WhetherfromfearofoffendingthedelicacyorawakeningtheprideoftheMaster，theLordKeepermadetheseallusionswithanappearanceoffearfulandhesitatingreserve，andseemedtobeafraidthathewasintrudingtoofar，inventuringtotouch，howeverlightly，uponsuchatopic，evenwhentheMasterhadledtoit。Inshort，heappearedatoncepushedonbyhisdesireofappearingfriendly，andheldbackbythefearofintrusion。ItwasnowonderthattheMasterofRavenswood，littleacquaintedashethenwaswithlife，shouldhavegiventhisconsummatecourtiercreditformoresinceritythanwasprobablytobefoundinascoreofhiscast。Heanswered，however，withreserve，thathewasindebtedtoallwhomightthinkwellofhim；and，apologisingtohisguests，heleftthehall，inordertomakesucharrangementsfortheirentertainmentascircumstancesadmitted。
　　UponconsultingwitholdMysie，theaccommodationsforthenightwereeasilycompleted，asindeedtheyadmittedoflittlechoice。
　　TheMastersurrenderedhisapartmentfortheuseofMissAshton，andMysie，onceapersonofconsequence，dressedinablacksatingownwhichhadbelongedofyoretotheMaster’sgrandmother，andhadfiguredinthecourt-ballsofHenriettaMaria，wenttoattendheraslady’s-maid。HenextinquiredafterBucklaw，andunderstandinghewasatthechange-housewiththehuntsmenandsomecompanions，hedesiredCalebtocallthere，andacquainthimhowhewascircumstancedatWolf’sCrag；tointimatetohimthatitwouldbemostconvenientifhecouldfindabedinthehamlet，astheelderguestmustnecessarilybequarteredinthesecretchamber，theonlysparebedroomwhichcouldbemadefittoreceivehim。TheMastersawnohardshipinpassingthenightbythehallfire，wraptinhiscampaign-cloak；andtoScottishdomesticsoftheday，evenofthehighestrank，nay，toyoungmenoffamilyorfashion，onanypinch，cleanstraw，oradryhayloft，wasalwaysheldgoodnight-
　　quarters。
　　Fortherest，Lockhardhadhismaster’sorderstobringsomevenisonfromtheinn，andCalebwastotrusttohiswitsforthehonourofhisfamily。TheMaster，indeed，asecondtimeheldouthispurse；but，asitwasinsightofthestrangeservant，thebutlerthoughthimselfobligedtodeclinewhathisfingersitchedtoclutch。”Couldnahehaeslippititgentlyintomyhand？”saidCaleb；”buthishonourwillneverlearnhowtobearhimsellinsiccancases。”
　　Mysie，inthemeantime，accordingtoauniformcustominremoteplacesinScotland，offeredthestrangerstheproduceofherlittledairy，”whilebettermeatwasgettingready。”Andaccordingtoanothercustom，notyetwhollyindesuetude，asthestormwasnowdriftingofftoleeward，theMastercarriedtheKeepertothetopofhishighesttowertoadmireawideandwasteextentofview，andto”wearyforhisdinner。”
　　CHAPTERXII。”Nowdame，”quothhe，”Jevousdissansdoute，HadInoughtofacaponbuttheliver，Andofyourwhitebreadnoughtbutashiver，Andafterthataroastedpigge’sheadButInewoldformenobeastweredead，ThenhadIwithyouhomelysufferaunce。”
　　CHAUCER，Sumner’sTale。
　　ITwasnotwithoutsomesecretmisgivingsthatCalebsetoutuponhisexploratoryexpedition。Infact，itwasattendedwithatrebledifficulty。HedarednottellhismasttheoffencewhichhehadthatmorninggiventoBucklaw，justforthehonourofthefamily；hedarednotacknowledgehehadbeentoohastyinrefusingthepurse；and，thirdly，hewassomewhatapprehensiveofunpleasantconsequencesuponhismeetingHaystonundertheimpressionofanaffront，andprobablybythistimeundertheinfluencealsoofnosmallquantityofbrandy。
　　Caleb，todohimjustice，wasasboldasanylionwherethehonourofthefamilyofRavenswoodwasconcerned；buthiswasthatconsideratevalourwhichdoesnotdelightinunnecessaryrisks。This，however，wasasecondaryconsideration；themainpointwastoveiltheindigenceofthehousekeepingatthecastle，andtomakegoodhisvauntofthecheerwhichhisresourcescouldprocure，withoutLockhard’sassistance，andwithoutsuppliesfromhismaster。Thiswasasprimeapointofhonourwithhimaswiththegenerouselephantwithwhomwehavealreadycomparedhim，who，beingovertasked，brokehisskullthroughthedesperateexertionswhichhemadetodischargehisduty，whenheperceivedtheywerebringingupanothertohisassistance。
　　Thevillagewhichtheynowapproachedhadfrequentlyaffordedthedistressedbutlerresourcesuponsimilaremergencies；buthisrelationswithithadbeenoflatemuchaltered。
　　Itwasalittlehamletwhichstraggledalongthesideofacreekformedbythedischargeofasmallbrookintothesea，andwashiddenfromthecastle，towhichithadbeeninformertimesanappendage，bytheenterventionoftheshoulderofahillformingaprojectingheadland。ItwascalledWolf’sHopei。e。Wolf’sHaven，andthefewinhabitantsgainedaprecarioussubsistencebymanningtwoorthreefishing-boatsintheherringseason，andsmugglingginandbrandyduringthewintermonths。TheypaidakindofhereditaryrespecttotheLordsofRavenswood；but，inthedifficultiesofthefamily，mostoftheinhabitantsofWolf’sHopehadcontrivedtogetfeu-rightstotheirlittlepossessions，theirhuts，kail-yards，andrightsofcommonty，sothattheywereemancipatedfromthechainsoffeudaldependence，andfreefromthevariousexactionswithwhich，undereverypossiblepretext，orwithoutanypretextatall，theScottishlandlordsoftheperiod，themselvesingreatpoverty，werewonttoharasstheirstillpoorertenantsatwill。
　　Theymightbe，onthewhole，termedindependent，acircumstancepeculiarlygallingtoCaleb，whohadbeenwonttoexerciseoverthemthesamesweepingauthorityinlevyingcontributionswhichwasexercisedinformertimesinEngland，when”theroyalpurveyors，sallyingforthfromundertheGothicportcullistopurchaseprovisionswithpowerandprerogative，insteadofmoney，broughthometheplunderofanhundredmarkets，andallthatcouldbeseizedfromaflyingandhidingcountry，anddepositedtheirspoilinanhundredcaverns。”
　　Caleblovedthememoryandresentedthedownfallofthatauthority，whichmimicked，onapettyscale，thegrandcontributionsexactedbythefeudalsovereigns。Andashefondlyflatteredhimselfthattheawfulruleandrightsupremacy，whichassignedtotheBaronsofRavenswoodthefirstandmosteffectiveinterestinallproductionsofnaturewithinfivemilesoftheircastle，onlyslumbered，andwasnotdepartedforever，heusedeverynowandthentogivetherecollectionoftheinhabitantsalittlejogbysomepettyexaction。Thesewereatfirstsubmittedto，withmoreorlessreadiness，bytheinhabitantsofthehamlet；fortheyhadbeensolongusedtoconsiderthewantsoftheBaronandhisfamilyashavingatitletobepreferredtotheirown，thattheiractualindependencedidnotconveytothemanimmediatesenseoffreedom。Theyresembledamanthathasbeenlongfettered，who，evenatliberty，feelsinimaginationthegraspofthehandcuffsstillbindinghiswrists。Buttheexerciseoffreedomisquicklyfollowedwiththenaturalconsciousnessofitsimmunities，astheenlargedprisoner，bythefreeuseofhislimbs，soondispelsthecrampedfeelingtheyhadacquiredwhenbound。
　　TheinhabitantsofWolf’sHopebegantogrumble，toresist，andatlengthpositivelytorefusecompliancewiththeexactionsofCalebBalderstone。Itwasinvainheremindedthem，thatwhentheeleventhLordRavenswood，calledtheSkipper，fromhisdelightinnavalmatters，hadencouragedthetradeoftheirportbybuildingthepierabulwarkofstonesrudelypiledtogether，whichprotectedthefishing-boatsfromtheweather，ithadbeenmattterofunderstandingthathewastohavethefirststoneofbutterafterthecalvingofeverycowwithinthebarony，andthefirstegg，thencecalledtheMonday’segg，laidbyeveryhenoneveryMondayintheyear。
　　Thefeuarsheardandscratchedtheirheads，coughed，sneezed，andbeingpressedforanswer，rejoinedwithonevoice，”Theycouldnotsay”——theuniversalrefugeofaScottishpeasantwhenpressedtoadmitaclaimwhichhisconscienceowns，orperhapshisfeelings，andhisinterestinclineshimtodeny。
　　Caleb，however，furnishedthenotablesofWolf’sHopewithanoteoftherequisitionofbutterandeggs，whichheclaimedasarrearsoftheaforesaidsubsidy，orkindlyaid，payableasabovementioned；andhavingintimatedthathewouldnotbeaversetocompoundthesameforgoodsormoney，ifitwasinconvenienttothemtopayinkind，leftthem，ashehoped，todebatethemodeofassessingthemselvesforthatpurpose。Onthecontrary，theymetwithadeterminedpurposeofresistingtheexaction，andwereonlyundecidedastothemodeofgroundingtheiropposition，whenthecooper，averyimportantpersononafishing-station，andoneoftheconscriptfathersofthevillage，observed，”ThattheirhenshadcaickledmonyadayfortheLordsofRavenswood，anditwastimetheysuldcaickleforthosethatgavethemroostsandbarley。”Anunanimousgrinintimatedtheassentoftheassembly。”And，”continuedtheorator，”ifit’syourwull，I’lljusttakastepasfarasDunseforDavieDingwall，thewriter，that’scomefraetheNorthtosettleamangus，andhe’llpitthisjobtorights，I’sewarranthim。”
　　AdaywasaccordinglyfixedforholdingagrandpalaveratWolf’sHopeonthesubjectofCaleb’srequisitions，andhewasinvitedtoattendatthehamletforthatpurpose。
　　Hewentwithopenhandsandemptystomach，trustingtofilltheoneonhismaster’saccountandtheotheronhisownscore，attheexpenseofthefeuarsofWolf’sHope。But，deathtohishopes！asheenteredtheeasternendofthestragglingvillage，theawfulformofDavieDingwall，asly，dry，hard-fisted，shrewdcountryattorney，whohadalreadyactedagainstthefamilyofRavenswood，andwasaprincipalagentofSirWilliamAshton，trottedinatthewesternextremity，bestridingaleathernportmanteaustuffedwiththefeu-chartersofthehamlet，andhopinghehadnotkeptMr。Balderstonewaiting，”ashewasinstructedandfullyempoweredtopayorreceive，compoundorcompensat，and，infine，toageasaccordsrespectingallmutualandunsettledclaimswhatsoever，belongingorcompetenttotheHonourableEdgarRavenswood，commonlycalledtheMasterofRavenswood——””TheRIGHTHonourableEdgarLORDRAVENSWOOD，”saidCaleb，withgreatemphasis；for，thoughconscioushehadlittlechanceofadvantageintheconflicttoensue，hewasresolvednottosacrificeonejotofhonour。”LordRavenswood，then，”saidthemanofbusiness——”weshallnotquarrelwithyouabouttitlesofcourtesy——commonlycalledLordRavenswood，orMasterofRavenswood，heritableproprietorofthelandsandbaronyofWolf’sCrag，onothenepart，andtoJohnWhitefishandothers，feuarsinthetownofWolf’sHope，withinthebaronyaforesaid，ontheotherpart。”
　　Calebwasconscious，fromsadexperience，thathewouldwageaverydifferentstrifewiththismercenarychampionthanwiththeindividualfeuarsthemselves，uponwhoseoldrecollections，predilections，andhabitsofthinkinghemighthavewroughtbyanhundredindirectarguments，towhichtheirdeputy-representativewastotallyinsensible。Theissueofthedebateprovedtherealityofhisapprehensions。Itwasinvainhestrainedhiseloquenceandingenuity，andcollectedintoonemassallargumentsarisingfromantiquecustomandhereditaryrespect，fromthegooddeedsdonebytheLordsofRavenswoodtothecommunityofWolf’sHopeinformerdays，andfromwhatmightbeexpectedfromtheminfuture。Thewriterstucktothecontentsofhisfeu-charters；hecouldnotseeit:’twasnotinthebond。AndwhenCaleb，determinedtotrywhatalittlespiritwoulddo，deprecatedtheconsequencesofLordRavenswood’swithdrawinghisprotectionfromtheburgh，andevenhintedinhisusingactivemeasuresofresentment，themanoflawsneeredinhisface。”Hisclients，”hesaid，”haddeterminedtodothebesttheycouldfortheirowntown，andhethoughtLordRavenwood，sincehewasalord，mighthaveenoughtodotolookafterhisowncastle。Astoanythreatsofstouthriefoppression，byruleofthumb，orviafacti，asthelawtermedit，hewouldhaveMr。
　　Balderstonerecollect，thatnewtimeswerenotasoldtimes；thattheylivedonthesouthoftheForth，andfarfromtheHighlands；
　　thathisclientsthoughttheywereabletoprotectthemselves；
　　butshouldtheyfindthemselvesmistaken，theywouldapplytothegovernmentfortheprotectionofacorporalandfourred-coats，who，”saidMr。Dingwall，withagrin，”wouldbeperfectlyabletosecurethemagainstLordRavenswood，andallthatheorhisfollowerscoulddobythestronghand。”
　　IfCalebcouldhaveconcentratedallthelightningsofaristocracyinhiseye，tohavestruckdeadthiscontemnerofallegianceandprivilege，hewouldhavelaunchedthemathishead，withoutrespecttotheconsequences。Asitwas，hewascompelledtoturnhiscoursebackwardtothecastle；andthereheremainedforfullhalfadayinvisibleandinaccessibleeventoMysie，sequesteredinhisownpeculiardungeon，wherehesatburnishingasinglepewterplateandwhistling”MaggieLauder”
　　sixhourswithoutintermission。
　　TheissueofthisunfortunaterequisitionhadshutagainstCaleballresourceswhichcouldbederivedfromWolf’sHopeanditspurlieus，theElDorado，orPeru，fromwhich，inallformercasesofexigence，hehadbeenabletoextractsomeassistance。
　　Hehad，indeed，inamannervowedthatthedeilshouldhavehim，ifeverheputtheprintofhisfootwithinitscausewayagain。
　　Hehadhithertokepthisword；and，strangetotell，thissecessionhad，asheintended，insomedegree，theeffectofapunishmentupontherefractoryfeuars。Mr。Balderstonehadbeenapersonintheireyesconnectedwithasuperiororderofbeings，whosepresenceusedtogracetheirlittlefestivities，whoseadvicetheyfoundusefulonmanyocassions，andwhosecommunicationsgaveasortofcredittotheirvillage。Theplace，theyackowledged，”didnalookasitusedtodo，andshoulddo，sinceMr。Calebkeepitthecastlesaeclosely；butdoubtless，touchingtheeggsandbutter，itwasamostunreasonabledemand，asMr。Dingwallhadjustlymademanifest。”
　　Thusstoodmattersbetwixttheparties，whentheoldbutler，thoughitwasgallandwormwoodtohim，foundhimselfobligedeithertoackowledgebeforeastrangemanofquality，and，whatwasmuchworse，beforethatstranger’sservant，thetotalinabilityofWolf’sCragtoproduceadinner，orhemusttrusttothecompassionofthefeuarsofWofl’sHope。Itwasadreadfuldegradation；butnecessitywasequallyimperiousandlawless。
　　Withthesefeelingsheenteredthestreetofthevillage。
　　Willingtoshakehimselffromhiscompanionassoonaspossible，hedirectedMr。LockhardtoLuckieSma-trash’schange-house，whereadin，proceedingfromtherevelsofBucklaw，Craigengelt，andtheirparty，soundedhalf-waydownthestreet，whiletheredglarefromthewindowoverpoweredthegreytwilightwhichwasnowsettlingdown，andglimmeredagainstaparcelofoldtubs，kegs，andbarrels，piledupinthecooper’syard，ontheothersideoftheway。”Ifyou，Mr。Lockhard，”saidtheoldbutlertohiscompanion，”willbepleasedtosteptothechange-housewherethatlightcomesfrom，andwhere，asIjudge，theyarenowsinging’CauldKailinAberdeen，’yemaydoyourmaster’serrandaboutthevenison，andIwilldomineaboutBucklaw’sbed，asI
　　returnfraegettingtherestofthevivers。It’snothatthevenisonisactuallyneedfu’，”headded，detaininghiscolleaguebythebutton，”tomakeupthedinner；butasacomplimenttothehunters，yeken；and，Mr。Lockhard，iftheyofferyeadrinko’
　　yill，oracupo’wine，oraglasso’brandy，ye’llbeawisemantotakeit，incasethethunnershouldhaesouredoursatthecastle，whilkisowermuckletobedreaded。”
　　HethenpermittedLockhardtodepart；andwithfootheavyaslead，andyetfarlighterthanhisheart，steppedonthroughtheunequalstreetofthestragglingvillage，meditatingonwhomheoughttomakehisfirstattack。Itwasnecessaryheshouldfindsomeonewithwhomoldacknowledgedgreatnessshouldweighmorethanrecentindependence，andtowhomhisapplicationmightappearanactofhighdignity，relentingatonceandsoothing。
　　Buthecouldnotrecollectaninhabitantofamindsoconstructed。”Ourkailisliketobecauldeneughtoo，”hereflected，asthechorusof”CauldKailinAberdeen”againreachedhisears。Theminister——hehadgothispresentationfromthelatelord，buttheyhadquarrelledaboutteinds；thebrewster’swife——shehadtrustedlong，andthebillwasayescoredup，andunlessthedignityofthefamilyshouldactuallyrequireit，itwouldbeasintodistressawidowwoman。Nonewassoable——but，ontheotherhand，nonewaslikelytobelesswilling——tostandhisfrienduponthepresentoccasion，thanGibbieGirder，themanoftubsandbarrelsalreadymentioned，whohadheadedtheinsurrectioninthematteroftheeggandbuttersubsidy。”Buta’comeso’takingfolkontherightside，I
　　trow，”quotedCalebtohimself；”andIhadancetheillhaptosayhewasbutaJohnnyNew-comeinourtown，andthecarleborethefamilyanill-willeversince。Buthemarriedabonnyyoungquean，JeanLightbody，auldLightbody’sdaughter，himthatwasinthesteadingofLoup-the-Dyke；andauldLightbodywasmarriedhimselltoMarion，thatwasaboutmyladyinthefamilyfortyyearssyne。Ihaehadmonyaday’sdaffingwi’Jean’smither，andtheysayshebidesonwi’them。ThecarlehasJacobusesandGeorgiusesbaith，ananecouldgetatthem；andsureIam，it’sdoinghimanhonourhimorhisneverdeservedatourhand，theungracioussumph；andifhelosesbyusa’thegither，heise’encheapo’t:hecanspareitbrawly。”
　　Shakingoffirresolution，therefore，andturningatonceuponhisheel，Calebwalkedhastilybacktothecooper’shouse，liftedthelatchwithotuceremony，and，inamoment，foundhimselfbehindthe”hallan，”orpartition，fromwhichpositionhecould，himselfunseen，reconnoitretheinteriorofthe”but，”orkitchenapartment，ofthemansion。
　　ReverseofthesadmenageattheCastleofWolf’sCrag，abickeringfireroaredupthecooper’schimney。Hiswife，ontheoneside，inherpearlingsandpudding-sleeves，putthelastfinishingtouchtoherholiday’sapparel，whileshecontemplatedaveryhandsomeandgood-humouredfaceinabrokenmirror，raiseduponthe”bink”theshelvesonwhichtheplatesaredisposed
　　forherspecialaccommodation。Hermother，oldLuckieLoup-the-
　　Dyke，”acantycarline”aswaswithintwentymilesofher，accordingtotheunanimousreportofthe”cummers，”orgossips，satbythefireinthefullgloryofagrogramgown，lammerbeads，andacleancockernony，whiffingasnugpipeoftobacco，andsuperintendingtheaffairsofthekitchen；for——sightmoreinterestingtotheanxiousheartandcravingentrailsofthedespondingseneschalthaneitherbuxomdameorcantycummer——
　　therebubbledontheaforesaidbickeringfireahugepot，orrathercauldron，steamingwithbeefandbrewis；whilebeforeitrevolvedtwospits，turnedeachbyoneofthecooper’sapprentices，seatedintheoppositecornersofthechimney，theoneloadedwithaquarterofmutton，whiletheotherwasgracedwithafatgooseandabraceofwildducks。ThesightandscentofsuchalandofplentyalmostwhollyovercamethedroopingspiritsofCaleb。Heturned，foramoment’sspacetoreconnoitrethe”ben，”orparlourendofthehouse，andtheresawasightscarcelessaffectingtohisfeelings——alargeroundtable，coveredfortenortwelvepersons，decoredaccordingtohisownfavouritetermswithnaperyaswhiteassnow，grandflagonsofpewter，intermixedwithoneortwosilvercups，containing，aswasprobable，somethingworthythebrilliancyoftheiroutwardappearance，cleantrenchers，cuttyspoons，knivesandforks，sharp，burnished，andpromptforaction，whichlayalldisplayedasforanespecialfestival。”Thedevil’sinthepeddlingtub-cooperingcarl！”mutteredCaleb，inalltheenvyofastonishment；”it’sashametoseethelikeo’themgustingtheirgabsatsicarate。Butifsomeo’
　　thatgudecheerdoesnotfinditswaytoWolf’sCragthisnight，mynameisnotCalebBalderstone。”
　　Soresolving，heenteredtheapartment，and，inallcourteousgreeting，salutedboththemotherandthedaughter。
　　Wolf’sCragwasthecourtofthebarony，CalebprimeministeratWolf’sCrag；andithaseverbeenremarkedthat，thoughthemasculinesubjectwhopaysthetaxessometimesgrowlsatthecourtiersbywhomtheyareimposed，thesaidcourtierscontinue，nevertheless，welcometothefairsex，towhomtheyfurnishthenewestsmall-talkandtheearliestfashions。Boththedameswere，therefore，atonceaboutoldCaleb’sneck，settinguptheirthroatstogetherbywayofwelcome。”Ay，sirs，Mr。Balderstone，andisthisyou？Asightofyouisgudeforsaireen。Sitdown——sitdown；thegudemanwillbeblythetoseeyou——yenarsawhimsaecadgyinyourlife；butwearetochristenourbitweanthenight，asyewillhaeheard，anddoubtlessyewillstayandseetheordinance。Wehaekilledawether，andaneo’ourladshasbeenoutwi’hisgunatthemoss；
　　yeusedtolikewild-fowl。””Na，na，gudewife，”saidCaleb；”Ijustkeekitintowishyejoy，andIwadbegladtohaespokenwi’thegudeman，but——”
　　moving，asiftogoaway。”Thene’erafitye’sgang，”saidtheelderdame，laughingandholdinghimfast，withafreedomwhichbelongedtotheiroldacquaintance；”whakenswhatillitmaybringtothebairn，ifyeowerlookitinthatgate？””ButI’minapreceesehurry，gudewife，”saidthebutler，sufferinghimselftobedraggedtoaseatwithoutmuchresistance；”andastoeating，”forheobservedthemistressofthedwellingbustlingabouttoplaceatrencherforhim——”asforeating——lack-a-day，wearejustkilledupyonderwi’eatingfraemorningtonight！It’sshamefu’epicurism；butthat’swhatwehaegottenfraetheEnglishpock-puddings。””Hout，nevermindtheEnglishpock-puddings，”saidLuckieLightbody；”tryourpuddings，Mr。Balderstone；thereisblackpuddingandwhite-hass；trywhilkyelikebest。””Baithgude——baithexcellent——cannabebetter；buttheverysmelliseneughformethathaedinedsaelatelythefaithfulwretchhadfastedsincedaybreak。ButIwadnaaffrontyourhousewifeskep，gudewife；and，withyourpermission，I’see’enpittheminmynapkin，andeatthemtomysupperate’en，forIamweariedofMysie’spastryandnonsense；yekenlandwarddaintiesayepleasedmebest，Marion，andlandwardlassestoolookingatthecooper’swife。Ne’erabitbutshelooksfarbetterthanwhenshemarriedGilbert，andthenshewasthebonniestlassinourparochineandtheneisttill’t。Butgawsiecow，goodlycalf。”
　　Thewomensmiledatthecomplimenteachtoherself，andtheysmiledagaintoeachotherasCalebwraptupthepuddingsinatowelwhichhehadbroughtwithhim，asadragooncarrieshisforagingbagtoreceivewhatmyfallinhisway。”Andwhatnewsatthecastle？”quo’thegudewife。”News！Thebravestnewsyeeverheard——theLordKeeper’supyonderwi’hisfairdaughter，justreadytoflingheratmylord’shead，ifhewinnatakherouto’hisarms；andI’sewarranthe’llstitchourauldlandsofRavenswoodtoherpetticoattail。””Eh！sirs——ay！——andwillhaeher？andissheweel-favoured？andwhat’sthecolouro’herhair？anddoesshewearahabitorarailly？”werethequestionswhichthefemalesshowereduponthebutler。”Houttout！itwadtakamanadaytoanswera’yourquestions，andIhaehardlyaminute。Where’sthegudeman？””Awa’tofetchtheminister，”saidMrs。Girder，”preciousMr。
　　PeterBide-the-Bent，fraetheMosshead；thehonestmanhastherheumatismwi’lyinginthehillsinthepersecution。””Ay！Whigandamountain-man，naeless！”saidCaleb，withapeevishnesshecouldnotsuppress。”Ihaeseentheday，Luckie，whenworthyMr。Cuffcushionandtheservice-bookwouldhaeservedyourturntotheelderdame，oronyhonestwomaninlikecircumstances。””Andthat’struetoo，”saidMrs。Lightbody，”butwhatcanabodydo？Jeanmaunbaithsingherpsalmsandbuskhercockernonythegatethegudemanlikes，andnaeithergate；forhe’smaisterandmairathame，Icantellye，Mr。Balderstone。””Ay，ay，anddoesheguidethegeartoo？”saidCaleb，towhoseprojectsmasculinerulebodedlittlegood。”Ilkapennyon’t；buthe’lldressherasdinkasadaisy，asyesee；saeshehaslittlereasontocomplain:wherethere’sanebetteraffthere’stenwaur。””Aweel，gudewife，”saidCaleb，crestfallen，butnotbeatenoff，”thatwasnathewayyeguidedyourgudeman；btilkalandhasitsainlauch。Imaunbeganging。Ijustwantedtoroundinthegudeman’slug，thatIheardthemsayup-byeyonderthatPeterPuncheon，thatwascoopertotheQueen’sstoresattheTimmerBurseatLeith，isdead；saeIthoughthatmaybeawordfraemylordtotheLordKeepermighthaeservedGilbert；butsincehe’sfraehame——””O，butyemaunstayhishame-coming，”saidthedame。”Iayetelledthegudemanyemeantweeltohim；buthetaksthetoutateverybitlippeningword。””Aweel，I’llstaythelastminuteIcan。””Andso，”saidthehandsomeyoungspouseofMr。Girder，”yethinkthisMissAshtonisweel-favoured？Troth，andsaeshouldshe，tosetupforouryounglord，withafaceandahand，andaseatonhishorse，thatmightbecomeaking’sson。D’yekenthatheayeglowersupatmywindow，Mr。Balderstone，whenhechauncestoridethro’thetown？SaeIhaearighttokenwhatlikeheis，asweelasonybody。””Ikenthatbrawly，”saidCaleb，”forIhaeheardhislordshipsaythecooper’swifehadtheblackesteeinthebarony；andI
　　said，’Weelmaythatbe，mylord，foritwashermither’saforeher，asIkentomycost。’Eh，Marion？Ha，ha，ha！Ah！theseweremerrydays！””Houtawa’，auldcarle，”saidtheolddame，”tospeaksicdaffingtoyoungfolk。But，Jean——fie，woman，dinnayehearthebairngreet？I’sewarrantit’sthatdrearyweidhascomeower’tagain。”
　　Upgotmotherandgrandmother，andscouredaway，jostlingeachotherastheyran，intosomeremotecornerofthetenement，wheretheyoungherooftheeveningwasdeposited。WhenCalebsawthecoastfairlyclear，hetookaninvigoratingpinchofsnuff，tosharpenandconfirmhisresolution。”Cauldbemycast，”thoughthe，”ifeitherBide-the-BentorGirdertastethatbroachofwild-fowlthisevening”；andthenaddressingtheeldestturnspit，aboyofaboutelevenyearsold，andputtingapennyintohishand，hesaid，”Hereistwalpennies，myman；carrythatowertoMrs。Sma’trash，andbidherfillmymillwi’snishing，andI’llturnthebrocheforyeinthemeantime；andshewillgieyeaginge-breadsnapforyourpains。”
　　NosoonerwastheelderboydepartedonthismissionthanCaleb，lookingtheremainingturnspitgravelyandsteadilyintheface，removedfromthefirethespitbearingthewild-fowlofwhichhehadundertakenthecharge，clappedhishatonhishead，andfairlymarchedoffwithit。hestoppedatthedoorofthechange-houseonlytosay，inafewbriefwords，thatMr。HaystonofBucklawwasnottoexpectabedthateveninginthecastle。
　　IfthismessagewastoobrieflydeliveredbyCaleb，itbecameabsoluterudenesswhenconvenyedthroughthemediumofasuburblandlady；andBucklawwas，asamorecalmandtemperatemanmighthavebeen，highlyincensed。CaptainCraigengeltproposed，withtheunanimousapplauseofallpresent，thattheyshouldcoursetheoldfoxmeaningCaleberehegottocover，andtosshiminablanket。ButLockhardintimatedtohismaster’sservantsandthoseofLordBittlebrains，inatoneofauthority，thattheslightestimpertinencetotheMasterofRavenswood’sdomesticwouldgiveSirWilliamAshtonthehighestoffence。Andhavingsosaid，inamannersufficienttopreventanyaggressionontheirpart，heleftthepublic-house，takingalongwithhimtwoservantsloadedwithsuchprovisionsashehadbeenabletoprocure，andovertookCalebjustwhenhehadclearedthevillage。
　　CHAPTERXIII。
　　ShouldItakeaughtofyou？’TistrueIbeggednow；
　　Andwhatisworsethanthat，Istoleakindness；
　　And，whatisworstofall，Ilostmywayin’t。
　　WitWithoutMoney。
　　THEfaceofthelittleboy，solewitnessofCaleb’sinfringementuponthelawsatonceofpropertyandhospitality，wouldhavemadeagoodpicture。Hesatmotionless，asifhehadwitnessedsomeofthespectralappearanceswhichhehadheardtoldofinawinter’sevening；andasheforgothisownduty，andallowedhisspittostandstill，headdedtothemisfortunesoftheeveningbysufferingthemuttontoburnasblackasacoal。
　　HewasfirstrecalledfromhistranceofastonishmentbyaheartycuffadministeredbyDameLightbody，who，inwhateverotherrespectsshemightconformtohername，wasawomanstrongofperson，andexpertintheuseofherhands，assomesayherdeceasedhusbandhadknowntohiscost。”Whatgarr’dyelettheroastburn，yeill-clerkitgude-for-
　　nought？””Idinnaken，”saidtheboy。”Andwhere’sthatill-deedygett，Giles？””Idinnaken，”blubberedtheastonisheddeclarant。”Andwhere’sMr。Balderstone？——andabunea’，andinthenameofcouncilandkirk-session，thatIsuldsaysae，where’sthebrochewi’thewild-fowl？”
　　AsMrs。Girderhereentered，andjoinedhermother’sexclamations，screamingintooneearwhiletheoldladydeafenedtheother，theysucceededinsoutterlyconfoundingtheunhappyurchin，thathecouldnotforsometimetellhisstoryatall，anditwasonlywhentheelderboyreturnedthatthetruthbegantodawnontheirminds。”Weel，sirs！”saidMrs。Lightbody，”whawadhaethoughto’CalebBalderstoneplayinganauldacquaintancesicapliskie！””Oh，wearyonhim！”saidthespouseofMr。Girder；”andwhatamItosaytothegudeman？He’llbrainme，iftherewasnaanitherwomanina’Wolf’’sHope。””Houttout，sillyquean，”saidthemother；”na，na，it’scometomuckle，butit’snocometothatneither；foranhebrainyouhemaunbrainme，andIhavegarr’dhisbettersstandback。Handsaffisfairplay；wemaunnaheedabitflyting。”
　　Thetrampofhorsesnowannouncedthearrivalofthecooper，withtheminister。Theyhadnosoonerdismountedthantheymadeforthekitchenfire，fortheeveningwascoolafterthethunderstorm，andthewoodswetanddirty。Theyounggudewife，stronginthecharmsofherSundaygownandbiggonets，threwherselfinthewayofreceivingthefirstattack，whilehermother，liketheveterandivisionoftheRomanlegion，remainedintherear，readytosupportherincaseofnecessity。Bothhopedtoprotractthediscoveryofwhathadhappened——themother，byinterposingherbustlingpersonbetwixtMr。Girderandthefire，andthedaughter，bytheextremecordialitywithwhichshereceivedtheministerandherhusband，andtheanxiousfearswhichsheexpressedlesttheyshouldhave”gottencauld。””Cauld！”quotedthehusband，surlily，forhewasnotofthatclassoflordsandamsterswhosewivesareviceroysoverthem，”we’llbecauldeneugh，Ithink，ifyedinnaletusintothefire。”
　　Andsosaying，hebursthiswaythroughbothlinesofdefence；
　　and，ashehadacarefuleyeoverhispropertyofeverykind，heperceivedatoneglancetheabsenceofthespitwithitssavouryburden。”Whatthedeil，woman——””Fieforshame！”exclaimedboththewomen；”andbeforeMr。Bide-
　　the-Bent！””Istandreproved，”saidthecooper；”but——””Thetakinginourmouthsthenameofthegreatenemyofoursouls，”saidMr。Bide-the-Bent——”Istandreproved，”saidthecooper。”——Isanexposingourselvestohistemptations，”continuedthereverendmonitor，”andininviting，or，insomesort，acompelling，ofhimtolayasidehisothertraffickingwithunhappypersons，andwaituponthoseinwhosespeechhisnameisfrequent。””Weel，weel，Mr。Bide-the-Bent，canamandomairthanstandreproved？”saidthecooper；”butjestletmeaskthewomenwhatfortheyhaedishedthewild-fowlbeforewecame。””Theyarenadished，Gilbert，”saidhiswife；”but——butanaccident——””Whataccident？”saidGirder，withflashingeyes。”Naeillcomeowerthem，Itrust？Uh？”
　　Hiswife，whostoodmuchinaweofhim，durstnotreply，buthermotherbustleduptohersupport，witharmsdisposedasiftheywereabouttobea-kimboatthenextreply——”Igiedthemtoanacquaintanceofmine，GibbieGirder；andwhataboutitnow？”
　　HerexcessofassurancestruckGirdermuteforaninstant。”AndYEgiedthewild-fowl，thebestendofourchristeningdinner，toafriendofyours，yeauldrudas！AndwhatmightHISnamebe，Iprayye？””JustworthyMr。CalebBalderstone——fraeWolf’sCrag，”answeredMarion，promptandpreparedforbattle。
　　Girder’swrathfoamedoverallrestraint。Iftherewasacircumstancewhichcouldhaveaddedtotheresentmenthefelt，itwasthatthisextravagantdonationhadbeenmadeinfavourofourfriendCaleb，towardswhom，forreasonstowhichthereaderisnostranger，henourishedadecidedresentment。Heraisedhisriding-wandagainsttheeldermatron，butshestoodfirm，collectedinherself，andundauntedlybrandishedtheironladlewithwhichshehadjustbeen”flambing”Anglice，bastingtheroastofmutton。Herweaponwascertainlythebetter，andherarmnottheweakestofthetwo；sothatGilbertthoughtitsafesttoturnshortoffuponhiswife，whohadbythistimehatchedasortofhystericalwhine，whichgreatlymovedtheminister，whowasinfactassimpleandkind-heartedacreatureaseverbreathed。”Andyou，yethowlessjade，tositstillandseemysubstancedisponedupontoanidle，drunken，reprobate，worm-
　　eatenserving-man，justbecausehekittlesthelugso’asillyauldwifewi’uselessclavers，andeverytwawordsalee？I’llgaryouasgude——”
　　Heretheministerinterposed，bothbyvoiceandaction，whileDameLightbodythrewherselfinfrontofherdaughter，andflourishedherladle。”AmInotochastisemyainwife？”exclaimedthecooperveryindignantly。”Yemaychastiseyourainwifeifyelike，”answeredDameLightbody；”butyeshallneverlayfingeronmydaughter，andthatyemayfoundupon。””Forshame，Mr。Girder！”saidtheclergyman；”thisiswhatI
　　littleexpectedtohaveseenofyou，thatyousuldgivereintoyoursinfulpassionsagainstyournearesttandyourdearest，andthisnighttoo，whenyearecalledtothemostsolemndutyofaChristianparent；anda’forwhat？Foraredundancyofcreature-
　　comforts，asworthlessastheyareunneedful。””Worthless！”exclaimedthecooper。”Abetterguseneverwalkitonstubble；twofiner，dentierwildducksneverwatafeather。””Beitsae，neighbour，”rejoinedtheminister；”butseewhatsuperfluitiesareyetrevolvingbeforeyourfire。Ihaveseenthedaywhentenofthebannockswhichstanduponthatboardwouldhavebeenanacceptabledaintytoasmanymen，thatwerestarvingonhillsandbogs，andincavesoftheearth，fortheGospel’ssake。””Andthat’swhatvexesmemaistofa’，”saidthecooper，anxioustogetsomeonetosympathisewithhisnotaltogethercauselessanger；”anthequeanhadgienittoonysufferingsant，ortoonybodyavabutthatreaving，lying，oppressingToryvillain，thatradeinthewickedtroopofmilitiawhenitwascommandedoutagainstthesantsatBothwellBrigbytheauldtyrantAllanRavenswood，thatisganetohisplace，Iwadthelesshaemindedit。Buttogietheprincipalpartso’thefeasttothelikeo’
　　him——！””Aweel，Gilbert，”saidtheminister，”anddinnayeseeahighjudgmentinthis？Theseedoftherighteousarenotseenbeggingtheirbread:thinkofthesonofapowerfuloppressorbeingbroughttothepassofsupportinghishouseholdfromyourfulness。””And，besides，”saidthewife，”itwasnaforLordRavenswoodneither，anhewadhearbutabodyspeak:itwastohelptoentertaintheLordKeeper，astheyca’him，that’supyonderatWolf’sCrag。””SirWilliamAshtonatWolf’sCrag！”ejaculatedtheastonishedmanofhoopsandstaves。”Andhandandglovewi’LordRavenswood，”addedDameLightbody。”Doitedidiot！thatauld，claveringsneckdrawerwadgaryetrowthemoonismadeofgreencheese。TheLordKeeperandRavenswood！theyarecatanddog，hareandhound。””Itellyetheyaremanandwife，andgreebetterthansomeothersthataresae，”retortedthemother-in-law；”forbye，PeterPuncheon，that’scoopertheQueen’sstores，isdead，andtheplaceistofill，and——””Odguideus，wullyehaudyourskirlingtongues！”saidGirder，——
　　forwearetoremark，thatthisexplanationwasgivenlikeacatchfortwovoices，theyoungerdame，muchencouragedbytheturnofthedebate，takingupandrepeatinginahighertonethewordsasfastastheywereutteredbyhermother。”Thegudewifesaysnaethingbutwhat’strue，maister，”saidGirder’sforeman，whohadcomeinduringthefray。”IsawtheLordKeeper’sservantsdrinkinganddrivingoweratLuckieSma’trash’s，ower-byeyonder。””AndistheirmaisterupatWolf’sCrag？”saidGirder。”Ay，trothishe，”repliedhismanofconfidence。”Andfriendswi’Ravenswood？””It’slikesae，”answeredtheforeman，”sinceheisputtingupwi’him。””AndPeterPuncheon’sdead？””Ay，ay，Puncheonhasleakedoutatlast，theauldcarle，”saidtheforeman；”monyadribbleo’brandyhasgaenthroughhiminhisday。Butasforthebrocheandthewild-fowl，thesaddle’snoaffyourmareyet，maister，andIcouldfollowandbringitback，forMr。Balderstone’snofaraffthetownyet。””Dosae，Will；andcomehere，I’lltellyewhattodowhenyeowertakehim。”
　　Herelievedthefemalesofhispresence，andgaveWillhisprivateinstructions。”Abonny-likething，”saidthemother-in-law，asthecooperre-
　　enteredtheapartment，”tosendtheinnocentladafteranarmedman，whenyekenMr。Balderstoneayewearsarapier，andwhilesadirkintothebargain。””Itrust，”saidtheminister，”yehavereflectedweelonwhatyehavedone，lestyoushouldministercauseofstrife，ofwhichitismydutytosay，hewhoaffordethmatter，albeithehimselfstrikethnot，isinnomannerguiltless。””Neverfashyourbeard，Mr。Bide-the-Bent，”repliedGirder；”anecannagettheirbreathoutherebetweenwivesandministers。I
　　kenbesthowtoturnmyaincake。Jean，serveupthedinner，andnaemairaboutit。”
　　Nordidheagainalludetothedeficiencyinthecourseoftheevening。
　　Meantime，theforeman，mountedonhismaster’ssteed，andchargedwithhisspecialorders，prickedswiftlyforthinpursuitofthemarauderCaleb。Thatpersonage，itmaybeimagined，didnotlingerbytheway。Heintermittedevenhisdearly-belovedchatter，forthepurposeofmakingmorehaste，onlyassuringMr。
　　Lockhardthathehadmadethepurveyor’swifegivethewild-fowlafewturnsbeforethefire，incasethatMysie，whohadbeensomuchalarmedbythethunder，shouldnothaveherkitchen-grateinfullsplendour。Meanwhile，allegingthenecessityofbeingatWolf’sCragassoonaspossible，hepushedonsofastthathiscompanionscouldscarcekeepupwithhim。Hebeganalreadytothinkhewassafefrompursuit，havinggainedthesummitoftheswellingeminencewhichdividesWolf’sCragfromthevillage，whenheheardthedistanttreadofahorse，andavoicewhichshoutedatintervals，”Mr。Caleb——Mr。Balderstone——Mr。CalebBalderstone——hollo——bideawee！”
　　Caleb，itmaybewellbelieved，wasinnohurrytoacknowledgethesummons。First，hewouldnotheartit，andfacedhiscompanionsdown，thatitwastheechoofthewind；thenhesaiditwasnotworthstoppingfor；and，atlength，haltingreluctantly，asthefigureofthehorsemanappearedthroughtheshadesoftheevening，hebentuphiswholesoultothetaskofdefendinghisprey，threwhimselfintoanattitudeofdignity，advancedthespit，whichishisgraspmightwithitsburdenseembothspearandshield，andfirmlyresolvedtodieratherthansurrenderit。
　　Whatwashisastonishment，whenthecooper’sforeman，ridingupandaddressinghimwithrespect，toldhim:”Hismasterwasverysorryhewasabsentwhenhecametohisdwelling，andgrievedthathecouldnottarrythechristeningdinner；andthathehadtaenthefreedomtosendasma’runletofsack，andaneankerofbrandy，asheunderstoodtherewereguestsatthecastle，andthattheywereshortofpreparation。”
　　Ihaveheardsomewhereastoryofanelderlygentlemanwhowaspursuedbyabearthathadgottenloosefromitsmuzzle，untilcompletelyexhausted。Inafitofdesperation，hefacedrounduponBruinandliftedhiscane；atthesightofwhichtheinstinctofdisciplineprevailed，andtheanimal，insteadoftearinghimtopieces，roseupuponhishind-legsandinstantlybegantoshuffleasaraband。Notlessthanthejoyfulsurpriseofthesenior，whohadsupposedhimselfintheextremityofperilfromwhichhewasthusunexpectedlyrelieved，wasthatofourexcellentfriendCaleb，whenhefoundthepursuerintendedtoaddtohisprize，insteadofbereavinghimofit。Herecoveredhislatitude，however，instantly，sosoonastheforeman，stoopingfromhisnag，wherehesateperchedbetwixtthetwobarrels，whisperedinhisear:”IfonythingaboutPeterPuncheon’splacecouldbeairtedtheirway，John[Gibbie]GirderwadmakitbettertotheMasterofRavenswoodthanapairofnewgloves；andthathewadbeblythetospeakwi’MaisterBalderstoneonthathead，andhewadfindhimaspliantasahoop-willowina’thathecouldwishofhim。”
　　Calebheardallthiswithoutrenderinganyanswer，exceptthatofallgreatmenfromLouisXIV。downwards，namely，”Wewillseeaboutit”；andthenaddedaloud，fortheedificationofMr。
　　Lockhard:”Yourmasterhasactedwithbecomingcivilityandattentioninforwardingtheliquors，andIwillnotfailtorepresentitproperlytomyLordRavenswood。And，mylad，”hesaid，”youmayrideontothecastle，andifnoneoftheservantsarereturned，whilkistobedreaded，astheymakedayandnightofitwhentheyareoutofsight，yemayputthemintotheporter’slodge，whilkisontherighthandofthegreatentry；
　　theporterhasgotleavetogotoseehisfriends，saeyewillmetnoanetosteerye。”
　　Theforeman，havingreceivedhisorders，rodeon；andhavingdepositedthecasksinthedesertedandruinousporter’slodge，hereturnedunquestionedbyanyone。Havingthusexecutedhismaster’scommission，anddoffedhisbonnettoCalebandhiscompanyasherepassedtheminhiswaytothevillage，hereturnedtohavehisshareofthechristeningfestivity。
　　CHAPTERXIV。
　　As，totheAutumnbreeze’sbuglesound，Variousandvaguethedryleavesdancetheirround；
　　Or，fromthegarner-door，onetherborne，Thechafffliesdeviousfromthewinnow’dcorn；
　　Sovague，sodevious，atthebreathofheaven，Fromtheirfix’daimaremortalcounselsdriv’n。
　　Anonymous。
　　WEleftCalebBalderstoneintheextremityoftriumphatthesuccessofhisvariousachievementsforthehonourofthehouseofRavenswood。Whenhehadmusteredandmarshalledhisdishesofdiverskinds，amoreroyalprovisionhadnotbeenseeninWolf’sCragsincethefuneralfeastofitsdeceasedlord。Greatwasthegloryoftheserving-man，ashe”decored”theoldoakentablewithacleancloth，andarrangeduponitcarbonadedvenisonandroastedwild-fowl，withaglance，everynowandthen，asiftoupbraidtheincredulityofhismasterandhisguests；andwithmanyastory，moreorlesstrue，wasLockhardthateveningregaledconcerningtheancientgrandeurofWolf’sCrag，andtheswayofitsbaronsoverthecountryintheirneighbourhood。”Avassalscarceheldacalforalambhisain，tillhehadfirstaskediftheLordofRavenswoodwaspleasedtoacceptit；
　　andtheywereobligedtoaskthelord’sconsentbeforetheymarriedinthesedays，andmonyamerrytaletheytellaboutthatrightasweelasothers。Andalthough，”saidCaleb，”thesetimesarenotlikethegudeauldtimes，whenauthorityhaditsright，yettrueitis，Mr。Lockhard，andyouyoursellmaypartlyhaveremarked，thatweofthehouseofRavenswooddoourendeavourinkeepingup，byalljustandlawfulexertionofourbaronialauthority，thatdueandfittingconnexionbetwixtsuperiorandvassal，whilkisinsomedangeroffallingintodesuetude，owingtothegenerallicenseandmisruleofthesepresentunhappytimes。””Umph！”saidMr。Lockhard；”andifImayinquire，Mr。
　　Balderstone，praydoyoufindyourpeopleatthevillageyonderamenable？forImustneedssay，thatatRavenswoodCastle，nowpertainingtomymastertheLordKeeper，yehavenotleftbehindyethemostcompliantsetoftenantry。””Ah！butMr。Lockhard，”repliedCaleb，”yemustconsidertherehasbeenachangeofhands，andtheauldlordmightexpecttwaturnsfraethem，whenthenew-comercannagetane。Adourandfractioussettheywere，thaetenantsofRavenswood，andilltolivewi’whentheydinnakentheirmaster；andifyourmasterputthemmadance，thewholecountrywillnotputthemdown。””Troth，”saidMr。Lockhard，”ansuchbethecase，Ithinkthewisestthingforusa’wadbetohammerupamatchbetweenyouryounglordandourwinsomeyoungleddyup-byethere；andSirWilliammightjuststitchyourauldbaronytohergown-sleeve，andhewadsunecuitleanotherouto’somebodyelse，sicalangheadashehas。”
　　Calebshookhishead。”Iwish，”hesaid——”Iwishthatmayanswer，Mr。Lockhard。ThereareauldpropheciesaboutthishouseIwadlikeilltoseefulfilledwi’myauldeen，thathasseenevileneughalready。””Pshaw！nevermindfreits，”saidhisbrotherbutler；”iftheyoungfolklikedaneanither，theywadmakeawinsomecouple。
　　But，tosaytruth，thereisaleddysitsinourhall-neuk，maunhaveherhandinthatasweelasineveryotherjob。Butthere’snoharmindrinkingtotheirhealths，andIwillfillMrs。MysieacupofMr。Girder’scanary。”
　　Whiletheythusenjoyedthemselvesinthekitchen，thecompanyinthehallwerenotlesspleasantlyengaged。SosoonasRavenswoodhaddeterminedupongivingtheLordKeepersuchhospitalityashehadtooffer，hedeemeditincumbentonhimtoassumetheopenandcourteousbrowofawell-pleasedhost。Ithasbeenoftenremarked，thatwhenamancommencesbyactingacharacter，hefrequentlyendsbyadoptingitingoodearnest。Inthecourseofanhourortwo，Ravenswood，tohisownsurprise，foundhimselfinthesituationofonewhofranklydoeshisbesttoentertainwelcomeandhonouredguests。HowmuchofthischangeinhisdispositionwastobeascribedtothebeautyandsimplicityofMissAshton，tothereadinesswithwhichsheaccommodatedherselftotheinconveniencesofhersituation；howmuchtothesmoothandplausibleconversationoftheLordKeeper，remarkablygiftedwiththosewordswhichwintheear，mustbelefttothereader’singenuitytoconjecture。ButRavenswoodwasinsensibletoneither。
　　TheLordKeeperwasaveteranstatesman，wellacquaintedwithcourtsandcabinets，andintimatewithallthevariousturnsofpublicaffairsduringthelasteventfulyearsofthe17thcentury。Hecouldtalk，fromhisownknowledge，ofmenandevents，inawaywhichfailednottowinattention，andhadthepeculiarart，whileheneversaidawordwhichcommittedhimself，atthesametimetopersuadethehearerthathewasspeakingwithouttheleastshadowofscrupulouscautionorreserve。
　　Ravenswood，inspiteofhisprejudicesandrealgroundsofresentment，felthimselfatonceamusedandinstructedinlisteningtohim，whilethestatesman，whoseinwardfeelingshadatfirstsomuchimpededhiseffortstomakehimselfknown，hadnowregainedalltheeaseandfluencyofasilver-tonguedlawyeroftheveryhighestorder。
　　Hisdaughterdidnotspeakmuch，butshesmiled；andwhatshedidsayarguedasubmissivegentleness，andadesiretogivepleasure，which，toaproudmanlikeRavenswood，wasmorefascinatingthanthemostbrilliantwit。Aboveall，hecouldnotbeobservethat，whetherfromgratitudeorfromsomeothermotive，hehimself，inhisdesertedandunprovidedhall，wasasmuchtheobjectofrespectfulattentiontohisguestsashewouldhavebeenwhensurroundedbyalltheappliancesandmeansofhospitalitypropertohishighbirth。Alldeficienciespassedunobserved，or，iftheydidnotescapenotice，itwastopraisethesubstituteswhichCalebhadcontrivedtosupplythewantoftheusualaccommodations。Whereasmilewasunavoidable，itwasaverygood-humouredone，andoftencoupledwithsomewell-turnedcompliment，toshowhowmuchtheguestsesteemedthemeritsoftheirnoblehost，howlittletheythoughtoftheinconvenienceswithwhichtheyweresurrounded。Iamnotsurewhethertheprideofbeingfoundtooutbalance，invirtueofhisownpersonalmerit，allthedisadvantagesoffortune，didnotmakeasfavourableanimpressionuponthehaughtyheartoftheMasterofRavenswoodastheconversationofthefatherandthebeautyofLucyAshton。
　　Thehourofreposearrived。TheKeeperandhisdaughterretiredtotheirapartments，whichwere”decored”moreproperlythancouldhavebeenanticipated。Inmakingthenecessaryarrangements，Mysiehadindeedenjoyedtheassistanceofagossipwhohadarrivedfromthevillageuponanexploratoryexpedition，buthadbeenarrestedbyCaleb，andimpressedintothedomesticdrudgeryoftheevening；sothat，insteadofreturninghometodescribethedressandpersonofthegrandyounglady，shefoundherselfcompelledtobeactiveinthedomesticeconomyofWolf’sCrag。
　　Accordingtothecustomofthetime，theMasterofRavenswoodattendedtheLordKeepertohisapartment，followedbyCaleb，whoplacedonthetable，withalltheceremonialsduetotorchesofwax，tworudely-framedtallow-candles，suchasinthosedayswereonlyusedbythepeasantry，hoopedinpaltryclaspsofwire，whichservedforcandlesticks。Hethendisappeared，andpresentlyenteredwithtwoearthenflagonsthechina，hesaid，hadbeenlittleusedsincemylady’stime，onefilledwithcanarywine，theotherwithbrandy。Thecanarysack，unheedingallprobabilitiesofdetection，hedeclaredhadbeentwentyyearsinthecellarsofWolf’sCrag，”thoughitwasnotforhimtospeakbeforetheirhonours；thebrandy——itwasweel-
　　kenn’dliquor，asmildasmeadandasstrongasSampson；ithadbeeninthehouseeversincethememorablerevel，inwhichauldMicklestobhadbeenslainattheheadofthestairbyJamieofJenklebrae，onaccountofthehonouroftheworshipfulLadyMuirend，whawasinsomesortanallyofthefamily；natheless——””Buttocutthatmattershort，Mr。Caleb，”saidtheKeeper，”perhapsyouwillfavourmewithaewerofwater。””Godforbidyourlordshipshoulddrinkwaterinthisfamily，”repliedCaleb，”tothedisgraceofsohonourableanhouse！””Nevertheless，ifhislordshiphaveafancy，”saidtheMaster，smiling，”Ithinkyoumightindulgehim；for，ifImistakenot，therehasbeenwaterdrankhereatnodistantdate，andwithgoodrelishtoo。””Tobesure，ifhislordshiphasafancy，”saidCaleb；andre-
　　enteringwithajugofpureelement——”HewillscarcefindsuchwateronywhereasisdrawnfraethewellatWolf’sCrag；
　　nevertheless——””Nevertheless，wemustleavetheLordKeepertohisreposeinthispoorchamberofours，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，interruptinghistalkativedomestic，whoimmediatelyturningtothedoorway，withaprofoundreverence，preparedtousherhismasterfromthesecretchamber。
　　ButtheLordKeeperpreventedhishost’sdeparture——”IhavebutonewordtosaytotheMasterofRavenswood，Mr。Caleb，andI
　　fancyhewillexcuseyourwaiting。”
　　Withasecondreverence，lowerthantheformer，Calebwithdrew；
　　andhismasterstoodmotionless，expecting，withconsiderableembarrassment，whatwastoclosetheeventsofadayfraughtwithunexpectedincidents。”MasterofRavenswood，”saidSirWilliamAshton，withsomeembarrassment，”IhopeyouunderstandtheChristianlawtoowelltosufferthesuntosetuponyouranger。”
　　TheMasterblushedandreplied，”HehadnooccasionthateveningtoexercisethedutyenjoineduponhimbyhisChristianfaith。””Ishouldhavethoughtotherwise，”saidhisguest，”consideringthevarioussubjectsofdisputeandlitigationwhichhaveunhappilyoccurredmorefrequentlythanwasdesirableornecessarybetwixtthelatehonourablelord，yourfather，andmyself。””Icouldwish，mylord，”saidRavenswood，agitatedbysuppressedemotion，”thatreferencetothesecircumstancesshouldbemadeanywhereratherthanundermyfather’sroof。””Ishouldhavefeltthedelicacyofthisappealatanothertime，”saidSirWilliamAshton，”butnowImustproceedwithwhatImeantosay。Ihavesufferedtoomuchinmyownmind，fromthefalsedelicacywhichpreventedmysolicitingwithearnestness，whatindeedIfrequentlyrequested，apersonalcommuningwithyourfather:muchdistressofmindtohimandtomemighthavebeenprevented。””Itistrue，”saidRavenswood，afteramoment’sreflection，”I
　　haveheardmyfathersayyourlordshiphadproposedapersonalinterview。””Proposed，mydearMaster？Ididindeedproposeit；butIoughttohavebegged，entreated，beseechedit。Ioughttohavetornawaytheveil，whichinterestedpersonshadstretchedbetwixtus，andshownmyselfasIwas，willingtosacrificeaconsiderablepartevenofmylegalrights，inordertoconciliatefeelingssonaturalashismustbeallowedtohavebeen。Letmesayformyself，myyoungfriend，forsoIwillcallyou，thathadyourfatherandIspentthesametimetogetherwhichmygoodfortunehasallowedmeto-daytopassinyourcompany，itispossiblethelandmightyethaveenjoyedoneofthemostrespectableofitsancientnobility，andIshouldhavebeensparedthepainofpartinginenmityfromapersonwhosegeneralcharacterIsomuchadmiredandhonoured。”
　　Heputhishandkerchieftohiseyes。Ravenswoodalsowasmoved，butawaitedinsilencetheprogressofthisextraordinarycommunication。”Itisnecessary，”continuedtheLordKeeper，”andproperthatyoushouldunderstand，thattherehavebeenmanypointsbetwixtus，inwhich，althoughIjudgeditproperthatthereshouldbeanexactascertainmentofmylegalrightsbythedecreeofacourtofjustice，yetitwasnevermyintentiontopressthembeyondthevergeofequity。””Mylord，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，”itisunnecessarytopursuethistopicfarther。Whatthelawwillgiveyou，orhasgivenyou，youenjoy——oryoushallenjoy；neithermyfathernorImyselfwouldhavereceivedanythingonthefootingoffavour。””Favour！No，youmisunderstandme，”resumedtheKeeper；”orratheryouarenolawyer。Arightmaybegoodinlaw，andascertainedtobeso，whichyetamanofhonourmaynotineverycasecaretoavailhimselfof。””Iamsorryforit，mylord，”saidtheMaster。”Nay，nay，”retortedhisguest，”youspeaklikeayoungcounsellor；yourspiritgoesbeforeyourwit。Therearemanythingsstillopenfordecisionbetwixtus。Canyoublameme，anoldmandesirousofpeace，andinthecastleofayoungnoblemanwhohassavedmydaughter’slifeandmyown，thatIamdesirous，anxiouslydesirous，thattheseshouldbesettledonthemostliberalprinciples？”
　　TheoldmankeptfastholdoftheMaster’spassivehandashespoke，andmadeitimpossibleforhim，behispredeterminationwhatitwould，toreturnanyotherthananacquiescentreply；andwishinghisguestgood-night，hepostponedfartherconferenceuntilthenextmorning。
　　Ravenswoodhurriedintothehall，wherehewastospendthenight，andforatimetraverseditspavementwithadisorderedandrapidpace。Hismortalfoewasunderhisroof，yethissentimentstowardshimwereneitherthoseofafeudalenemynorofatrueChristian。Hefeltasifhecouldneitherforgivehimintheonecharacter，norfollowforthhisvengeanceintheother，butthathewasmakingabaseanddishonourablecompositionbetwixthisresentmentagainstthefatherandhisaffectionforhisdaughter。Hecursedhimself，ashehurriedtoandfrointhepalemoonlight，andmoreruddygleamsoftheexpiringwood-fire。Hethrewopenandshutthelatticedwindowswithviolence，asifalikeimpatientoftheadmissionandexclusionoffreeair。Atlength，however，thetorrentofpassionfoamedoffitsmadness，andheflunghimselfintothechairwhichheproposedashisplaceofreposeforthenight。”If，inreality，”suchwerethecalmerthoughtsthatfollowedthefirsttempestofhispasion——”if，inreality，thismandesiresnomorethanthelawallowshim——ifheiswillingtoadjustevenhisacknowledgedrightsuponanequitablefooting，whatcouldbemyfather’scauseofcomplaint？——whatismine？
　　Thosefromwhowewonourancientpossessionsfellundertheswordofmyancestors，andleftlandsandlivingstotheconquerors；wesinkundertheforceofthelaw，nowtoopowerfulfortheScottishcavalry。Letusparleywiththevictorsoftheday，asifwehadbeenbesiegedinourfortress，andwithouthopeofrelief。ThismanmaybeotherthanIhavethoughthim；andhisdaughter——butIhaveresolvednottothinkofher。”
　　Hewrapthiscloakaroundhim，fellasleep，anddreamedofLucyAshtontilldaylightgleamedthroughthelattices。
　　CHAPTERXV。
　　Weworldlymen，whenweseefriendsandkinsmenPasthopesunkintheirfortunes，lendnohandToliftthemup，butrathersetourfeetUpontheirheadstopressthemtothebottom，AsImustyieldwithyouIpractisedit；
　　ButnowIseeyouinawaytorise，Icanandwillassistyou。
　　NewWaytoPayOldDebts。
　　THELordKeepercarriedwithhim，toacouchharderthanhewasaccustomedtostretchhimselfupon，thesameambitiousthoughtsandpoliticalperplexitieswhichdrivesleepfromthesoftestdownthateverspreadabedofstate。Hehadsailedlongenoughamidthecontendingtidesandcurrentsofthetimetobesensibleoftheirperil，andofthenecessityoftrimminghisvesseltotheprevailingwind，ifhewouldhaveherescapeshipwreckinthestorm。Thenatureofhistalents，andthetimorousnessofdispositionconnectedwiththem，hadmadehimassumethepliabilityoftheversatileoldEarlofNorthampton，whoexplainedtheartbywhichhekepthisgroundduringallthechangesofstate，fromthereignofHenryVIII。tothatofElizabeth，bythefrankavowal，thathewasbornofthewillow，notoftheoak。IthadaccordinglybeenSirWilliamAshton’spolicy，onalloccasions，towatchthechangesinthepoliticalhorizon，and，ereyettheconflictwasdecided，tonegotiatesomeinterestforhimselfwiththepartymostlikelytoprovevictorious。Histime-servingdispositionwaswell-known，andexcitedthecontemptofthemoredaringleadersofbothfactionsinthestate。Buthistalentswereofausefulandpracticalkind，andhislegalknowledgeheldinhighestimation；andtheysofarcounterbalancedotherdeficienciesthatthoseinpowerweregladtouseandtoreward，thoughwithoutabsolutelytrustingorgreatingrespecting，him。
　　TheMarquisofA——hadusedhisutmostinfluencetoeffectachangeintheScottishcabinet，andhisschemeshadbeenoflatesowelllaidandsoablysupported，thatthereappearedaverygreatchanceofhisprovingultimatelysuccessful。Hedidnot，however，feelsostrongorsoconfidentastoneglectanymeansofdrawingrecruitstohisstandard。TheacquisitionoftheLordKeeperwasdeemedofsomeimportance，andafriend，perfectlyacquaintedwithhiscircumstancesandcharacter，becameresponsibleforhispoliticalconversion。
　　WhenthisgentlemanarrivedatRavenswoodCastleuponavisit，therealpurposeofwhichwasdisguisedundergeneralcourtesy，hefoundtheprevailingfearwhichatpresentbesettheLordKeeperwasthatofdangertohisownpersonfromtheMasterofRavenswood。Thelanguagewhichtheblindsibyl，OldAlice，hadused；thesuddenappearanceoftheMaster，armed，andwithinhisprecincts，immediatelyafterhehadbeenwarnedagainstdangerfromhim；thecoldandhaughtyreturnreceivedinexchangefortheacknowledgmentswithwhichheloadedhimforhistimelyprotection，hadallmadeastrongimpressiononhisimagination。
　　SosoonastheMarquis’spoliticalagentfoundhowthewindsate，hebegantoinsinuatefearsanddoubtsofanotherkind，scarcelesscalculatedtoaffecttheLordKeeper。Heinquiredwithseeminginterest，whethertheproceedingsinSirWilliam’scomplicatedlitigationwiththeRavenswoodfamilywereoutofcourt，andsettledwithoutthepossibilityofappeal。TheLordKeeperansweredintheaffirmative；buthisinterrogatorwastoowellinformedtobeimposedupon。Hepointedouttohim，byunanswerablearguments，thatsomeofthemostimportantpointswhichhadbeendecidedinhisfavouragainstthehouseofRavenswoodwereliable，undertheTreatyofUnion，tobereviewedbytheBritishHouseofPeers，acourtofequityofwhichtheLordKeeperfeltaninstinctivedread。ThiscoursecameinsteadofanappealtotheoldScottishParliament，or，asitwastechnicallytermed，”aprotestationforremeidinlaw。”
　　TheLordKeeper，afterhehadforsometimedisputedthelegalityofsuchaproceeding，wascompelled，atlength，tocomforthimselfwiththeimprobabilityoftheyoungMasterofRavenswood’sfindingfriendsinparliamentcapableofstirringinsoweightyanaffair。”Donotcomfortyourselfwiththatfalsehope，”saidhiswilyfriend；”itispossiblethat，inthenextsessionofParliament，youngRavenswoodmayfindmorefriendsandfavoureventhanyourlordship。””Thatwouldbeasightworthseeing，”saidtheKeeper，scornfully。”Andyet，”saidhisfriend，”suchthingshavebeenseenerenow，andinourowntime。Therearemanyattheheadofaffairsevennowthatafewyearsagowereunderhidingfortheirlives；andmanyamannowdinesonplateofsilverthatwasfaintoeathiscrowdywithoutabicker；andmanyahighheadhasbeenbroughtfulllowamongusinasshortaspace。ScottofScotsarvet’sStaggeringStateofScotsStatesmen，ofwhichcuriousmemoiryoushowedmeamanuscript，hasbeenoutstaggeredinourtime。”
　　TheLordKeeperansweredwithadeepsigh，”ThatthesemutationswerenonewsightsinScotland，andhadbeenwitnessedlongbeforethetimeofthesatiricalauthorhehadquoted。Itwasmanyalongyear，”hesaid，”sinceFordunhadquotedasanancientproverb，’Nequedives，nequefortis，sednecsapiensScotus，praedominanteinvidia，diudurabitinterra。’””Andbeassured，myesteemedfriend，”wastheanswer，”thatevenyourlongservicestothestate，ordeeplegalknowledge，willnotsaveyou，orrenderyourestatestable，iftheMarquisofA——
　　comesinwithapartyintheBritishParliament。YouknowthatthedeceasedLordRavenswoodwashisnearally，hisladybeingfifthindescentfromtheKnightofTillibardine；andIamwellassuredthathewilltakeyoungRavenswoodbythehand，andbehisverygoodlordandkinsman。Whyshouldhenot？TheMasterisanactiveandstirringyoungfellow，abletohelphimselfwithtongueandhands；anditissuchashethatfindsfriendsamongtheirkindred，andnotthoseunarmedandunableMephiboshethsthataresuretobeaburdentoeveryonethattakesthemup。Andso，iftheseRavenswoodcasesbecalledoverthecoalsintheHouseofPeers，youwillfindthattheMarquiswillhaveacrowtopluckwithyou。””Thatwouldbeanevilrequital，”saidtheLordKeeper，”formylongservicestothestate，andtheancientrespectinwhichI
　　haveheldhislordship’shonourablefamilyandperson。””Ay，but，”rejoinedtheagentoftheMarquis，”itisinvaintolookbackonpastserviceandauldrespect，mylord；itwillbepresentserviceandimmediateproofsofregardwhich，intheseslidderytimes，willbeexpectedbyamanliketheMarquis。”
　　TheLordKeepernowsawthefulldriftofhisfriend’sargument，buthewastoocautioustoreturnanypositiveanswer。”Heknewnot，”hesaid，”theservicewhichtheLordMarquiscouldexpectfromoneofhislimitedabilities，thathadnotalwaysstoodathiscommand，stillsavingandreservinghisdutytohiskingandcountry。”
　　Havingthussaidnothing，whileheseemedtosayeverything，fortheexceptionwascalculatedtocoverwhateverhemightafterwardsthinkpropertobringunderit，SirWilliamAshtonchangedtheconversation，nordidheagainpermitthesametopictobeintroduced。Hisguestdeparted，withouthavingbroughtthewilyoldstatesmanthelengthofcommittinghimself，orofpledginghimselftoanyfuturelineofconduct，butwiththecertaintythathehadalarmedhisfearsinamostsensiblepoint，andlaidafoundationforfutureandfarthertreaty。
　　WhenherenderedanaccountofhisnegotiationtotheMarquis，theybothagreedthattheKeeperoughtnottobepermittedtorelapseintosecurity，andthatheshouldbepliedwithnewsubjectsofalarm，especiallyduringtheabsenceofhislady。Theywerewellawarethatherproud，vindictive，andpredominatingspiritwouldbelikelytosupplyhimwiththecourageinwhichhewasdeficient；thatshewasimmovablyattachedtothepartynowinpower，withwhomshemaintainedaclosecorrespondenceandalliance；andthatshehated，withoutfearing，theRavenswoodfamilywhosemoreancientdignitythrewdiscreditonthenewlyacquiredgrandeurofherhusbandtosuchadegreethatshewouldhaveperilledtheinterestofherownhousetohavetheprospectofaltogethercrushingthatofherenemy。
　　ButLadyAshtonwasnowabsent。ThebusinesswhichhadlongdetainedherinEdinburghhadafterwardsinducedhertotraveltoLondon，notwithoutthehopethatshemightcontributehersharetodisconcerttheintriguesoftheMarquisatcourt；forshestoodhighinfavourwiththecelebratedSarahDuchesssofMarlborough，towhom，inpointofcharacter，sheboreconsiderableresemblance。Itwasnecessarytopressherhusbandhardbeforeherreturn；and，asapreparatorystep，theMarquiswrotetotheMasterofRavenswoodtheletterwhichwerehearsedinaformerchapter。Itwascautiouslyworded，soastoleaveitinthepowerofthewriterhereaftertotakeasdeeporasslightaninterestinthefortunesofhiskinsmenastheprogressofhisownschemesmightrequire。Buthoweverunwilling，asastatesman，theMarquismightbetocommithimself，orassumethecharacterofapatron，whilehehadnothingtogiveaway，itmustbesaidtohishonourthathefeltastronginclinationeffectuallytobefriendtheMasterofRavenswood，aswellastousehisnameasameansofalarmingtheterrorsoftheLordKeeper。
　　AsthemessengerwhocarriedthisletterwastopassnearthehouseoftheLordKeeper，hehaditindirectionthat，inthevillageadjoiningtothepark-gateofthecastle，hishorseshouldloseashoe，andthat，whileitwasreplacedbythesmithoftheplace，heshouldexpresstheutmostregretforthenecessarylossoftime，andinthevehemenceofhisimpatiencegiveittobeunderstoodthathewasbearingamessagefromtheMarquisofA——totheMasterofRavenswooduponamatteroflifeanddeath。
　　Thisnews，withexaggerations，wasspeedilycarriedfromvariousquarterstotheearsoftheLordKeeper，andeachreporterdweltupontheextremeimpatienceofthecourier，andthesurprisingshorttimeinwhichhehadexecutedhisjourney。
　　Theanxiousstatesmanheardinsilence；butinprivateLockhardreceivedorderstowatchthecourieronhisreturn，towaylayhiminthevillage，toplyhimwithliquor，ifpossible，andtouseallmeans，fairorfoul，tolearnthecontentsoftheletterofwhichhewasthebearer。Butasthisplothadbeenforeseen，themessengerreturnedbyadifferentanddistantroad，andthusescapedthesnarethatwaslaidforhim。
　　Afterhehadbeeninvainexpectedforsometime，Mr。DingwallhadorderstomadeespecialinquiryamonghisclientsofWolf’sHope，whethersuchadomesticbelongingtotheMarquisofA——
　　hadactuallyarrivedattheneighbouringcastle。Thiswaseasilyascertained；forCalebhadbeeninthevillageonemorningbyfiveo’clock，toborrow”twachappinsofaleandakipper”forthemessenger’srefreshment，andthepoorfellowhadbeenillfortwenty-fourhoursatLuckieSma’trash’s，inconsequenceofdiningupon”sautsaumonandsourdrink。”SothattheexistenceofacorrespondencebetwixttheMarquisandhisdistressedkinsman，whichSirWilliamAshtonhadsometimestreatedasabugbear，wasprovedbeyondthepossibilityoffurtherdoubt。