SeveralofthegentlemenwhotookpartinthisdivanwereCatholics，andallofthemstanchJacobites，whosehopeswereatpresentatthehighestpitch，asaninvasion，infavourofthePretender，wasdailyexpectedfromFrance，whichScotland，betweenthedefencelessstateofitsgarrisonsandfortifiedplaces，andthegeneraldisaffectionoftheinhabitants，wasratherpreparedtowelcomethantoresist。Ratcliffe，whoneithersoughttoassistattheirconsultationsonthissubject，norwasinvitedtodoso，had，inthemeanwhile，retiredtohisownapartment。MissIldertonwassequesteredfromsocietyinasortofhonourableconfinement，\"until，\"saidMr。Vere，\"sheshouldbesafelyconveyedhometoherfather’shouse，\"anopportunityforwhichoccurredonthefollowingday。
ThedomesticscouldnothelpthinkingitremarkablehowsoonthelossofMissVere，andthestrangemannerinwhichithadhappened，seemedtobeforgottenbytheotherguestsatthecastle。Theyknewnot，thatthosethemostinterestedinherfatewerewellacquaintedwiththecauseofherbeingcarriedoff，andtheplaceofherretreat；andthattheothers，intheanxiousanddoubtfulmomentswhichprecededthebreakingforthofaconspiracy，werelittleaccessibletoanyfeelingsbutwhataroseimmediatelyoutoftheirownmachinations。
CHAPTERXII。
Someoneway，someanother——DoyouknowWherewemayapprehendher？
TheresearchesafterMissVerewere（forthesakeofappearances，perhaps）resumedonthesucceedingday，withsimilarbadsuccess，andthepartywerereturningtowardsEllieslawintheevening。
\"Itissingular，\"saidMareschaltoRatcliffe，\"thatfourhorsemenandafemaleprisonershouldhavepassedthroughthecountrywithoutleavingtheslightesttraceoftheirpassage。
Onewouldthinktheyhadtraversedtheair，orsunkthroughtheground。\"
\"Menmayoften，\"answeredRatcliffe，\"arriveattheknowledgeofthatwhichis，fromdiscoveringthatwhichisnot。Wehavenowscouredeveryroad，path，andtrackleadingfromthecastle，inallthevariouspointsofthecompass，savingonlythatintricateanddifficultpasswhichleadssouthwarddowntheWestburn，andthroughthemorasses。\"
\"Andwhyhavewenotexaminedthat？\"saidMareschal。
\"O，Mr。Verecanbestanswerthatquestion，\"repliedhiscompanion，dryly。
\"ThenIwillaskitinstantly，\"saidMareschal；and，addressingMr。Vere，\"Iaminformed，sir，\"saidhe，\"thereisapathwehavenotexamined，leadingbyWestburnflat。\"
\"O，\"saidSirFrederick，laughing，\"weknowtheownerofWestburnflatwell——awildlad，thatknowslittledifferencebetweenhisneighbour’sgoodsandhisown；but，withal，veryhonesttohisprinciples：hewoulddisturbnothingbelongingtoEllieslaw。\"
\"Besides，\"saidMr。Vere，smilingmysteriously，\"hehadothertowonhisdistafflastnight。HaveyounotheardyoungElliotoftheHeugh-foothashadhishouseburnt，andhiscattledrivenaway，becauseherefusedtogiveuphisarmstosomehonestmenthatthinkofstartingfortheking？\"
Thecompanysmileduponeachother，asathearingofanexploitwhichfavouredtheirownviews。
\"Yet，nevertheless，\"resumedMareschal，\"Ithinkweoughttorideinthisdirectionalso，otherwiseweshallcertainlybeblamedforournegligence。\"
Noreasonableobjectioncouldbeofferedtothisproposal，andthepartyturnedtheirhorses’headstowardsWestburnflat。
Theyhadnotproceededveryfarinthatdirectionwhenthetramplingofhorseswasheard，andasmallbodyofriderswereperceivedadvancingtomeetthem。
\"TherecomesEarnscliff，\"saidMareschal；\"Iknowhisbrightbaywiththestarinhisfront。\"
\"Andthereismydaughteralongwithhim，\"exclaimedVere，furiously。\"Whoshallcallmysuspicionsfalseorinjuriousnow？
Gentlemen——friends——lendmetheassistanceofyourswordsfortherecoveryofmychild。\"
Heunsheathedhisweapon，andwasimitatedbySirFrederickandseveraloftheparty，whopreparedtochargethosethatwereadvancingtowardsthem。Butthegreaterparthesitated。
\"Theycometousinallpeaceandsecurity，\"saidMareschal-
Wells；\"letusfirsthearwhataccounttheygiveusofthismysteriousaffair。IfMissVerehassustainedtheslightestinsultorinjuryfromEarnscliff，Iwillbefirsttorevengeher；
butletushearwhattheysay。\"
\"Youdomewrongbyyoursuspicions，Mareschal，\"continuedVere；
\"youarethelastIwouldhaveexpectedtohearexpressthem。\"
\"Youinjureyourself，Ellieslaw，byyourviolence，thoughthecausemayexcuseit。\"
Hethenadvancedalittlebeforetherest，andcalledout，withaloudvoice，——\"Stand，Mr。Earnscliff；ordoyouandMissVereadvancealonetomeetus。Youarechargedwithhavingcarriedthatladyofffromherfather’shouse；andwearehereinarmstoshedourbestbloodforherrecovery，andforbringingtojusticethosewhohaveinjuredher。\"
\"AndwhowoulddothatmorewillinglythanI，Mr。Mareschal？\"
saidEarnscliff，haughtily，——\"thanI，whohadthesatisfactionthismorningtoliberateherfromthedungeoninwhichIfoundherconfined，andwhoamnowescortingherbacktotheCastleofEllieslaw？\"
\"Isthisso，MissVere？\"saidMareschal。
\"Itis，\"answeredIsabella，eagerly，——\"itisso；forHeaven’ssakesheatheyourswords。Iwillswearbyallthatissacred，thatIwascarriedoffbyruffians，whosepersonsandobjectwerealikeunknowntome，andamnowrestoredtofreedombymeansofthisgentleman’sgallantinterference。\"
\"Bywhom，andwherefore，couldthishavebeendone？\"pursuedMareschal。——\"Hadyounoknowledgeoftheplacetowhichyouwereconveyed？——Earnscliff，wheredidyoufindthislady？\"
Butereeitherquestioncouldbeanswered，Ellieslawadvanced，and，returninghisswordtothescabbard，cutshorttheconference。
\"WhenIknow，\"hesaid，\"exactlyhowmuchIowetoMr。
Earnscliff，hemayrelyonsuitableacknowledgments；meantime，\"
takingthebridleofMissVere’shorse，\"thusfarIthankhimforreplacingmydaughterinthepowerofhernaturalguardian。\"
AsullenbendoftheheadwasreturnedbyEarnscliffwithequalhaughtiness；andEllieslaw，turningbackwithhisdaughterupontheroadtohisownhouse，appearedengagedwithherinaconferencesoearnest，thattherestofthecompanyjudgeditimpropertointrudebyapproachingthemtoonearly。Inthemeantime，Earnscliff，ashetookleaveoftheothergentlemenbelongingtoEllieslaw’sparty，saidaloud，\"AlthoughIamunconsciousofanycircumstanceinmyconductthatcanauthorizesuchasuspicion，Icannotbutobserve，thatMr。VereseemstobelievethatIhavehadsomehandintheatrociousviolencewhichhasbeenofferedtohisdaughter。Irequestyou，gentlemen，totakenoticeofmyexplicitdenialofachargesodishonourable；
andthat，althoughIcanpardonthebewilderingfeelingsofafatherinsuchamoment，yet，ifanyothergentleman\"（helookedhardatSirFrederickLangley）\"thinksmywordandthatofMissVere，withtheevidenceofmyfriendswhoaccompanyme，tooslightformyexculpation，Iwillbehappy——mosthappy——torepelthecharge，asbecomesamanwhocountshishonourdearerthanhislife。\"
\"AndI’llbehissecond，\"saidSimonofHackburn，\"andtakeuponytwao’ye，gentleorsemple，lairdorloon；it’sa’anetoSimon。\"
\"Whoisthatrough-lookingfellow？\"saidSirFrederickLangley，\"andwhathashetodowiththequarrelsofgentlemen？\"
\"I’sebealadfraetheHieTe’iot，\"saidSimon，\"andI’sequarrelwi’onybodyIlike，excepttheking，orthelairdIliveunder。\"
\"Come，\"said；Mareschal，\"letushavenobrawls。——Mr。Earnscliff；
althoughwedonotthinkalikeinsomethings，Itrustwemaybeopponents，evenenemies，iffortunewillhaveitso，withoutlosingourrespectforbirth，fair-play，andeachother。I
believeyouasinnocentofthismatterasIammyself；andIwillpledgemyselfthatmycousinEllieslaw，assoonastheperplexityattendingthesesuddeneventshaslefthisjudgmenttoitsfreeexercise，shallhandsomelyacknowledgetheveryimportantserviceyouhavethisdayrenderedhim。\"
\"Tohaveservedyourcousinisasufficientrewardinitself——
Goodevening，gentlemen，\"continuedEarnscliff；\"IseemostofyourpartyarealreadyontheirwaytoEllieslaw。\"
ThensalutingMareschalwithcourtesy，andtherestofthepartywithindifference，EarnscliffturnedhishorseandrodetowardstheHeugh-foot，toconcertmeasureswithHobbieElliotforfartherresearchesafterhisbride，ofwhoserestorationtoherfriendshewasstillignorant。
\"Therehegoes，\"saidMareschal；\"heisafine，gallantyoungfellow，uponmysoul；andyetIshouldlikewelltohaveathrustwithhimonthegreenturf。Iwasreckonedatcollegenearlyhisequalwiththefoils，andIshouldliketotryhimatsharps。\"
\"Inmyopinion，\"answeredSirFrederickLangley，\"wehavedoneveryillinhavingsufferedhim，andthosemenwhoarewithhim，togooffwithouttakingawaytheirarms；fortheWhigsareverylikelytodrawtoaheadundersuchasprightlyyoungfellowasthat。\"
\"Forshame，SirFrederick！\"exclaimedMareschal；\"doyouthinkthatEllieslawcould，inhonour，consenttoanyviolencebeingofferedtoEarnscliff；whenheenteredhisboundsonlytobringbackhisdaughter？or，ifheweretobeofyouropinion，doyouthinkthatI，andtherestofthesegentlemen，woulddisgraceourselvesbyassistinginsuchatransaction？No，no，fairplayandauldScotlandforever！Whentheswordisdrawn，Iwillbeasreadytouseitasanyman；butwhileitisinthesheath，letusbehavelikegentlemenandneighbours。\"
Soonafterthiscolloquytheyreachedthecastle，whenEllieslaw，whohadbeenarrivedafewminutesbefore，mettheminthecourt-
yard。
\"HowisMissVere？andhaveyoulearnedthecauseofherbeingcarriedoff？\"askedMareschalhastily。
\"Sheisretiredtoherapartmentgreatlyfatigued；andIcannotexpectmuchlightuponheradventuretillherspiritsaresomewhatrecruited，\"repliedherfather。\"SheandIwerenotthelessobligedtoyou，Mareschal，andtomyotherfriends，fortheirkindenquiries。ButImustsuppressthefather’sfeelingsforawhiletogivemyselfuptothoseofthepatriot。Youknowthisisthedayfixedforourfinaldecision——timepresses——ourfriendsarearriving，andIhaveopenedhouse，notonlyforthegentry，butfortheunderspur-leatherswhomwemustnecessarilyemploy。Wehave，therefore，littletimetopreparetomeetthem。——Lookovertheselists，Marchie（anabbreviationbywhichMareschal-Wellswasknownamonghisfriends）。Doyou，SirFrederick，readtheselettersfromLothianandthewest——allisripeforthesickle，andwehavebuttosummonoutthereapers。\"
\"Withallmyheart，\"saidMareschal；\"themoremischiefthebettersport。\"
SirFredericklookedgraveanddisconcerted。
\"Walkasidewithme，mygoodfriend，\"saidEllieslawtothesombrebaronet；\"Ihavesomethingforyourprivateear，withwhichIknowyouwillbegratified。\"
Theywalkedintothehouse，leavingRatcliffeandMareschalstandingtogetherinthecourt。
\"Andso，\"saidRatcliffe，\"thegentlemenofyourpoliticalpersuasionthinkthedownfallofthisgovernmentsocertain，thattheydisdaineventothrowadecentdisguiseoverthemachinationsoftheirparty？\"
\"Faith，Mr。Ratcliffe，\"answeredMareschal，\"theactionsandsentimentsYOURfriendsmayrequiretobeveiled，butIambetterpleasedthatourscangobarefaced。\"
\"Andisitpossible，\"continuedRatcliffe，\"thatyou，who，notwithstandingpourthoughtlessnessandheatoftemper（Ibegpardon，Mr。Mareschal，Iamaplainman）——thatyou，who，notwithstandingtheseconstitutionaldefects，possessnaturalgoodsenseandacquiredinformation，shouldbeinfatuatedenoughtoembroilyourselfinsuchdesperateproceedings？Howdoesyourheadfeelwhenyouareengagedinthesedangerousconferences？\"
\"Notquitesosecureonmyshoulders，\"answeredMareschal，\"asifIweretalkingofhuntingandhawking。IamnotofsoindifferentamouldasmycousinEllieslaw，whospeakstreasonasifitwereachild’snurseryrhymes，andlosesandrecoversthatsweetgirl，hisdaughter，withagooddeallessemotiononbothoccasions，thanwouldhaveaffectedmehadIlostandrecoveredagreyhoundpuppy。Mytemperisnotquitesoinflexible，normyhateagainstgovernmentsoinveterate，astoblindmetothefulldangeroftheattempt。\"
\"Thenwhyinvolveyourselfinit？\"saidRatcliffe。
\"Why，Ilovethispoorexiledkingwithallmyheart；andmyfatherwasanoldKilliecrankieman，andIlongtoseesomeamendsontheUnionistcourtiers，thathaveboughtandsoldoldScotland，whosecrownhasbeensolongindependent。\"
\"Andforthesakeoftheseshadows，\"saidhismonitor，\"youaregoingtoinvolveyourcountryinwarandyourselfintrouble？\"
\"Iinvolve？No！——but，troublefortrouble，Ihadratheritcameto-morrowthanamonthhence。COME，Iknowitwill；and，asyourcountryfolkssay，bettersoonthansyne——itwillneverfindmeyounger——andasforhanging，asSirJohnFalstaffsays，Icanbecomeagallowsaswellasanother。Youknowtheendoftheoldballad；
\"Saedauntonly，saewantonly，Saerantinglygaedhe，Heplay’daspring，anddancedaround，Beneaththegallowstree。\"
\"Mr。Mareschal，Iamsorryforyou，\"saidhisgraveadviser。
\"Iamobligedtoyou，Mr。Ratcliffe；butIwouldnothaveyoujudgeofourenterprisebymywayofvindicatingit；therearewiserheadsthanmineatthework。\"
\"Wiserheadsthanyoursmaylieaslow，\"saidRatcliffe，inawarningtone。
\"Perhapsso；butnolighterheartshall；and，topreventitbeingmadeheavierbyyourremonstrances，Iwillbidyouadieu，Mr。
Ratcliffe，tilldinner-time，whenyoushallseethatmyapprehensionshavenotspoiledmyappetite。\"
CHAPTERXIII。
TofacethegarmentofrebellionWithsomefinecolour，thatmaypleasetheeyeOfficklechangelings，andpoordiscontents，WhichgapeandrubtheelbowatthenewsOfhurlyburlyinnovation。HENRYTHEFOURTH，PARTII。
TherehadbeengreatpreparationsmadeatEllieslawCastlefortheentertainmentonthisimportantday，whennotonlythegentlemenofnoteintheneighbourhood，attachedtotheJacobiteinterest，wereexpectedtorendezvous，butalsomanysubordinatemalecontents，whomdifficultyofcircumstances，loveofchange，resentmentagainstEngland，oranyofthenumerouscauseswhichinflamedmen’spassionsatthetime，renderedapttojoininperilousenterprise。Themenofrankandsubstancewerenotmanyinnumber；foralmostallthelargeproprietorsstoodaloof，andmostofthesmallergentryandyeomanrywereofthePresbyterianpersuasion，andtherefore，howeverdispleasedwiththeUnion，unwillingtoengageinaJacobiteconspiracy。Butthereweresomegentlemenofproperty，who，eitherfromearlyprinciple，fromreligiousmotives，orsharingtheambitiousviewsofEllieslaw，hadgivencountenancetohisscheme；andtherewere，also，somefieryyoungmen，likeMareschal，desirousofsignalizingthemselvesbyengaginginadangerousenterprise，bywhichtheyhopedtovindicatetheindependenceoftheircountry。
Theothermembersofthepartywerepersonsofinferiorrankanddesperatefortunes，whowerenowreadytoriseinthatpartofthecountry，astheydidafterwardsintheyear1715，underForsterandDerwentwater，whenatroop，commandedbyaBordergentleman，namedDouglas，consistedalmostentirelyoffreebooters，amongwhomthenotoriousLuck-in-a-bag，ashewascalled，heldadistinguishedcommand。Wethinkitnecessarytomentiontheseparticulars，applicablesolelytotheprovinceinwhichourscenelies；because，unquestionably，theJacobiteparty，intheotherpartsofthekingdom，consistedofmuchmoreformidable，aswellasmuchmorerespectable，materials。
OnelongtableextendeditselfdowntheamplehallofEllieslawCastle，whichwasstillleftmuchinthestateinwhichithadbeenonehundredyearsbefore，stretching，thatis，ingloomylength，alongthewholesideofthecastle，vaultedwithribbedarchesoffreestone，thegroinsofwhichsprungfromprojectingfigures，that，carvedintoallthewildformswhichthefantasticimaginationofaGothicarchitectcoulddevise，grinned，frowned，andgnashedtheirtusksattheassemblybelow。Longnarrowwindowslightedthebanquetingroomonbothsides，filledupwithstainedglass，throughwhichthesunemittedaduskyanddiscolouredlight。Abanner，whichtraditionaverredtohavebeentakenfromtheEnglishatthebattleofSark，wavedoverthechairinwhichEllieslawpresided，asiftoinflamethecourageoftheguests，byremindingthemofancientvictoriesovertheirneighbours。Hehimself，aportlyfigure，dressedonthisoccasionwithuncommoncare，andwithfeatures，which，thoughofasternandsinisterexpression，mightwellbetermedhandsome，lookedtheoldfeudalbaronextremelywell。SirFrederickLangleywasplacedonhisrighthand，andMr。MareschalofMareschal-Wellsonhisleft。Somegentlemenofconsideration，withtheirsons，brothers，andnephews，wereseatedattheupperendofthetable，andamongtheseMr。Ratcliffehadhisplace。Beneaththesalt-
cellar（amassivepieceofplatewhichoccupiedthemidstofthetable）satetheSINENOMINETURBA，menwhosevanitywasgratifiedbyholdingeventhissubordinatespaceatthesocialboard，whilethedistinctionobservedinrankingthemwasasalvetotheprideoftheirsuperiors。Thatthelowerhousewasnotveryselectmustbeadmitted，sinceWillieofWestburnflatwasoneoftheparty。Theunabashedaudacityofthisfellow，indaringtopresenthimselfinthehouseofagentleman，towhomhehadjustofferedsoflagrantaninsult，canonlybeaccountedforbysupposinghimconsciousthathisshareincarryingoffMissVerewasasecret，safeinherpossessionandthatofherfather。
Beforethisnumerousandmiscellaneouspartywasplacedadinner，consisting，notindeedofthedelicaciesoftheseason，asthenewspapersexpressit，butofviands，ample，solid，andsumptuous，underwhichtheveryboardgroaned。Butthemirthwasnotinproportiontothegoodcheer。Thelowerendofthetablewere，forsometime，chilledbyconstraintandrespectonfindingthemselvesmembersofsoaugustanassembly；andthosewhowereplacedaroundithadthosefeelingsofawewithwhichP。P。，clerkoftheparish，describeshimselfoppressed，whenhefirstupliftedthepsalminpresenceofthosepersonsofhighworship，thewiseMr。JusticeFreeman，thegoodLadyJones，andthegreatSirThomasTruby。Thisceremoniousfrost，however，soongavewaybeforetheincentivestomerriment，whichwereliberallysupplied，andasliberallyconsumedbytheguestsofthelowerdescription。Theybecametalkative，loud，andevenclamorousintheirmirth。
Butitwasnotinthepowerofwineorbrandytoelevatethespiritsofthosewhoheldthehigherplacesatthebanquet。Theyexperiencedthechillingrevulsionofspiritswhichoftentakesplace，whenmenarecalledupontotakeadesperateresolution，afterhavingplacedthemselvesincircumstanceswhereitisalikedifficulttoadvanceortorecede。Theprecipicelookeddeeperandmoredangerousastheyapproachedthebrink，andeachwaitedwithaninwardemotionofawe，expectingwhichofhisconfederateswouldsettheexamplebyplunginghimselfdown。
Thisinwardsensationoffearandreluctanceacteddifferently，accordingtothevarioushabitsandcharactersofthecompany。
Onelookedgrave；anotherlookedsilly；athirdgazedwithapprehensionontheemptyseatsatthehigherendofthetable，designedformembersoftheconspiracywhoseprudencehadprevailedovertheirpoliticalzeal，andwhohadabsentedthemselvesfromtheirconsultationsatthiscriticalperiod；andsomeseemedtobereckoningupintheirmindsthecomparativerankandprospectsofthosewhowerepresentandabsent。SirFrederickLangleywasreserved，moody，anddiscontented。
Ellieslawhimselfmadesuchforcedeffortstoraisethespiritsofthecompany，asplainlymarkedtheflaggingofhisown。
Ratcliffewatchedthescenewiththecomposureofavigilantbutuninterestedspectator。Mareschalalone，truetothethoughtlessvivacityofhischaracter，ateanddrank，laughedandjested，andseemedeventofindamusementintheembarrassmentofthecompany。
\"Whathasdampedournoblecouragethismorning？\"heexclaimed。
\"Weseemtobemetatafuneral，wherethechiefmournersmustnotspeakabovetheirbreath，whilethemutesandthesaulies（lookingtothelowerendofthetable）arecarousingbelow。
Ellieslaw，whenwillyouLIFT？[ToLIFT，meaningtoliftthecoffin，isthecommonexpressionforcommencingafuneral。]
wheresleepsyourspirit，man？andwhathasquelledthehighhopeoftheKnightofLangley-dale？\"
\"Youspeaklikeamadman，\"saidEllieslaw；\"doyounotseehowmanyareabsent？\"
\"Andwhatofthat？\"saidMareschal。\"Didyounotknowbefore，thatone-halfoftheworldarebettertalkersthandoers？Formypart，Iammuchencouragedbyseeingatleasttwo-thirdsofourfriendstruetotherendezvous，thoughIsuspectone-halfofthesecametosecurethedinnerincaseoftheworst。\"
\"ThereisnonewsfromthecoastwhichcanamounttocertaintyoftheKing’sarrival，\"saidanotherofthecompany，inthattoneofsubduedandtremulouswhisperwhichimpliesafailureofresolution。
\"NotalinefromtheEarlofD——，norasinglegentlemanfromthesouthernsideoftheBorder，\"saidathird。
\"WhoishethatwishesformoremenfromEngland，\"exclaimedMareschal，inatheatricaltoneofaffectedheroism，\"MycousinEllieslaw？No，myfaircousin，Ifwearedoom’dtodie——\"
\"ForGod’ssake，\"saidEllieslaw，\"spareusyourfollyatpresent，Mareschal。\"
\"Well，then，\"saidhiskinsman，\"I’llbestowmywisdomuponyouinstead，suchasitis。Ifwehavegoneforwardlikefools，donotletusgobacklikecowards。Wehavedoneenoughtodrawuponusboththesuspicionandvengeanceofthegovernment；donotletusgiveupbeforewehavedonesomethingtodeserveit。
——What，willnoonespeak？ThenI’llleaptheditchthefirst。\"
And，startingup，hefilledabeer-glasstothebrimwithclaret，andwavinghishand，commandedalltofollowhisexample，andtoriseupfromtheirseats。Allobeyed-themorequalifiedguestsasifpassively，theotherswithenthusiasm\"Then，myfriends，I
giveyouthepledgeoftheday——TheindependenceofScotland，andthehealthofourlawfulsovereign，KingJamestheEighth，nowlandedinLothian，and，asItrustandbelieve，infullpossessionofhisancientcapital！\"
Hequaffedoffthewine，andthrewtheglassoverhishead。
\"Itshouldnever，\"hesaid，\"beprofanedbyameanertoast。\"
Allfollowedhisexample，and，amidthecrashofglassesandtheshoutsofthecompany，pledgedthemselvestostandorfallwiththeprinciplesandpoliticalinterestwhichtheirtoastexpressed。
\"Youhaveleapedtheditchwithawitness，\"saidEllieslaw，aparttoMareschal；\"butIbelieveitisallforthebest；atallevents，wecannotnowretreatfromourundertaking。Onemanalone\"（lookingatRatcliffe）\"hasrefusedthepledge；butofthatbyandby。\"
Then，risingup，headdressedthecompanyinastyleofinflammatoryinvectiveagainstthegovernmentanditsmeasures，butespeciallytheUnion；atreaty，bymeansofwhich，heaffirmed，Scotlandhadbeenatoncecheatedofherindependence，hercommerce，andherhonour，andlaidasafetteredslaveatthefootoftherivalagainstwhom，throughsuchalengthofages，throughsomanydangers，andbysomuchblood，shehadhonourablydefendedherrights。Thiswastouchingathemewhichfoundaresponsivechordinthebosomofeverymanpresent。
\"Ourcommerceisdestroyed，\"hollowedoldJohnRewcastle，aJedburghsmuggler，fromthelowerendofthetable。
\"Ouragricultureisruined，\"saidtheLairdofBroken-girth-flow，aterritorywhich，sincethedaysofAdam，hadbornenothingbutlingandwhortle-berries。
\"Ourreligioniscutup，rootandbranch，\"saidthepimple-nosedpastoroftheEpiscopalmeeting-houseatKirkwhistle。
\"Weshallshortlyneitherdareshootadeernorkissawench，withoutacertificatefromthepresbyteryandkirk-treasurer，\"
saidMareschal-Wells。
\"Ormakeabrandyjeroboaminafrostymorning，withoutlicensefromacommissionerofexcise，\"saidthesmuggler。
\"Orrideoverthefellinamoonlessnight，\"saidWestburnflat，\"withoutaskingleaveofyoungEarnscliff；orsomeEnglifiedjusticeofthepeace：thaeweregudedaysontheBorderwhentherewasneitherpeacenorjusticeheardof。\"
\"LetusrememberourwrongsatDarienandGlencoe，\"continuedEllieslaw，\"andtakearmsfortheprotectionofourrights，ourfortunes，ourlives，andourfamilies。\"
\"Thinkupongenuineepiscopalordination，withoutwhichtherecanbenolawfulclergy，\"saidthedivine。
\"ThinkofthepiraciescommittedonourEast-IndiantradebyGreenandtheEnglishthieves，\"saidWilliamWillieson，half-
ownerandsoleskipperofabrigthatmadefourvoyagesannuallybetweenCockpoolandWhitehaven。
\"Rememberyourliberties，\"rejoinedMareschal，whoseemedtotakeamischievousdelightinprecipitatingthemovementsoftheenthusiasmwhichhehadexcited，likearoguishboy，who，havingliftedthesluiceofamill-dam，enjoystheclatterofthewheelswhichhehasputinmotion，withoutthinkingofthemischiefhemayhaveoccasioned。\"Rememberyourliberties，\"heexclaimed；
\"confoundcess，press，andpresbytery，andthememoryofoldWilliethatfirstbroughtthemuponus！\"
\"Damnthegauger！\"echoedoldJohnRewcastle；\"I’llcleavehimwi’myainhand。\"
\"Andconfoundthecountry-keeperandtheconstable！\"re-echoedWestburnflat；\"I’llweizeabraceofballsthroughthembeforemorning。\"
\"Weareagreed，then，\"saidEllieslaw，whentheshoutshadsomewhatsubsided，\"tobearthisstateofthingsnolonger？\"
\"Weareagreedtoaman，\"answeredhisguests。
\"Notliterallyso，\"saidMr。Ratcliffe；\"forthoughIcannothopetoassuagetheviolentsymptomswhichseemsosuddenlytohaveseizeduponthecompany，yetIbegtoobserve，thatsofarastheopinionofasinglemembergoes，Idonotentirelycoincideinthelistofgrievanceswhichhasbeenannounced，andthatIdoutterlyprotestagainstthefranticmeasureswhichyouseemdisposedtoadoptforremovingthem。Icaneasilysupposemuchofwhathasbeenspokenmayhavearisenoutoftheheatofthemoment，orhavebeensaidperhapsinjest。Buttherearesomejestsofanatureveryapttotranspire；andyououghttoremember，gentlemen，thatstone-wallshaveears。\"
\"Stone-wallsmayhaveears，\"returnedEllieslaw，eyeinghimwithalookoftriumphantmalignity，\"butdomesticspies，Mr。
Ratcliffe，willsoonfindthemselveswithoutany，ifanysuchdarestocontinuehisabodeinafamilywherehiscomingwasanunauthorizedintrusion，wherehisconducthasbeenthatofapresumptuousmeddler，andfromwhichhisexitshallbethatofabaffledknave，ifhedoesnotknowhowtotakeahint。\"
\"Mr。Vere，\"returnedRatcliffe，withcalmcontempt，\"Iamfullyaware，thatassoonasmypresencebecomesuselesstoyou，whichitmustthroughtherashstepyouareabouttoadopt，itwillimmediatelybecomeunsafetomyself，asithasalwaysbeenhatefultoyou。ButIhaveoneprotection，anditisastrongone；foryouwouldnotwillinglyhearmedetailbeforegentlemen，andmenofhonour，thesingularcircumstancesinwhichourconnexiontookitsrise。Astotherest，Irejoiceatitsconclusion；andasIthinkthatMr。Mareschalandsomeothergentlemenwillguaranteethesafetyofmyearsandofmythroat（forwhichlastIhavemorereasontobeapprehensive）duringthecourseofthenight，Ishallnotleaveyourcastletillto-morrowmorning。\"
\"Beitso，sir，\"repliedMr。Vere；\"youareentirelysafefrommyresentment，becauseyouarebeneathit，andnotbecauseIamafraidofyourdisclosingmyfamilysecrets，although，foryourownsake，Iwarnyoutobewarehowyoudoso。Youragencyandintermediationcanbeoflittleconsequencetoonewhowillwinorloseall，aslawfulrightorunjustusurpationshallsucceedinthestrugglethatisabouttoensue。Farewell，sir。\"
Ratcliffearose，andcastuponhimalook，whichVereseemedtosustainwithdifficulty，and，bowingtothosearoundhim，lefttheroom。
Thisconversationmadeanimpressiononmanyofthecompany，whichEllieslawhastenedtodispel，byenteringuponthebusinessoftheday。Theirhastydeliberationswenttoorganizeanimmediateinsurrection。Ellieslaw，Mareschal，andSirFrederickLangleywerechosenleaders，withpowerstodirecttheirfarthermeasures。Aplaceofrendezvouswasappointed，atwhichallagreedtomeetearlyontheensuingday，withsuchfollowersandfriendstothecauseaseachcouldcollectaroundhim。Severaloftheguestsretiredtomakethenecessarypreparations；andEllieslawmadeaformalapologytotheothers，who，withWestburnflatandtheoldsmuggler，continuedtoplythebottlestanchly，forleavingtheheadofthetable，ashemustnecessarilyholdaseparateandsoberconferencewiththecoadjutorswhomtheyhadassociatedwithhiminthecommand。Theapologywasthemorereadilyaccepted，asheprayedthem，atthesametime，tocontinuetoamusethemselveswithsuchrefreshmentsasthecellarsofthecastleafforded。Shoutsofapplausefollowedtheirretreat；andthenamesofVere，Langley，and，aboveall，ofMareschal，werethunderedforthinchorus，andbathedwithcopiousbumpersrepeatedly，duringtheremainderoftheevening。
Whentheprincipalconspiratorshadretiredintoaseparateapartment，theygazedoneachotherforaminutewithasortofembarrassment，which，inSirFrederick’sdarkfeatures，amountedtoanexpressionofdiscontentedsullenness。Mareschalwasthefirsttobreakthepause，saying，withaloudburstoflaughter，——\"Well！wearefairlyembarkednow，gentlemen——VOGUELA
GALERE！\"
\"Wemaythankyoufortheplunge，\"saidEllieslaw。
\"Yes；butIdon’tknowhowfaryouwillthankme，\"answeredMareschal，\"whenIshowyouthisletterwhichIreceivedjustbeforewesatdown。Myservanttoldmeitwasdeliveredbyamanhehadneverseenbefore，whowentoffatthegallop，aftercharginghimtoputitintomyownhand。\"
Ellieslawimpatientlyopenedtheletter，andreadaloud——
EDINBURGH，——
HOND。SIR，Havingobligationstoyourfamily，whichshallbenameless，andlearningthatyouareoneofthecompanyof，adventurersdoingbusinessforthehouseofJamesandCompany，latemerchantsinLondon，nowinDunkirk，Ithinkitrighttosendyouthisearlyandprivateinformation，thatthevesselsyouexpectedhavebeendrivenoffthecoast，withouthavingbeenabletobreakbulk，ortolandanypartoftheircargo；andthatthewest-countrypartnershaveresolvedtowithdrawtheirnamefromthefirm，asitmustprovealosingconcern。Havinggoodhopeyouwillavailyourselfofthisearlyinformation，todowhatisneedfulforyourownsecurity，Irestyourhumbleservant，NIHILNAMELESS。
FORRALPHMARESCHAL，OFMARESCHAL-WELLS
——THESEWITHCAREANDSPEED。
SirFrederick’sjawdropped，andhiscountenanceblackened，astheletterwasread，andEllieslawexclaimed，——\"Why，thisaffectstheverymainspringofourenterprise。IftheFrenchfleet，withthekingonboard，hasbeenchasedoffbytheEnglish，asthisd——dscrawlseemstointimate，wherearewe？\"
\"Justwherewewerethismorning，Ithink，\"saidMareschal，stilllaughing。
\"Pardonme，andatrucetoyourill-timedmirth，Mr。Mareschal；
thismorningwewerenotcommittedpublicly，aswenowstandcommittedbyyourownmadact，whenyouhadaletterinyourpocketapprizingyouthatourundertakingwasdesperate。\"
\"Ay，ay，Iexpectedyouwouldsayso。But，inthefirstplace，myfriendNihilNamelessandhislettermaybeallaflam；and，moreover，IwouldhaveyouknowthatIamtiredofapartythatdoesnothingbutformboldresolutionsovernight，andsleepthemawaywiththeirwinebeforemorning。Thegovernmentarenowunprovidedofmenandammunition；inafewweekstheywillhaveenoughofboth：thecountryisnowinaflameagainstthem；inafewweeks，betwixttheeffectsofself-interest，offear，andoflukewarmindifference，whicharealreadysovisible，thisfirstfervourwillbeascoldasChristmas。So，asIwasdeterminedtogothevole，IhavetakencareyoushalldipasdeepasI；itsignifiesnothingplunging。Youarefairlyinthebog，andmuststrugglethrough。\"
\"Youaremistakenwithrespecttooneofus，Mr。Mareschal，\"saidSirFrederickLangley；and，applyinghimselftothebell，hedesiredthepersonwhoenteredtoorderhisservantsandhorsesinstantly。
\"Youmustnotleaveus，SirFrederick，\"saidEllieslaw；itwehaveourmusterstogoover。\"
\"Iwillgoto-night，Mr。Vere，\"saidSirFrederick，\"andwriteyoumyintentionsinthismatterwhenIamathome。\"
\"Ay，\"saidMareschal，\"andsendthembyatroopofhorsefromCarlisletomakeusprisoners？Lookye，SirFrederick，Iforonewillneitherbedesertednorbetrayed；andifyouleaveEllieslawCastleto-night，itshallbebypassingovermydeadbody。\"
\"Forshame！Mareschal，\"saidMr。Vere，\"howcanyousohastilymisinterpretourfriend’sintentions？IamsureSirFrederickcanonlybejestingwithus；for，werehenottoohonourabletodreamofdesertingthecause，hecannotbutrememberthefullproofswehaveofhisaccessiontoit，andhiseageractivityinadvancingit。Hecannotbutbeconscious，besides，thatthefirstinformationwillbereadilyreceivedbygovernment，andthatifthequestionbe，whichcanfirstlodgeintelligenceoftheaffair，wecaneasilysaveafewhoursonhim。\"
\"Youshouldsayyou，andnotwe，whenyoutalkofprioritiesinsucharaceoftreachery；formypart，Iwon’tentermyhorseforsuchaplate，\"saidMareschal；andaddedbetwixithisteeth，\"A
prettypairoffellowstotrustaman’sneckwith！\"
\"IamnottobeintimidatedfromdoingwhatIthinkproper，\"saidSirFrederickLangley；\"andmyfirststepshallbetoleaveEllieslaw。Ihavenoreasontokeepfaithwithone\"（lookingatVere）\"whohaskeptnonewithme。\"
\"Inwhatrespect，\"saidEllieslaw，silencing，withamotionofhishand，hisimpetuouskinsman——\"howhaveIdisappointedyou，SirFrederick？\"
\"Inthenearestandmosttenderpoint——youhavetrifledwithmeconcerningourproposedalliance，whichyouwellknewwasthegageofourpoliticalundertaking。ThiscarryingoffandthisbringingbackofMissVere，——thecoldreceptionIhavemetwithfromher，andtheexcuseswithwhichyoucoverit，Ibelievetobemereevasions，thatyoumayyourselfretainpossessionoftheestateswhicharehersbyright，andmakeme，inthemeanwhile，atoolinyourdesperateenterprise，byholdingouthopesandexpectationswhichyouareresolvednevertorealize。\"
\"SirFrederick，Iprotest，byallthatissacred——\"
\"Iwilllistentonoprotestations；Ihavebeencheatedwiththemtoolong，\"answeredSirFrederick。
\"Ifyouleaveus，\"saidEllieslaw，\"youcannotbutknowbothyourruinandoursiscertain；alldependsonouradheringtogether。\"
\"Leavemetotakecareofmyself，\"returnedtheknight；\"butwerewhatyousaytrue，Iwouldratherperishthanbefooledanyfarther。\"
\"Cannothing——nosuretyconvinceyouofmysincerity？\"saidEllieslaw，anxiously；\"thismorningIshouldhaverepelledyourunjustsuspicionsasaninsult；butsituatedaswenoware——\"
\"Youfeelyourselfcompelledtobesincere？\"retortedSirFrederick。\"Ifyouwouldhavemethinkso，thereisbutonewaytoconvincemeofit——letyourdaughterbestowherhandonmethisevening。\"
\"Sosoon？——impossible，\"answeredVere；\"thinkofherlatealarm——
ofourpresentundertaking。\"
\"Iwilllistentonothingbuttoherconsent，plightedatthealtar。Youhaveachapelinthecastle——DoctorHobblerispresentamongthecompany-thisproofofyourgoodfaithto-night，andweareagainjoinedinheartandhand。Ifyourefusemewhenitissomuchforyouradvantagetoconsent，howshallItrustyouto-morrow，whenIshallstandcommittedinyourundertaking，andunabletoretract？\"
\"AndIamtounderstand，that，ifyoucanbemademyson-in-lawto-night，ourfriendshipisrenewed？\"saidEllieslaw。
\"Mostinfallibly，andmostinviolably，\"repliedSirFrederick。
\"Then，\"saidVere，\"thoughwhatyouaskispremature，indelicate，andunjusttowardsmycharacter，yet，SirFrederick，givemeyourhand——mydaughtershallbeyourwife。\"
\"Thisnight？\"
\"Thisverynight，\"repliedEllieslaw，\"beforetheclockstrikestwelve。\"
\"Withherownconsent，Itrust，\"saidMareschal；\"forIpromiseyouboth，gentlemen，Iwillnotstandtamelyby，andseeanyviolenceputonthewillofmyprettykinswoman。\"
\"Anotherpestinthishot-headedfellow，\"mutteredEllieslaw；
andthenaloud，\"Withherownconsent？Forwhatdoyoutakeme，Mareschal，thatyoushouldsupposeyourinterferencenecessarytoprotectmydaughteragainstherfather？Dependuponit，shehasnorepugnancetoSirFrederickLangley。\"
\"OrrathertobecalledLadyLangley？faith，likeenough——therearemanywomenmightbeofhermind；andIbegyourpardon，butthesesuddendemandsandconcessionsalarmedmealittleonheraccount。\"
\"Itisonlythesuddennessoftheproposalthatembarrassesme，\"
saidEllieslaw；\"butperhapsifsheisfoundintractable，SirFrederickwillconsider——\"
\"Iwillconsidernothing，Mr。Vere——yourdaughter’shandto-
night，orIdepart，wereitatmidnight——thereismyultimatum。\"
\"Iembraceit，\"saidEllieslaw；\"andIwillleaveyoutotalkuponourmilitarypreparations，whileIgotopreparemydaughterforsosuddenachangeofcondition。\"
Sosaying，heleftthecompany。
CHAPTERXIV。
HebringsEarlOsmondtoreceivemyvows。
Odreadfulchange！forTancred，haughtyOsmond。
TANCREDANDSIGISMUNDA。
Mr。Vere，whomlongpracticeofdissimulationhadenabledtomodelhisverygaitandfootstepstoaidthepurposesofdeception，walkedalongthestonepassage，andupthefirstflightofstepstowardsMissVere’sapartment，withthealert，firm，andsteadypaceofonewhoisbound，indeed，uponimportantbusiness，butwhoentertainsnodoubthecanterminatehisaffairssatisfactorily。Butwhenoutofhearingofthegentlemenwhomhehadleft，hisstepbecamesoslowandirresolute，astocorrespondwithhisdoubtsandhisfears。Atlengthhepausedinanantechambertocollecthisideas，andformhisplanofargument，beforeapproachinghisdaughter。
\"Inwhatmorehopelessandinextricabledilemmawaseveranunfortunatemaninvolved！\"Suchwasthetenorofhisreflections。——\"Ifwenowfalltopiecesbydisunion，therecanbelittledoubtthatthegovernmentwilltakemylifeastheprimeagitatoroftheinsurrection。Or，grantIcouldstooptosavemyselfbyahastysubmission，amInot，eveninthatcase，utterlyruined？IhavebrokenirreconcilablywithRatcliffe，andcanhavenothingtoexpectfromthatquarterbutinsultandpersecution。Imustwanderforthanimpoverishedanddishonouredman，withouteventhemeansofsustaininglife，farlesswealthsufficienttocounterbalancetheinfamywhichmycountrymen，boththosewhomIdesertandthosewhomIjoin，willattachtothenameofthepoliticalrenegade。Itisnottobethoughtof。Andyet，whatchoiceremainsbetweenthislotandtheignominiousscaffold？Nothingcansavemebutreconciliationwiththesemen；
and，toaccomplishthis，IhavepromisedtoLangleythatIsabellashallmarryhimeremidnight，andtoMareschal，thatsheshalldosowithoutcompulsion。Ihavebutoneremedybetwixtmeandruin——herconsenttotakeasuitorwhomshedislikes，uponsuchshortnoticeaswoulddisgusther，evenwereheafavouredlover——ButImusttrusttotheromanticgenerosityofherdisposition；
andletmepaintthenecessityofherobedienceeversostrongly，Icannotoverchargeitsreality。\"
Havingfinishedthissadchainofreflectionsuponhisperilouscondition，heenteredhisdaughter’sapartmentwitheverynervebentuptothesupportoftheargumentwhichhewasabouttosustain。Thoughadeceitfulandambitiousman，hewasnotsodevoidofnaturalaffectionbutthathewasshockedattheparthewasabouttoact，inpractisingonthefeelingsofadutifulandaffectionatechild；buttherecollections，that，ifhesucceeded，hisdaughterwouldonlybetrepannedintoanadvantageousmatch，andthat，ifhefailed，hehimselfwasalostman，werequitesufficienttodrownallscruples。