbediscerned；itonlyappearedthatthelatewindsandhightideshadgreatlyextendedtheusualboundsofthequicksand，andthattheunfortunatehorseman，asappearedfromthehoof-tracks，inhisprecipitatehaste，hadnotattendedtokeeponthefirmsandsonthefootoftherock，buthadtakentheshortestandmostdangerouscourse。Oneonlyvestigeofhisfateappeared。Alargesablefeatherhadbeendetachedfromhishat，andtheripplingwavesoftherisingtidewaftedittoCaleb’sfeet。Theoldmantookitup，driedit，andplaceditinhisbosom。
TheinhabitantsofWolf’sHopewerenowalarmed，andcrowdedtotheplace，someonshore，andsomeinboats，buttheirsearchavailednothing。Thetenaciousdepthsofthequicksand，asisusualinsuchcases，retaineditsprey。
Ourtaledrawstoaconclusion。TheMarquisofA——，alarmedatthefrightfulreportsthatwerecurrent，andanxiousforhiskinsman’ssafety，arrivedonthesubsequentdaytomournhisloss；and，afterrenewinginvainasearchforthebody，returned，toforgetwhathadhappenedamidthebustleofpoliticsandstateaffairs。
NotsoCalebBalderstone。Ifwordlyprofitcouldhaveconsoledtheoldman，hisagewasbetterprovidedforthanhisearlieryearshadeverbeen；butlifehadlosttohimitssaltanditssavour。Hiswholecourseofideas，hisfeelings，whetherofprideorofapprehension，ofpleasureorofpain，hadallarisenfromitscloseconnexionwiththefamilywhichwasnowextinguished。Hehelduphisheadnolonger，forsookallhisusualhauntsandoccupations，andseemedonlytofindpleasureinmopingaboutthoseapartmentsintheoldcastlewhichtheMasterofRavenswoodhadlastinhabited。Heatewithoutrefreshment，andslumberedwithoutrepose；and，withafidelitysometimesdisplayedbythecaninerace，butseldombyhumanbeings，hepinedanddiedwithinayearafterthecatastrophewhichwehavenarrated。
ThefamilyofAshtondidnotlongsurvivethatofRavenswood。SirWilliamAshtonoutlivedhiseldestson，theColonel，whowasslaininaduelinFlanders；andHenry，bywhomhewassucceeded，diedunmarried。LadyAshtonlivedtothevergeofextremeoldage，theonlysurvivorofthegroupofunhappypersonswhosemisfortuneswereowingtoherimplacability。Thatshemightinternallyfeelcompunction，andreconcileherselfwithHeaven，whomshehadoffended，wewillnot，andwedarenot，deny；buttothosearoundhershedidnotevincetheslightestsymptomeitherofrepentanceorremorse。Inallexternalappearancesheborethesamebold，haughty，unbendingcharacterwhichshehaddisplayedbeforetheseunhappyevents。Asplendidmarblemonumentrecordshername，titles，andvirtues，whilehervictimsremainundistinguishedbytomborepitath。
END