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diff --git a/1460-h/1460-h.htm b/1460-h/1460-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..749c8b1 --- /dev/null +++ b/1460-h/1460-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,7217 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Black Dwarf, by Sir Walter Scott + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1460 ***</div> + + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE BLACK DWARF + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Sir Walter Scott + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> I. TALES OF MY LANDLORD, INTRODUCTION. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> II. INTRODUCTION to THE BLACK DWARF. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> <b>III. THE BLACK DWARF</b>. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <p> + <br /> Note: Footnotes in the printed book have been inserted in the <br /> + etext in square brackets close to the place where <br /> they were + referenced by a suffix in the original text. <br /> Text in italics has + been written in capital letters. <br /> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I. TALES OF MY LANDLORD + </h2> + <p> + COLLECTED AND REPORTED BY JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM, SCHOOLMASTER AND + PARISH-CLERK OF GANDERCLEUGH. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION. + </h2> + <p> + As I may, without vanity, presume that the name and official description + prefixed to this Proem will secure it, from the sedate and reflecting part + of mankind, to whom only I would be understood to address myself, such + attention as is due to the sedulous instructor of youth, and the careful + performer of my Sabbath duties, I will forbear to hold up a candle to the + daylight, or to point out to the judicious those recommendations of my + labours which they must necessarily anticipate from the perusal of the + title-page. Nevertheless, I am not unaware, that, as Envy always dogs + Merit at the heels, there may be those who will whisper, that albeit my + learning and good principles cannot (lauded be the heavens) be denied by + any one, yet that my situation at Gandercleugh hath been more favourable + to my acquisitions in learning than to the enlargement of my views of the + ways and works of the present generation. To the which objection, if, + peradventure, any such shall be started, my answer shall be threefold: + </p> + <p> + First, Gandercleugh is, as it were, the central part—the navel (SI + FAS SIT DICERE) of this our native realm of Scotland; so that men, from + every corner thereof, when travelling on their concernments of business, + either towards our metropolis of law, by which I mean Edinburgh, or + towards our metropolis and mart of gain, whereby I insinuate Glasgow, are + frequently led to make Gandercleugh their abiding stage and place of rest + for the night. And it must be acknowledged by the most sceptical, that I, + who have sat in the leathern armchair, on the left-hand side of the fire, + in the common room of the Wallace Inn, winter and summer, for every + evening in my life, during forty years bypast (the Christian Sabbaths only + excepted), must have seen more of the manners and customs of various + tribes and people, than if I had sought them out by my own painful travel + and bodily labour. Even so doth the tollman at the well-frequented + turn-pike on the Wellbraehead, sitting at his ease in his own dwelling, + gather more receipt of custom, than if, moving forth upon the road, he + were to require a contribution from each person whom he chanced to meet in + his journey, when, according to the vulgar adage, he might possibly be + greeted with more kicks than halfpence. + </p> + <p> + But, secondly, supposing it again urged, that Ithacus, the most wise of + the Greeks, acquired his renown, as the Roman poet hath assured us, by + visiting states and men, I reply to the Zoilus who shall adhere to this + objection, that, DE FACTO, I have seen states and men also; for I have + visited the famous cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, the former twice, and + the latter three times, in the course of my earthly pilgrimage. And, + moreover, I had the honour to sit in the General Assembly (meaning, as an + auditor, in the galleries thereof), and have heard as much goodly speaking + on the law of patronage, as, with the fructification thereof in mine own + understanding, hath made me be considered as an oracle upon that doctrine + ever since my safe and happy return to Gandercleugh. + </p> + <p> + Again—and thirdly, If it be nevertheless pretended that my + information and knowledge of mankind, however extensive, and however + painfully acquired, by constant domestic enquiry, and by foreign travel, + is, natheless, incompetent to the task of recording the pleasant + narratives of my Landlord, I will let these critics know, to their own + eternal shame and confusion as well as to the abashment and discomfiture + of all who shall rashly take up a song against me, that I am NOT the + writer, redacter, or compiler, of the Tales of my Landlord; nor am I, in + one single iota, answerable for their contents, more or less. And now, ye + generation of critics, who raise yourselves up as if it were brazen + serpents, to hiss with your tongues, and to smite with your stings, bow + yourselves down to your native dust, and acknowledge that yours have been + the thoughts of ignorance, and the words of vain foolishness. Lo! ye are + caught in your own snare, and your own pit hath yawned for you. Turn, + then, aside from the task that is too heavy for you; destroy not your + teeth by gnawing a file; waste not your strength by spurning against a + castle wall; nor spend your breath in contending in swiftness with a fleet + steed; and let those weigh the Tales of my Landlord, who shall bring with + them the scales of candour cleansed from the rust of prejudice by the + hands of intelligent modesty. For these alone they were compiled, as will + appear from a brief narrative which my zeal for truth compelled me to make + supplementary to the present Proem. + </p> + <p> + It is well known that my Landlord was a pleasing and a facetious man, + acceptable unto all the parish of Gandercleugh, excepting only the Laird, + the Exciseman, and those for whom he refused to draw liquor upon trust. + Their causes of dislike I will touch separately, adding my own refutation + thereof. + </p> + <p> + His honour, the Laird, accused our Landlord, deceased, of having + encouraged, in various times and places, the destruction of hares, + rabbits, fowls black and grey, partridges, moor-pouts, roe-deer, and other + birds and quadrupeds, at unlawful seasons, and contrary to the laws of + this realm, which have secured, in their wisdom, the slaughter of such + animals for the great of the earth, whom I have remarked to take an + uncommon (though to me, an unintelligible) pleasure therein. Now, in + humble deference to his honour, and in justifiable defence of my friend + deceased, I reply to this charge, that howsoever the form of such animals + might appear to be similar to those so protected by the law, yet it was a + mere DECEPTIO VISUS; for what resembled hares were, in fact, HILL-KIDS, + and those partaking of the appearance of moor-fowl, were truly WOOD + PIGEONS and consumed and eaten EO NOMINE, and not otherwise. + </p> + <p> + Again, the Exciseman pretended, that my deceased Landlord did encourage + that species of manufacture called distillation, without having an + especial permission from the Great, technically called a license, for + doing so. Now, I stand up to confront this falsehood; and in defiance of + him, his gauging-stick, and pen and inkhorn, I tell him, that I never saw, + or tasted, a glass of unlawful aqua vitae in the house of my Landlord; + nay, that, on the contrary, we needed not such devices, in respect of a + pleasing and somewhat seductive liquor, which was vended and consumed at + the Wallace Inn, under the name of MOUNTAIN DEW. If there is a penalty + against manufacturing such a liquor, let him show me the statute; and when + he does, I’ll tell him if I will obey it or no. + </p> + <p> + Concerning those who came to my Landlord for liquor, and went thirsty + away, for lack of present coin, or future credit, I cannot but say it has + grieved my bowels as if the case had been mine own. Nevertheless, my + Landlord considered the necessities of a thirsty soul, and would permit + them, in extreme need, and when their soul was impoverished for lack of + moisture, to drink to the full value of their watches and wearing apparel, + exclusively of their inferior habiliments, which he was uniformly + inexorable in obliging them to retain, for the credit of the house. As to + mine own part, I may well say, that he never refused me that modicum of + refreshment with which I am wont to recruit nature after the fatigues of + my school. It is true, I taught his five sons English and Latin, writing, + book-keeping, with a tincture of mathematics, and that I instructed his + daughter in psalmody. Nor do I remember me of any fee or HONORARIUM + received from him on account of these my labours, except the compotations + aforesaid. Nevertheless this compensation suited my humour well, since it + is a hard sentence to bid a dry throat wait till quarter-day. + </p> + <p> + But, truly, were I to speak my simple conceit and belief, I think my + Landlord was chiefly moved to waive in my behalf the usual requisition of + a symbol, or reckoning, from the pleasure he was wont to take in my + conversation, which, though solid and edifying in the main, was, like a + well-built palace, decorated with facetious narratives and devices, + tending much to the enhancement and ornament thereof. And so pleased was + my Landlord of the Wallace in his replies during such colloquies, that + there was no district in Scotland, yea, and no peculiar, and, as it were, + distinctive custom therein practised, but was discussed betwixt us; + insomuch, that those who stood by were wont to say, it was worth a bottle + of ale to hear us communicate with each other. And not a few travellers, + from distant parts, as well as from the remote districts of our kingdom, + were wont to mingle in the conversation, and to tell news that had been + gathered in foreign lands, or preserved from oblivion in this our own. + </p> + <p> + Now I chanced to have contracted for teaching the lower classes with a + young person called Peter, or Patrick, Pattieson, who had been educated + for our Holy Kirk, yea, had, by the license of presbytery, his voice + opened therein as a preacher, who delighted in the collection of olden + tales and legends, and in garnishing them with the flowers of poesy, + whereof he was a vain and frivolous professor. For he followed not the + example of those strong poets whom I proposed to him as a pattern, but + formed versification of a flimsy and modern texture, to the compounding + whereof was necessary small pains and less thought. And hence I have chid + him as being one of those who bring forward the fatal revolution + prophesied by Mr. Robert Carey, in his Vaticination on the Death of the + celebrated Dr. John Donne: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now thou art gone, and thy strict laws will be + Too hard for libertines in poetry; + Till verse (by thee refined) in this last age + Turn ballad rhyme. +</pre> + <p> + I had also disputations with him touching his indulging rather a flowing + and redundant than a concise and stately diction in his prose + exercitations. But notwithstanding these symptoms of inferior taste, and a + humour of contradicting his betters upon passages of dubious construction + in Latin authors, I did grievously lament when Peter Pattieson was removed + from me by death, even as if he had been the offspring of my own loins. + And in respect his papers had been left in my care (to answer funeral and + death-bed expenses), I conceived myself entitled to dispose of one parcel + thereof, entitled, “Tales of my Landlord,” to one cunning in the trade (as + it is called) of bookselling. He was a mirthful man, of small stature, + cunning in counterfeiting of voices, and in making facetious tales and + responses, and whom I have to laud for the truth of his dealings towards + me. + </p> + <p> + Now, therefore, the world may see the injustice that charges me with + incapacity to write these narratives, seeing, that though I have proved + that I could have written them if I would, yet, not having done so, the + censure will deservedly fall, if at all due, upon the memory of Mr. Peter + Pattieson; whereas I must be justly entitled to the praise, when any is + due, seeing that, as the Dean of St. Patrick’s wittily and logically + expresseth it, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + That without which a thing is not, + Is CAUSA SINE QUA NON. +</pre> + <p> + The work, therefore, is unto me as a child is to a parent; in the which + child, if it proveth worthy, the parent hath honour and praise; but, if + otherwise, the disgrace will deservedly attach to itself alone. + </p> + <p> + I have only further to intimate, that Mr. Peter Pattieson, in arranging + these Tales for the press, hath more consulted his own fancy than the + accuracy of the narrative; nay, that he hath sometimes blended two or + three stories together for the mere grace of his plots. Of which + infidelity, although I disapprove and enter my testimony against it, yet I + have not taken upon me to correct the same, in respect it was the will of + the deceased, that his manuscript should be submitted to the press without + diminution or alteration. A fanciful nicety it was on the part of my + deceased friend, who, if thinking wisely, ought rather to have conjured + me, by all the tender ties of our friendship and common pursuits, to have + carefully revised, altered, and augmented, at my judgment and discretion. + But the will of the dead must be scrupulously obeyed, even when we weep + over their pertinacity and self-delusion. So, gentle reader, I bid you + farewell, recommending you to such fare as the mountains of your own + country produce; and I will only farther premise, that each Tale is + preceded by a short introduction, mentioning the persons by whom, and the + circumstances under which, the materials thereof were collected. + </p> + <p> + JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II. INTRODUCTION to THE BLACK DWARF. + </h2> + <p> + The ideal being who is here presented as residing in solitude, and haunted + by a consciousness of his own deformity, and a suspicion of his being + generally subjected to the scorn of his fellow-men, is not altogether + imaginary. An individual existed many years since, under the author’s + observation, which suggested such a character. This poor unfortunate man’s + name was David Ritchie, a native of Tweeddale. He was the son of a + labourer in the slate-quarries of Stobo, and must have been born in the + misshapen form which he exhibited, though he sometimes imputed it to + ill-usage when in infancy. He was bred a brush-maker at Edinburgh, and had + wandered to several places, working at his trade, from all which he was + chased by the disagreeable attention which his hideous singularity of form + and face attracted wherever he came. The author understood him to say he + had even been in Dublin. + </p> + <p> + Tired at length of being the object of shouts, laughter, and derision, + David Ritchie resolved, like a deer hunted from the herd, to retreat to + some wilderness, where he might have the least possible communication with + the world which scoffed at him. He settled himself, with this view, upon a + patch of wild moorland at the bottom of a bank on the farm of Woodhouse, + in the sequestered vale of the small river Manor, in Peeblesshire. The few + people who had occasion to pass that way were much surprised, and some + superstitious persons a little alarmed, to see so strange a figure as + Bow’d Davie (i.e. Crooked David) employed in a task, for which he seemed + so totally unfit, as that of erecting a house. The cottage which he built + was extremely small, but the walls, as well as those of a little garden + that surrounded it, were constructed with an ambitious degree of solidity, + being composed of layers of large stones and turf; and some of the corner + stones were so weighty, as to puzzle the spectators how such a person as + the architect could possibly have raised them. In fact, David received + from passengers, or those who came attracted by curiosity, a good deal of + assistance; and as no one knew how much aid had been given by others, the + wonder of each individual remained undiminished. + </p> + <p> + The proprietor of the ground, the late Sir James Naesmith, baronet, + chanced to pass this singular dwelling, which, having been placed there + without right or leave asked or given, formed an exact parallel with + Falstaff’s simile of a “fair house built on another’s ground;” so that + poor David might have lost his edifice by mistaking the property where he + had erected it. Of course, the proprietor entertained no idea of exacting + such a forfeiture, but readily sanctioned the harmless encroachment. + </p> + <p> + The personal description of Elshender of Mucklestane-Moor has been + generally allowed to be a tolerably exact and unexaggerated portrait of + David of Manor Water. He was not quite three feet and a half high, since + he could stand upright in the door of his mansion, which was just that + height. The following particulars concerning his figure and temper occur + in the SCOTS MAGAZINE for 1817, and are now understood to have been + communicated by the ingenious Mr. Robert Chambers of Edinburgh, who has + recorded with much spirit the traditions of the Good Town, and, in other + publications, largely and agreeably added to the stock of our popular + antiquities. He is the countryman of David Ritchie, and had the best + access to collect anecdotes of him. + </p> + <p> + “His skull,” says this authority, “which was of an oblong and rather + unusual shape, was said to be of such strength, that he could strike it + with ease through the panel of a door, or the end of a barrel. His laugh + is said to have been quite horrible; and his screech-owl voice, shrill, + uncouth, and dissonant, corresponded well with his other peculiarities. + </p> + <p> + “There was nothing very uncommon about his dress. He usually wore an old + slouched hat when he went abroad; and when at home, a sort of cowl or + night-cap. He never wore shoes, being unable to adapt them to his + mis-shapen finlike feet, but always had both feet and legs quite + concealed, and wrapt up with pieces of cloth. He always walked with a sort + of pole or pike-staff, considerably taller than himself. His habits were, + in many respects, singular, and indicated a mind congenial to its uncouth + tabernacle. A jealous, misanthropical, and irritable temper, was his + prominent characteristic. The sense of his deformity haunted him like a + phantom. And the insults and scorn to which this exposed him, had poisoned + his heart with fierce and bitter feelings, which, from other points in his + character, do not appear to have been more largely infused into his + original temperament than that of his fellow-men. + </p> + <p> + “He detested children, on account of their propensity to insult and + persecute him. To strangers he was generally reserved, crabbed, and surly; + and though he by no means refused assistance or charity, he seldom either + expressed or exhibited much gratitude. Even towards persons who had been + his greatest benefactors, and who possessed the greatest share of his + good-will, he frequently displayed much caprice and jealousy. A lady who + had known him from his infancy, and who has furnished us in the most + obliging manner with some particulars respecting him, says, that although + Davie showed as much respect and attachment to her father’s family, as it + was in his nature to show to any, yet they were always obliged to be very + cautious in their deportment towards him. One day, having gone to visit + him with another lady, he took them through his garden, and was showing + them, with much pride and good-humour, all his rich and tastefully + assorted borders, when they happened to stop near a plot of cabbages which + had been somewhat injured by the caterpillars. Davie, observing one of the + ladies smile, instantly assumed his savage, scowling aspect, rushed among + the cabbages, and dashed them to pieces with his KENT, exclaiming, ‘I hate + the worms, for they mock me!’ + </p> + <p> + “Another lady, likewise a friend and old acquaintance of his, very + unintentionally gave David mortal offence on a similar occasion. Throwing + back his jealous glance as he was ushering her into his garden, he fancied + he observed her spit, and exclaimed, with great ferocity, ‘Am I a toad, + woman! that ye spit at me—that ye spit at me?’ and without listening + to any answer or excuse, drove her out of his garden with imprecations and + insult. When irritated by persons for whom he entertained little respect, + his misanthropy displayed itself in words, and sometimes in actions, of + still greater rudeness; and he used on such occasions the most unusual and + singularly savage imprecations and threats.” [SCOTS MAGAZINE, vol. lxxx. + p.207.] + </p> + <p> + Nature maintains a certain balance of good and evil in all her works; and + there is no state perhaps so utterly desolate, which does not possess some + source of gratification peculiar to itself, This poor man, whose + misanthropy was founded in a sense on his own preternatural deformity, had + yet his own particular enjoyments. Driven into solitude, he became an + admirer of the beauties of nature. His garden, which he sedulously + cultivated, and from a piece of wild moorland made a very productive spot, + was his pride and his delight; but he was also an admirer of more natural + beauty: the soft sweep of the green hill, the bubbling of a clear + fountain, or the complexities of a wild thicket, were scenes on which he + often gazed for hours, and, as he said, with inexpressible delight. It was + perhaps for this reason that he was fond of Shenstone’s pastorals, and + some parts of PARADISE LOST. The author has heard his most unmusical voice + repeat the celebrated description of Paradise, which he seemed fully to + appreciate. His other studies were of a different cast, chiefly polemical. + He never went to the parish church, and was therefore suspected of + entertaining heterodox opinions, though his objection was probably to the + concourse of spectators, to whom he must have exposed his unseemly + deformity. He spoke of a future state with intense feeling, and even with + tears. He expressed disgust at the idea, of his remains being mixed with + the common rubbish, as he called it, of the churchyard, and selected with + his usual taste a beautiful and wild spot in the glen where he had his + hermitage, in which to take his last repose. He changed his mind, however, + and was finally interred in the common burial-ground of Manor parish. + </p> + <p> + The author has invested Wise Elshie with some qualities which made him + appear, in the eyes of the vulgar, a man possessed of supernatural power. + Common fame paid David Ritchie a similar compliment, for some of the poor + and ignorant, as well as all the children, in the neighbourhood, held him + to be what is called uncanny. He himself did not altogether discourage the + idea; it enlarged his very limited circle of power, and in so far + gratified his conceit; and it soothed his misanthropy, by increasing his + means of giving terror or pain. But even in a rude Scottish glen thirty + years back, the fear of sorcery was very much out of date. + </p> + <p> + David Ritchie affected to frequent solitary scenes, especially such as + were supposed to be haunted, and valued himself upon his courage in doing + so. To be sure he had little chance of meeting anything more ugly than + himself. At heart, he was superstitious, and planted many rowans (mountain + ashes) around his hut, as a certain defence against necromancy. For the + same reason, doubtless, he desired to have rowan-trees set above his + grave. + </p> + <p> + We have stated that David Ritchie loved objects of natural beauty. His + only living favourites were a dog and a cat, to which he was particularly + attached, and his bees, which he treated with great care. He took a + sister, latterly, to live in a hut adjacent to his own, but he did not + permit her to enter it. She was weak in intellect, but not deformed in + person; simple, or rather silly, but not, like her brother, sullen or + bizarre. David was never affectionate to her; it was not in his nature; + but he endured her. He maintained himself and her by the sale of the + product of their garden and bee-hives; and, latterly, they had a small + allowance from the parish. Indeed, in the simple and patriarchal state in + which the country then was, persons in the situation of David and his + sister were sure to be supported. They had only to apply to the next + gentleman or respectable farmer, and were sure to find them equally ready + and willing to supply their very moderate wants. David often received + gratuities from strangers, which he never asked, never refused, and never + seemed to consider as an obligation. He had a right, indeed, to regard + himself as one of Nature’s paupers, to whom she gave a title to be + maintained by his kind, even by that deformity which closed against him + all ordinary ways of supporting himself by his own labour. Besides, a bag + was suspended in the mill for David Ritchie’s benefit; and those who were + carrying home a melder of meal, seldom failed to add a GOWPEN [Handful] to + the alms-bag of the deformed cripple. In short, David had no occasion for + money, save to purchase snuff, his only luxury, in which he indulged + himself liberally. When he died, in the beginning of the present century, + he was found to have hoarded about twenty pounds, a habit very consistent + with his disposition; for wealth is power, and power was what David + Ritchie desired to possess, as a compensation for his exclusion from human + society. + </p> + <p> + His sister survived till the publication of the tale to which this brief + notice forms the introduction; and the author is sorry to learn that a + sort of “local sympathy,” and the curiosity then expressed concerning the + Author of WAVERLEY and the subjects of his Novels, exposed the poor woman + to enquiries which gave her pain. When pressed about her brother’s + peculiarities, she asked, in her turn, why they would not permit the dead + to rest? To others, who pressed for some account of her parents, she + answered in the same tone of feeling. + </p> + <p> + The author saw this poor, and, it may be said, unhappy man, in autumn 1797 + being then, as he has the happiness still to remain, connected by ties of + intimate friendship with the family of the venerable Dr. Adam Fergusson, + the philosopher and historian, who then resided at the mansion-house of + Halyards, in the vale of Manor, about a mile from Ritchie’s hermitage, the + author was upon a visit at Halyards, which lasted for several days, and + was made acquainted with this singular anchorite, whom Dr. Fergusson + considered as an extraordinary character, and whom he assisted in various + ways, particularly by the occasional loan of books. Though the taste of + the philosopher and the poor peasant did not, it may be supposed, always + correspond, [I remember David was particularly anxious to see a book, + which he called, I think, LETTERS TO ELECT LADIES, and which, he said, was + the best composition he had ever read; but Dr. Fergusson’s library did not + supply the volume.] Dr. Fergusson considered him as a man of a powerful + capacity and original ideas, but whose mind was thrown off its just bias + by a predominant degree of self-love and self-opinion, galled by the sense + of ridicule and contempt, and avenging itself upon society, in idea at + least, by a gloomy misanthropy. + </p> + <p> + David Ritchie, besides the utter obscurity of his life while in existence, + had been dead for many years, when it occurred to the author that such a + character might be made a powerful agent in fictitious narrative. He, + accordingly, sketched that of Elshie of the Mucklestane-Moor. The story + was intended to be longer, and the catastrophe more artificially brought + out; but a friendly critic, to whose opinion I subjected the work in its + progress, was of opinion, that the idea of the Solitary was of a kind too + revolting, and more likely to disgust than to interest the reader. As I + had good right to consider my adviser as an excellent judge of public + opinion, I got off my subject by hastening the story to an end, as fast as + it was possible; and, by huddling into one volume, a tale which was + designed to occupy two, have perhaps produced a narrative as much + disproportioned and distorted, as the Black Dwarf who is its subject. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III. THE BLACK DWARF. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <h3> + PRELIMINARY. + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hast any philosophy in thee, Shepherd?—AS YOU LIKE IT. +</pre> + <p> + It was a fine April morning (excepting that it had snowed hard the night + before, and the ground remained covered with a dazzling mantle of six + inches in depth) when two horsemen rode up to the Wallace Inn. The first + was a strong, tall, powerful man, in a grey riding-coat, having a hat + covered with waxcloth, a huge silver-mounted horsewhip, boots, and + dreadnought overalls. He was mounted on a large strong brown mare, rough + in coat, but well in condition, with a saddle of the yeomanry cut, and a + double-bitted military bridle. The man who accompanied him was apparently + his servant; he rode a shaggy little grey pony, had a blue bonnet on his + head, and a large check napkin folded about his neck, wore a pair of long + blue worsted hose instead of boots, had his gloveless hands much stained + with tar, and observed an air of deference and respect towards his + companion, but without any of those indications of precedence and + punctilio which are preserved between the gentry and their domestics. On + the contrary, the two travellers entered the court-yard abreast, and the + concluding sentence of the conversation which had been carrying on betwixt + them was a joint ejaculation, “Lord guide us, an this weather last, what + will come o’ the lambs!” The hint was sufficient for my Landlord, who, + advancing to take the horse of the principal person, and holding him by + the reins as he dismounted, while his ostler rendered the same service to + the attendant, welcomed the stranger to Gandercleugh, and, in the same + breath, enquired, “What news from the south hielands?” + </p> + <p> + “News?” said the farmer, “bad eneugh news, I think;—an we can carry + through the yowes, it will be a’ we can do; we maun e’en leave the lambs + to the Black Dwarfs care.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” subjoined the old shepherd (for such he was), shaking his head, + “he’ll be unco busy amang the morts this season.” + </p> + <p> + “The Black Dwarf!” said MY LEARNED FRIEND AND PATRON, Mr. Jedediah + Cleishbotham, “and what sort of a personage may he be?” + </p> + <p> + [We have, in this and other instances, printed in italics (CAPITALS in + this etext) some few words which the worthy editor, Mr. Jedediah + Cleishbotham, seems to have interpolated upon the text of his deceased + friend, Mr. Pattieson. We must observe, once for all, that such liberties + seem only to have been taken by the learned gentleman where his own + character and conduct are concerned; and surely he must be the best judge + of the style in which his own character and conduct should be treated of.] + </p> + <p> + “Hout awa, man,” answered the farmer, “ye’ll hae heard o’ Canny Elshie the + Black Dwarf, or I am muckle mistaen—A’ the warld tells tales about + him, but it’s but daft nonsense after a’—I dinna believe a word o’t + frae beginning to end.” + </p> + <p> + “Your father believed it unco stievely, though,” said the old man, to whom + the scepticism of his master gave obvious displeasure. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, very true, Bauldie, but that was in the time o’ the blackfaces—they + believed a hantle queer things in thae days, that naebody heeds since the + lang sheep cam in.” + </p> + <p> + “The mair’s the pity, the mair’s the pity,” said the old man. “Your + father, and sae I have aften tell’d ye, maister, wad hae been sair vexed + to hae seen the auld peel-house wa’s pu’d down to make park dykes; and the + bonny broomy knowe, where he liked sae weel to sit at e’en, wi’ his plaid + about him, and look at the kye as they cam down the loaning, ill wad he + hae liked to hae seen that braw sunny knowe a’ riven out wi’ the pleugh in + the fashion it is at this day.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, Bauldie,” replied the principal, “tak ye that dram the landlord’s + offering ye, and never fash your head about the changes o’ the warld, sae + lang as ye’re blithe and bien yoursell.” + </p> + <p> + “Wussing your health, sirs,” said the shepherd; and having taken off his + glass, and observed the whisky was the right thing, he continued, “It’s no + for the like o’ us to be judging, to be sure; but it was a bonny knowe + that broomy knowe, and an unco braw shelter for the lambs in a severe + morning like this.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said his patron, “but ye ken we maun hae turnips for the lang sheep, + billie, and muckle hard wark to get them, baith wi’ the pleugh and the + howe; and that wad sort ill wi’ sitting on the broomy knowe, and cracking + about Black Dwarfs, and siccan clavers, as was the gate lang syne, when + the short sheep were in the fashion.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, aweel, maister,” said the attendant, “short sheep had short rents, + I’m thinking.” + </p> + <p> + Here my WORTHY AND LEARNED patron again interposed, and observed, “that he + could never perceive any material difference, in point of longitude, + between one sheep and another.” + </p> + <p> + This occasioned a loud hoarse laugh on the part of the farmer, and an + astonished stare on the part of the shepherd. + </p> + <p> + “It’s the woo’, man,—it’s the woo’, and no the beasts themsells, + that makes them be ca’d lang or short. I believe if ye were to measure + their backs, the short sheep wad be rather the langer-bodied o’ the twa; + but it’s the woo’ that pays the rent in thae days, and it had muckle + need.” + </p> + <p> + “Odd, Bauldie says very true,—short sheep did make short rents—my + father paid for our steading just threescore punds, and it stands me in + three hundred, plack and bawbee.—And that’s very true—I hae + nae time to be standing here clavering—Landlord, get us our + breakfast, and see an’ get the yauds fed—I am for doun to Christy + Wilson’s, to see if him and me can gree about the luckpenny I am to gie + him for his year-aulds. We had drank sax mutchkins to the making the + bargain at St. Boswell’s fair, and some gate we canna gree upon the + particulars preceesely, for as muckle time as we took about it—I + doubt we draw to a plea—But hear ye, neighbour,” addressing my + WORTHY AND LEARNED patron, “if ye want to hear onything about lang or + short sheep, I will be back here to my kail against ane o’clock; or, if ye + want ony auld-warld stories about the Black Dwarf, and sic-like, if ye’ll + ware a half mutchkin upon Bauldie there, he’ll crack t’ye like a pen-gun. + And I’se gie ye a mutchkin mysell, man, if I can settle weel wi’ Christy + Wilson.” + </p> + <p> + The farmer returned at the hour appointed, and with him came Christy + Wilson, their difference having been fortunately settled without an appeal + to the gentlemen of the long robe. My LEARNED AND WORTHY patron failed not + to attend, both on account of the refreshment promised to the mind and to + the body, ALTHOUGH HE IS KNOWN TO PARTAKE OF THE LATTER IN A VERY MODERATE + DEGREE; and the party, with which my Landlord was associated, continued to + sit late in the evening, seasoning their liquor with many choice tales and + songs. The last incident which I recollect, was my LEARNED AND WORTHY + patron falling from his chair, just as he concluded a long lecture upon + temperance, by reciting, from the “Gentle Shepherd,” a couplet, which he + RIGHT HAPPILY transferred from the vice of avarice to that of ebriety: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He that has just eneugh may soundly sleep, + The owercome only fashes folk to keep. +</pre> + <p> + In the course of the evening the Black Dwarf had not been forgotten, and + the old shepherd, Bauldie, told so many stories of him, that they excited + a good deal of interest. It also appeared, though not till the third + punch-bowl was emptied, that much of the farmer’s scepticism on the + subject was affected, as evincing a liberality of thinking, and a freedom + from ancient prejudices, becoming a man who paid three hundred pounds + a-year of rent, while, in fact, he had a lurking belief in the traditions + of his forefathers. After my usual manner, I made farther enquiries of + other persons connected with the wild and pastoral district in which the + scene of the following narrative is placed, and I was fortunate enough to + recover many links of the story, not generally known, and which account, + at least in some degree, for the circumstances of exaggerated marvel with + which superstition has attired it in the more vulgar traditions. + </p> + <p> + [The Black Dwarf, now almost forgotten, was once held a formidable + personage by the dalesmen of the Border, where he got the blame of + whatever mischief befell the sheep or cattle. “He was,” says Dr. Leyden, + who makes considerable use of him in the ballad called the Cowt of + Keeldar, “a fairy of the most malignant order—the genuine Northern + Duergar.” The best and most authentic account of this dangerous and + mysterious being occurs in a tale communicated to the author by that + eminent antiquary, Richard Surtees, Esq. of Mainsforth, author of the + HISTORY OF THE BISHOPRIC OF DURHAM. + </p> + <p> + According to this well-attested legend, two young Northumbrians were out + on a shooting party, and had plunged deep among the mountainous moorlands + which border on Cumberland. They stopped for refreshment in a little + secluded dell by the side of a rivulet. There, after they had partaken of + such food as they brought with them, one of the party fell asleep; the + other, unwilling to disturb his friend’s repose, stole silently out of the + dell with the purpose of looking around him, when he was astonished to + find himself close to a being who seemed not to belong to this world, as + he was the most hideous dwarf that the sun had ever shone on. His head was + of full human size, forming a frightful contrast with his height, which + was considerably under four feet. It was thatched with no other covering + than long matted red hair, like that of the felt of a badger in + consistence, and in colour a reddish brown, like the hue of the + heather-blossom. His limbs seemed of great strength; nor was he otherwise + deformed than from their undue proportion in thickness to his diminutive + height. The terrified sportsman stood gazing on this horrible apparition, + until, with an angry countenance, the being demanded by what right he + intruded himself on those hills, and destroyed their harmless inhabitants. + The perplexed stranger endeavoured to propitiate the incensed dwarf, by + offering to surrender his game, as he would to an earthly Lord of the + Manor. The proposal only redoubled the offence already taken by the dwarf, + who alleged that he was the lord of those mountains, and the protector of + the wild creatures who found a retreat in their solitary recesses; and + that all spoils derived from their death, or misery, were abhorrent to + him. The hunter humbled himself before the angry goblin, and by + protestations of his ignorance, and of his resolution to abstain from such + intrusion in future, at last succeeded in pacifying him. The gnome now + became more communicative, and spoke of himself as belonging to a species + of beings something between the angelic race and humanity. He added, + moreover, which could hardly have been anticipated, that he had hopes of + sharing in the redemption of the race of Adam. He pressed the sportsman to + visit his dwelling, which he said was hard by, and plighted his faith for + his safe return. But at this moment, the shout of the sportsman’s + companion was heard calling for his friend, and the dwarf, as if unwilling + that more than one person should be cognisant of his presence, disappeared + as the young man emerged from the dell to join his comrade. + </p> + <p> + It was the universal opinion of those most experienced in such matters, + that if the shooter had accompanied the spirit, he would, notwithstanding + the dwarf’s fair pretences, have been either torn to pieces, or immured + for years in the recesses of some fairy hill. + </p> + <p> + Such is the last and most authentic account of the apparition of the Black + Dwarf.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Will none but Hearne the Hunter serve your turn? + —MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. +</pre> + <p> + In one of the most remote districts of the south of Scotland, where an + ideal line, drawn along the tops of lofty and bleak mountains, separates + that land from her sister kingdom, a young man, called Halbert, or Hobbie + Elliot, a substantial farmer, who boasted his descent from old Martin + Elliot of the Preakin-tower, noted in Border story and song, was on his + return from deer-stalking. The deer, once so numerous among these solitary + wastes, were now reduced to a very few herds, which, sheltering themselves + in the most remote and inaccessible recesses, rendered the task of + pursuing them equally toilsome and precarious. There were, however, found + many youth of the country ardently attached to this sport, with all its + dangers and fatigues. The sword had been sheathed upon the Borders for + more than a hundred years, by the peaceful union of the crowns in the + reign of James the First of Great Britain. Still the country retained + traces of what it had been in former days; the inhabitants, their more + peaceful avocations having been repeatedly interrupted by the civil wars + of the preceding century, were scarce yet broken in to the habits of + regular industry, sheep-farming had not been introduced upon any + considerable scale, and the feeding of black cattle was the chief purpose + to which the hills and valleys were applied. Near to the farmer’s house, + the tenant usually contrived to raise such a crop of oats or barley, as + afforded meal for his family; and the whole of this slovenly and imperfect + mode of cultivation left much time upon his own hands, and those of his + domestics. This was usually employed by the young men in hunting and + fishing; and the spirit of adventure, which formerly led to raids and + forays in the same districts, was still to be discovered in the eagerness + with which they pursued those rural sports. + </p> + <p> + The more high-spirited among the youth were, about the time that our + narrative begins, expecting, rather with hope than apprehension, an + opportunity of emulating their fathers in their military achievements, the + recital of which formed the chief part of their amusement within doors. + The passing of the Scottish act of security had given the alarm of + England, as it seemed to point at a separation of the two British + kingdoms, after the decease of Queen Anne, the reigning sovereign. + Godolphin, then at the head of the English administration, foresaw that + there was no other mode of avoiding the probable extremity of a civil war, + but by carrying through an incorporating union. How that treaty was + managed, and how little it seemed for some time to promise the beneficial + results which have since taken place to such extent, may be learned from + the history of the period. It is enough for our purpose to say, that all + Scotland was indignant at the terms on which their legislature had + surrendered their national independence. The general resentment led to the + strangest leagues and to the wildest plans. The Cameronians were about to + take arms for the restoration of the house of Stewart, whom they regarded, + with justice, as their oppressors; and the intrigues of the period + presented the strange picture of papists, prelatists, and presbyterians, + caballing among themselves against the English government, out of a common + feeling that their country had been treated with injustice. The + fermentation was universal; and, as the population of Scotland had been + generally trained to arms, under the act of security, they were not + indifferently prepared for war, and waited but the declaration of some of + the nobility to break out into open hostility. It was at this period of + public confusion that our story opens. + </p> + <p> + The cleugh, or wild ravine, into which Hobbie Elliot had followed the + game, was already far behind him, and he was considerably advanced on his + return homeward, when the night began to close upon him. This would have + been a circumstance of great indifference to the experienced sportsman, + who could have walked blindfold over every inch of his native heaths, had + it not happened near a spot, which, according to the traditions of the + country, was in extremely bad fame, as haunted by supernatural + appearances. To tales of this kind Hobbie had, from his childhood, lent an + attentive ear; and as no part of the country afforded such a variety of + legends, so no man was more deeply read in their fearful lore than Hobbie + of the Heugh-foot; for so our gallant was called, to distinguish him from + a round dozen of Elliots who bore the same Christian name. It cost him no + efforts, therefore, to call to memory the terrific incidents connected + with the extensive waste upon which he was now entering. In fact, they + presented themselves with a readiness which he felt to be somewhat + dismaying. + </p> + <p> + This dreary common was called Mucklestane-Moor, from a huge column of + unhewn granite, which raised its massy head on a knell near the centre of + the heath, perhaps to tell of the mighty dead who slept beneath, or to + preserve the memory of some bloody skirmish. The real cause of its + existence had, however, passed away; and tradition, which is as frequently + an inventor of fiction as a preserver of truth, had supplied its place + with a supplementary legend of her own, which now came full upon Hobbie’s + memory. The ground about the pillar was strewed, or rather encumbered, + with many large fragments of stone of the same consistence with the + column, which, from their appearance as they lay scattered on the waste, + were popularly called the Grey Geese of Mucklestane-Moor. The legend + accounted for this name and appearance by the catastrophe of a noted and + most formidable witch who frequented these hills in former days, causing + the ewes to KEB, and the kine to cast their calves, and performing all the + feats of mischief ascribed to these evil beings. On this moor she used to + hold her revels with her sister hags; and rings were still pointed out on + which no grass nor heath ever grew, the turf being, as it were, calcined + by the scorching hoofs of their diabolical partners. + </p> + <p> + Once upon a time this old hag is said to have crossed the moor, driving + before her a flock of geese, which she proposed to sell to advantage at a + neighbouring fair;—for it is well known that the fiend, however + liberal in imparting his powers of doing mischief, ungenerously leaves his + allies under the necessity of performing the meanest rustic labours for + subsistence. The day was far advanced, and her chance of obtaining a good + price depended on her being first at the market. But the geese, which had + hitherto preceded her in a pretty orderly manner, when they came to this + wide common, interspersed with marshes and pools of water, scattered in + every direction, to plunge into the element in which they delighted. + Incensed at the obstinacy with which they defied all her efforts to + collect them, and not remembering the precise terms of the contract by + which the fiend was bound to obey her commands for a certain space, the + sorceress exclaimed, “Deevil, that neither I nor they ever stir from this + spot more!” The words were hardly uttered, when, by a metamorphosis as + sudden as any in Ovid, the hag and her refractory flock were converted + into stone, the angel whom she served, being a strict formalist, grasping + eagerly at an opportunity of completing the ruin of her body and soul by a + literal obedience to her orders. It is said, that when she perceived and + felt the transformation which was about to take place, she exclaimed to + the treacherous fiend, “Ah, thou false thief! lang hast thou promised me a + grey gown, and now I am getting ane that will last for ever.” The + dimensions of the pillar, and of the stones, were often appealed to, as a + proof of the superior stature and size of old women and geese in the days + of other years, by those praisers of the past who held the comfortable + opinion of the gradual degeneracy of mankind. + </p> + <p> + All particulars of this legend Hobbie called to mind as he passed along + the moor. He also remembered, that, since the catastrophe had taken place, + the scene of it had been avoided, at least after night-fall, by all human + beings, as being the ordinary resort of kelpies, spunkies, and other + demons, once the companions of the witch’s diabolical revels, and now + continuing to rendezvous upon the same spot, as if still in attendance on + their transformed mistress. Hobbie’s natural hardihood, however, manfully + combated with these intrusive sensations of awe. He summoned to his side + the brace of large greyhounds, who were the companions of his sports, and + who were wont, in his own phrase, to fear neither dog nor devil; he looked + at the priming of his piece, and, like the clown in Hallowe’en, whistled + up the warlike ditty of Jock of the Side, as a general causes his drums be + beat to inspirit the doubtful courage of his soldiers. + </p> + <p> + In this state of mind, he was very glad to hear a friendly voice shout in + his rear, and propose to him a partner on the road. He slackened his pace, + and was quickly joined by a youth well known to him, a gentleman of some + fortune in that remote country, and who had been abroad on the same errand + with himself. Young Earnscliff, “of that ilk,” had lately come of age, and + succeeded to a moderate fortune, a good deal dilapidated, from the share + his family had taken in the disturbances of the period. They were much and + generally respected in the country; a reputation which this young + gentleman seemed likely to sustain, as he was well educated, and of + excellent dispositions. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Earnscliff;” exclaimed Hobbie, “I am glad to meet your honour ony + gate, and company’s blithe on a bare moor like this—it’s an unco + bogilly bit—Where hae ye been sporting?” + </p> + <p> + “Up the Carla Cleugh, Hobbie,” answered Earnscliff, returning his + greeting. “But will our dogs keep the peace, think you?” + </p> + <p> + “Deil a fear o’ mine,” said Hobbie, “they hae scarce a leg to stand on.—Odd! + the deer’s fled the country, I think! I have been as far as + Inger-fell-foot, and deil a horn has Hobbie seen, excepting three red-wud + raes, that never let me within shot of them, though I gaed a mile round to + get up the wind to them, an’ a’. Deil o’ me wad care muckle, only I wanted + some venison to our auld gude-dame. The carline, she sits in the neuk + yonder, upbye, and cracks about the grand shooters and hunters lang syne—Odd, + I think they hae killed a’ the deer in the country, for my part.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Hobbie, I have shot a fat buck, and sent him to Earnscliff this + morning—you shall have half of him for your grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + “Mony thanks to ye, Mr. Patrick, ye’re kend to a’ the country for a kind + heart. It will do the auld wife’s heart gude—mair by token, when she + kens it comes frae you—and maist of a’ gin ye’ll come up and take + your share, for I reckon ye are lonesome now in the auld tower, and a’ + your folk at that weary Edinburgh. I wonder what they can find to do amang + a wheen ranks o’ stane-houses wi’ slate on the tap o’ them, that might + live on their ain bonny green hills.” + </p> + <p> + “My education and my sisters’ has kept my mother much in Edinburgh for + several years,” said Earnscliff; “but I promise you I propose to make up + for lost time.” + </p> + <p> + “And ye’ll rig out the auld tower a bit,” said Hobbie, “and live hearty + and neighbour-like wi’ the auld family friends, as the Laird o’ Earnscliff + should? I can tell ye, my mother—my grandmother I mean—but, + since we lost our ain mother, we ca’ her sometimes the tane, and sometimes + the tother—but, ony gate, she conceits hersell no that distant + connected wi’ you.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Hobbie, and I will come to the Heugh-foot to dinner to-morrow + with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, that’s kindly said! We are auld neighbours, an we were nae kin—and + my gude-dame’s fain to see you—she clavers about your father that + was killed lang syne.” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush, Hobbie—not a word about that—it’s a story better + forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken—if it had chanced amang our folk, we wad hae keepit it + in mind mony a day till we got some mends for’t—but ye ken your ain + ways best, you lairds—I have heard say that Ellieslaw’s friend + stickit your sire after the laird himsell had mastered his sword.” + </p> + <p> + “Fie, fie, Hobbie; it was a foolish brawl, occasioned by wine and politics—many + swords were drawn—it is impossible to say who struck the blow.” + </p> + <p> + “At ony rate, auld Ellieslaw was aiding and abetting; and I am sure if ye + were sae disposed as to take amends on him, naebody could say it was + wrang, for your father’s blood is beneath his nails—and besides + there’s naebody else left that was concerned to take amends upon, and he’s + a prelatist and a jacobite into the bargain—I can tell ye the + country folk look for something atween ye.” + </p> + <p> + “O for shame, Hobbie!” replied the young Laird; “you, that profess + religion, to stir your friend up to break the law, and take vengeance at + his own hand, and in such a bogilly bit too, where we know not what beings + may be listening to us!” + </p> + <p> + “Hush, hush!” said Hobbie, drawing nearer to his companion, “I was nae + thinking o’ the like o’ them—But I can guess a wee bit what keeps + your hand up, Mr. Patrick; we a’ ken it’s no lack o’ courage, but the twa + grey een of a bonny lass, Miss Isabel Vere, that keeps you sae sober.” + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, Hobbie,” said his companion, rather angrily, “I assure you + you are mistaken; and it is extremely wrong of you, either to think of, or + to utter, such an idea; I have no idea of permitting freedoms to be + carried so far as to connect my name with that of any young lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, there now—there now!” retorted Elliot; “did I not say it was + nae want o’ spunk that made ye sae mim?—Weel, weel, I meant nae + offence; but there’s just ae thing ye may notice frae a friend. The auld + Laird of Ellieslaw has the auld riding blood far hetter at his heart than + ye hae—troth, he kens naething about thae newfangled notions o’ + peace and quietness—he’s a’ for the auld-warld doings o’ lifting and + laying on, and he has a wheen stout lads at his back too, and keeps them + weel up in heart, and as fu’ o’ mischief as young colts. Where he gets the + gear to do’t nane can say; he lives high, and far abune his rents here; + however, he pays his way—Sae, if there’s ony out-break in the + country, he’s likely to break out wi’ the first—and weel does he + mind the auld quarrels between ye, I’m surmizing he’ll be for a touch at + the auld tower at Earnscliff.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Hobbie,” answered the young gentleman, “if he should be so ill + advised, I shall try to make the old tower good against him, as it has + been made good by my betters against his betters many a day ago.” + </p> + <p> + “Very right—very right—that’s speaking like a man now,” said + the stout yeoman; “and, if sae should be that this be sae, if ye’ll just + gar your servant jow out the great bell in the tower, there’s me, and my + twa brothers, and little Davie of the Stenhouse, will be wi’ you, wi’ a’ + the power we can make, in the snapping of a flint.” + </p> + <p> + “Many thanks, Hobbie,” answered Earnscliff; “but I hope we shall have no + war of so unnatural and unchristian a kind in our time.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, sir, hout,” replied Elliot; “it wad be but a wee bit neighbour war, + and Heaven and earth would make allowances for it in this uncultivated + place—it’s just the nature o’ the folk and the land—we canna + live quiet like Loudon folk—we haena sae muckle to do. It’s + impossible.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Hobbie,” said the Laird, “for one who believes so deeply as you do + in supernatural appearances, I must own you take Heaven in your own hand + rather audaciously, considering where we are walking.” + </p> + <p> + “What needs I care for the Mucklestane-Moor ony mair than ye do yoursell, + Earnscliff?” said Hobbie, something offended; “to be sure, they do say + there’s a sort o’ worricows and lang-nebbit things about the land, but + what need I care for them? I hae a good conscience, and little to answer + for, unless it be about a rant amang the lasses, or a splore at a fair, + and that’s no muckle to speak of. Though I say it mysell, I am as quiet a + lad and as peaceable—” + </p> + <p> + “And Dick Turnbull’s head that you broke, and Willie of Winton whom you + shot at?” said his travelling companion. + </p> + <p> + “Hout, Earnscliff, ye keep a record of a’ men’s misdoings—Dick’s + head’s healed again, and we’re to fight out the quarrel at Jeddart, on the + Rood-day, so that’s like a thing settled in a peaceable way; and then I am + friends wi’ Willie again, puir chield—it was but twa or three hail + draps after a’. I wad let onybody do the like o’t to me for a pint o’ + brandy. But Willie’s lowland bred, poor fallow, and soon frighted for + himsell—And, for the worricows, were we to meet ane on this very bit—” + </p> + <p> + “As is not unlikely,” said young Earnscliff, “for there stands your old + witch, Hobbie.” + </p> + <p> + “I say,” continued Elliot, as if indignant at this hint—“I say, if + the auld carline hersell was to get up out o’ the grund just before us + here, I would think nae mair—But, gude preserve us, Earnscliff; what + can yon, be!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Brown Dwarf, that o’er the moorland strays, + Thy name to Keeldar tell! + “The Brown Man of the Moor, that stays + Beneath the heather-bell.”—JOHN LEYDEN +</pre> + <p> + The object which alarmed the young farmer in the middle of his valorous + protestations, startled for a moment even his less prejudiced companion. + The moon, which had arisen during their conversation, was, in the phrase + of that country, wading or struggling with clouds, and shed only a + doubtful and occasional light. By one of her beams, which streamed upon + the great granite column to which they now approached, they discovered a + form, apparently human, but of a size much less than ordinary, which moved + slowly among the large grey stones, not like a person intending to journey + onward, but with the slow, irregular, flitting movement of a being who + hovers around some spot of melancholy recollection, uttering also, from + time to time, a sort of indistinct muttering sound. This so much resembled + his idea of the motions of an apparition, that Hobbie Elliot, making a + dead pause, while his hair erected itself upon his scalp, whispered to his + companion, “It’s Auld Ailie hersell! Shall I gie her a shot, in the name + of God?” + </p> + <p> + “For Heaven’s sake, no,” said his companion, holding down the weapon which + he was about to raise to the aim—“for Heaven’s sake, no; it’s some + poor distracted creature.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye’re distracted yoursell, for thinking of going so near to her,” said + Elliot, holding his companion in his turn, as he prepared to advance. + “We’ll aye hae time to pit ower a bit prayer (an I could but mind ane) + afore she comes this length—God! she’s in nae hurry,” continued he, + growing bolder from his companion’s confidence, and the little notice the + apparition seemed to take of them. “She hirples like a hen on a het + girdle. I redd ye, Earnscliff” (this he added in a gentle whisper), “let + us take a cast about, as if to draw the wind on a buck—the bog is no + abune knee-deep, and better a saft road as bad company.” [The Scots use + the epithet soft, IN MALAM PARTEM, in two cases, at least. A SOFT road is + a road through quagmire and bogs; and SOFT weather signifies that which is + very rainy.] + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff, however, in spite of his companion’s resistance and + remonstrances, continued to advance on the path they had originally + pursued, and soon confronted the object of their investigation. + </p> + <p> + The height of the figure, which appeared even to decrease as they + approached it, seemed to be under four feet, and its form, as far as the + imperfect light afforded them the means of discerning, was very nearly as + broad as long, or rather of a spherical shape, which could only be + occasioned by some strange personal deformity. The young sportsman hailed + this extraordinary appearance twice, without receiving any answer, or + attending to the pinches by which his companion endeavoured to intimate + that their best course was to walk on, without giving farther disturbance + to a being of such singular and preternatural exterior. To the third + repeated demand of “Who are you? What do you here at this hour of night?”—a + voice replied, whose shrill, uncouth, and dissonant tones made Elliot step + two paces back, and startled even his companion, “Pass on your way, and + ask nought at them that ask nought at you.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you do here so far from shelter? Are you benighted on your + journey? Will you follow us home (‘God forbid!’ ejaculated Hobbie Elliot, + involuntarily), and I will give you a lodging?” + </p> + <p> + “I would sooner lodge by mysell in the deepest of the Tarras-flow,” again + whispered Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “Pass on your way,” rejoined the figure, the harsh tones of his voice + still more exalted by passion. “I want not your guidance—I want not + your lodging—it is five years since my head was under a human roof, + and I trust it was for the last time.” + </p> + <p> + “He is mad,” said Earnscliff. + </p> + <p> + “He has a look of auld Humphrey Ettercap, the tinkler, that perished in + this very moss about five years syne,” answered his superstitious + companion; “but Humphrey wasna that awfu’ big in the bouk.” + </p> + <p> + “Pass on your way,” reiterated the object of their curiosity, “the breath + of your human bodies poisons the air around me—the sound of pour + human voices goes through my ears like sharp bodkins.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord safe us!” whispered Hobbie, “that the dead should bear sie fearfu’ + ill-will to the living!—his saul maun be in a puir way, I’m + jealous.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, my friend,” said Earnscliff, “you seem to suffer under some strong + affliction; common humanity will not allow us to leave you here.” + </p> + <p> + “Common humanity!” exclaimed the being, with a scornful laugh that sounded + like a shriek, “where got ye that catch-word—that noose for + woodcocks—that common disguise for man-traps—that bait which + the wretched idiot who swallows, will soon find covers a hook with barbs + ten times sharper than those you lay for the animals which you murder for + your luxury!” + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, my friend,” again replied Earnscliff, “you are incapable of + judging of your own situation—you will perish in this wilderness, + and we must, in compassion, force you along with us.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll hae neither hand nor foot in’t,” said Hobbie; “let the ghaist take + his ain way, for God’s sake!” + </p> + <p> + “My blood be on my own head, if I perish here,” said the figure; and, + observing Earnscliff meditating to lay hold on him, he added, “And your + blood be upon yours, if you touch but the skirt of my garments, to infect + me with the taint of mortality!” + </p> + <p> + The moon shone more brightly as he spoke thus, and Earnscliff observed + that he held out his right hand armed with some weapon of offence, which + glittered in the cold ray like the blade of a long knife, or the barrel of + a pistol. It would have been madness to persevere in his attempt upon a + being thus armed, and holding such desperate language, especially as it + was plain he would have little aid from his companion, who had fairly left + him to settle matters with the apparition as he could, and had proceeded a + few paces on his way homeward. Earnscliff, however, turned and followed + Hobbie, after looking back towards the supposed maniac, who, as if raised + to frenzy by the interview, roamed wildly around the great stone, + exhausting his voice in shrieks and imprecations, that thrilled wildly + along the waste heath. + </p> + <p> + The two sportsmen moved on some time in silence, until they were out of + hearing of these uncouth sounds, which was not ere they had gained a + considerable distance from the pillar that gave name to the moor. Each + made his private comments on the scene they had witnessed, until Hobbie + Elliot suddenly exclaimed, “Weel, I’ll uphaud that yon ghaist, if it be a + ghaist, has baith done and suffered muckle evil in the flesh, that gars + him rampauge in that way after he is dead and gane.” + </p> + <p> + “It seems to me the very madness of misanthropy,” said Earnscliff; + following his own current of thought. + </p> + <p> + “And ye didna think it was a spiritual creature, then?” asked Hobbie at + his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Who, I?—No, surely.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, I am partly of the mind mysell that it may be a live thing—and + yet I dinna ken, I wadna wish to see ony thing look liker a bogle.” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” said Earnscliff, “I will ride over to-morrow and see what + has become of the unhappy being.” + </p> + <p> + “In fair daylight?” queried the yeoman; “then, grace o’ God, I’se be wi’ + ye. But here we are nearer to Heugh-foot than to your house by twa mile,—hadna + ye better e’en gae hame wi’ me, and we’ll send the callant on the powny to + tell them that you are wi’ us, though I believe there’s naebody at hame to + wait for you but the servants and the cat.” + </p> + <p> + “Have with you then, friend Hobbie,” said the young hunter; “and as I + would not willingly have either the servants be anxious, or puss forfeit + her supper, in my absence, I’ll be obliged to you to send the boy as you + propose.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, that IS kind, I must say. And ye’ll gae hame to Heugh-foot? + They’ll be right blithe to see you, that will they.” + </p> + <p> + This affair settled, they walked briskly on a little farther, when, coming + to the ridge of a pretty steep hill, Hobbie Elliot exclaimed, “Now, + Earnscliff, I am aye glad when I come to this very bit—Ye see the + light below, that’s in the ha’ window, where grannie, the gash auld + carline, is sitting birling at her wheel—and ye see yon other light + that’s gaun whiddin’ back and forrit through amang the windows? that’s my + cousin, Grace Armstrong,—she’s twice as clever about the house as my + sisters, and sae they say themsells, for they’re good-natured lasses as + ever trode on heather; but they confess themsells, and sae does grannie, + that she has far maist action, and is the best goer about the toun, now + that grannie is off the foot hersell.—My brothers, ane o’ them’s + away to wait upon the chamberlain, and ane’s at Moss-phadraig, that’s our + led farm—he can see after the stock just as weel as I can do.” + </p> + <p> + “You are lucky, my good friend, in having so many valuable relations.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth am I—Grace make me thankful, I’se never deny it.—But + will ye tell me now, Earnscliff, you that have been at college, and the + high-school of Edinburgh, and got a’ sort o’ lair where it was to be best + gotten—will ye tell me—no that it’s ony concern of mine in + particular,—but I heard the priest of St. John’s, and our minister, + bargaining about it at the Winter fair, and troth they baith spak very + weel—Now, the priest says it’s unlawful to marry ane’s cousin; but I + cannot say I thought he brought out the Gospel authorities half sae weel + as our minister—our minister is thought the best divine and the best + preacher atween this and Edinburgh—Dinna ye think he was likely to + be right?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly marriage, by all protestant Christians, is held to be as free + as God made it by the Levitical law; so, Hobbie, there can be no bar, + legal or religious, betwixt you and Miss Armstrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout awa’ wi’ your joking, Earnscliff,” replied his companion,—“ye + are angry aneugh yoursell if ane touches you a bit, man, on the sooth side + of the jest—No that I was asking the question about Grace, for ye + maun ken she’s no my cousin-germain out and out, but the daughter of my + uncle’s wife by her first marriage, so she’s nae kith nor kin to me—only + a connexion like. But now we’re at the Sheeling-hill—I’ll fire off + my gun, to let them ken I’m coming, that’s aye my way; and if I hae a deer + I gie them twa shots, ane for the deer and ane for mysell.” + </p> + <p> + He fired off his piece accordingly, and the number of lights were seen to + traverse the house, and even to gleam before it. Hobbie Elliot pointed out + one of these to Earnscliff, which seemed to glide from the house towards + some of the outhouses-“That’s Grace hersell,” said Hobbie. “She’ll no meet + me at the door, I’se warrant her—but she’ll be awa’, for a’ that, to + see if my hounds’ supper be ready, poor beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “Love me, love my dog,” answered Earnscliff. “Ah, Hobbie, you are a lucky + young fellow!” + </p> + <p> + This observation was uttered with something like a sigh, which apparently + did not escape the ear of his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Hout, other folk may be as lucky as I am—O how I have seen Miss + Isabel Vere’s head turn after somebody when they passed ane another at the + Carlisle races! Wha kens but things may come round in this world?” + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff muttered something like an answer; but whether in assent of the + proposition, or rebuking the application of it, could not easily be + discovered; and it seems probable that the speaker himself was willing his + meaning should rest in doubt and obscurity. They had now descended the + broad loaning, which, winding round the foot of the steep bank, or heugh, + brought them in front of the thatched, but comfortable, farm-house, which + was the dwelling of Hobbie Elliot and his family. + </p> + <p> + The doorway was thronged with joyful faces; but the appearance of a + stranger blunted many a gibe which had been prepared on Hobbie’s lack of + success in the deer-stalking. There was a little bustle among three + handsome young women, each endeavouring to devolve upon another the task + of ushering the stranger into the apartment, while probably all were + anxious to escape for the purpose of making some little personal + arrangements, before presenting themselves to a young gentleman in a + dishabille only intended for their brother. + </p> + <p> + Hobbie, in the meanwhile, bestowing some hearty and general abuse upon + them all (for Grace was not of the party), snatched the candle from the + hand of one of the rustic coquettes, as she stood playing pretty with it + in her hand, and ushered his guest into the family parlour, or rather + hall; for the place having been a house of defence in former times, the + sitting apartment was a vaulted and paved room, damp and dismal enough + compared with the lodgings of the yeomanry of our days, but which, when + well lighted up with a large sparkling fire of turf and bog-wood, seemed + to Earnscliff a most comfortable exchange for the darkness and bleak blast + of the hill. Kindly and repeatedly was he welcomed by the venerable old + dame, the mistress of the family, who, dressed in her coif and pinners, + her close and decent gown of homespun wool, but with a large gold necklace + and ear-rings, looked, what she really was, the lady as well as the + farmer’s wife, while, seated in her chair of wicker, by the corner of the + great chimney, she directed the evening occupations of the young women, + and of two or three stout serving wenches, who sate plying their distaffs + behind the backs of their young mistresses. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Earnscliff had been duly welcomed, and hasty orders issued for + some addition to the evening meal, his grand-dame and sisters opened their + battery upon Hobbie Elliot for his lack of success against the deer. + </p> + <p> + “Jenny needna have kept up her kitchen-fire for a’ that Hobbie has brought + hame,” said one sister. + </p> + <p> + “Troth no, lass,” said another; “the gathering peat, if it was weel blawn, + wad dress a’ our Hobbie’s venison.” [The gathering peat is the piece of + turf left to treasure up the secret seeds of fire, without any generous + consumption of fuel; in a word, to keep the fire alive.] + </p> + <p> + “Ay, or the low of the candle, if the wind wad let it hide steady,” said a + third; “if I were him, I would bring hame a black craw, rather than come + back three times without a buck’s horn to blaw on.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie turned from the one to the other, regarding them alternately with a + frown on his brow, the augury of which was confuted by the good-humoured + laugh on the lower part of his countenance. He then strove to propitiate + them, by mentioning the intended present of his companion. + </p> + <p> + “In my young days,” said the old lady, “a man wad hae been ashamed to come + back frae the hill without a buck hanging on each side o’ his horse, like + a cadger carrying calves.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish they had left some for us then, grannie,” retorted Hobbie; + “they’ve cleared the country o’ them, thae auld friends o’ yours, I’m + thinking.” + </p> + <p> + “We see other folk can find game, though you cannot, Hobbie,” said the + eldest sister, glancing a look at young Earnscliff. + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel, woman, hasna every dog his day, begging Earnscliff’s pardon + for the auld saying—Mayna I hae his luck, and he mine, another time?—It’s + a braw thing for a man to be out a’ day, and frighted—na, I winna + say that neither but mistrysted wi’ bogles in the hame-coming, an’ then to + hae to flyte wi’ a wheen women that hae been doing naething a’ the + live-lang day, but whirling a bit stick, wi’ a thread trailing at it, or + boring at a clout.” + </p> + <p> + “Frighted wi’ bogles!” exclaimed the females, one and all,—for great + was the regard then paid, and perhaps still paid, in these glens, to all + such fantasies. + </p> + <p> + “I did not say frighted, now—I only said mis-set wi’ the thing—And + there was but ae bogle, neither—Earnscliff, ye saw it; as weel as I + did?” + </p> + <p> + And he proceeded, without very much exaggeration, to detail, in his own + way, the meeting they had with the mysterious being at Mucklestane-Moor, + concluding, he could not conjecture what on earth it could be, unless it + was either the Enemy himsell, or some of the auld Peghts that held the + country lang syne. + </p> + <p> + “Auld Peght!” exclaimed the grand-dame; “na, na—bless thee frae + scathe, my bairn, it’s been nae Peght that—it’s been the Brown Man + of the Moors! O weary fa’ thae evil days!—what can evil beings be + coming for to distract a poor country, now it’s peacefully settled, and + living in love and law—O weary on him! he ne’er brought gude to + these lands or the indwellers. My father aften tauld me he was seen in the + year o’ the bloody fight at Marston-Moor, and then again in Montrose’s + troubles, and again before the rout o’ Dunbar, and, in my ain time, he was + seen about the time o’ Bothwell-Brigg, and they said the second-sighted + Laird of Benarbuck had a communing wi’ him some time afore Argyle’s + landing, but that I cannot speak to sae preceesely—it was far in the + west.—O, bairns, he’s never permitted but in an ill time, sae mind + ilka ane o’ ye to draw to Him that can help in the day of trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff now interposed, and expressed his firm conviction that the + person they had seen was some poor maniac, and had no commission from the + invisible world to announce either war or evil. But his opinion found a + very cold audience, and all joined to deprecate his purpose of returning + to the spot the next day. + </p> + <p> + “O, my bonny bairn,” said the old dame (for, in the kindness of her heart, + she extended her parental style to all in whom she was interested)—-“You + should beware mair than other folk—there’s been a heavy breach made + in your house wi’ your father’s bloodshed, and wi’ law-pleas, and losses + sinsyne;—and you are the flower of the flock, and the lad that will + build up the auld bigging again (if it be His will) to be an honour to the + country, and a safeguard to those that dwell in it—you, before + others, are called upon to put yoursell in no rash adventures—for + yours was aye ower venturesome a race, and muckle harm they have got by + it.” + </p> + <p> + “But I am sure, my good friend, you would not have me be afraid of going + to an open moor in broad daylight?” + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken,” said the good old dame; “I wad never bid son or friend o’ + mine haud their hand back in a gude cause, whether it were a friend’s or + their ain—that should be by nae bidding of mine, or of ony body + that’s come of a gentle kindred—But it winna gang out of a grey head + like mine, that to gang to seek for evil that’s no fashing wi’ you, is + clean against law and Scripture.” + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff resigned an argument which he saw no prospect of maintaining + with good effect, and the entrance of supper broke off the conversation. + Miss Grace had by this time made her appearance, and Hobbie, not without a + conscious glance at Earnscliff, placed himself by her side. Mirth and + lively conversation, in which the old lady of the house took the + good-humoured share which so well becomes old age, restored to the cheeks + of the damsels the roses which their brother’s tale of the apparition had + chased away, and they danced and sung for an hour after supper as if there + were no such things as goblins in the world. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I am Misanthropos, and hate mankind; + For thy part, I do wish thou wert a dog, + That I might love thee something.—TIMON OF ATHENS +</pre> + <p> + On the following morning, after breakfast, Earnscliff took leave of his + hospitable friends, promising to return in time to partake of the venison, + which had arrived from his house. Hobbie, who apparently took leave of him + at the door of his habitation, slunk out, however, and joined him at the + top of the hill. + </p> + <p> + “Ye’ll be gaun yonder, Mr. Patrick; feind o’ me will mistryst you for a’ + my mother says. I thought it best to slip out quietly though, in case she + should mislippen something of what we’re gaun to do—we maunna vex + her at nae rate—it was amaist the last word my father said to me on + his deathbed.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means, Hobbie,” said Earnscliff; “she well merits all your + attention.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, for that matter, she would be as sair vexed amaist for you as for + me. But d’ye really think there’s nae presumption in venturing back + yonder?—We hae nae special commission, ye ken.” + </p> + <p> + “If I thought as you do, Hobbie,” said the young gentleman, “I would not + perhaps enquire farther into this business; but as I am of opinion that + preternatural visitations are either ceased altogether, or become very + rare in our days, I am unwilling to leave a matter uninvestigated which + may concern the life of a poor distracted being.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, aweel, if ye really think that,” answered Hobbie doubtfully—“And + it’s for certain the very fairies—I mean the very good neighbours + themsells (for they say folk suldna ca’ them fairies) that used to be seen + on every green knowe at e’en, are no half sae often visible in our days. I + canna depone to having ever seen ane mysell, but, I ance heard ane whistle + ahint me in the moss, as like a whaup [Curlew] as ae thing could be like + anither. And mony ane my father saw when he used to come hame frae the + fairs at e’en, wi’ a drap drink in his head, honest man.” + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff was somewhat entertained with the gradual declension of + superstition from one generation to another which was inferred In this + last observation; and they continued to reason on such subjects, until + they came in sight of the upright stone which gave name to the moor. + </p> + <p> + “As I shall answer,” says Hobbie, “yonder’s the creature creeping about + yet!—But it’s daylight, and you have your gun, and I brought out my + bit whinger—I think we may venture on him.” + </p> + <p> + “By all manner of means,” said Earnscliff; “but, in the name of wonder, + what can he be doing there?” + </p> + <p> + “Biggin a dry-stane dyke, I think, wi’ the grey geese, as they ca’ thae + great loose stanes—Odd, that passes a’ thing I e’er heard tell of!” + </p> + <p> + As they approached nearer, Earnscliff could not help agreeing with his + companion. The figure they had seen the night before seemed slowly and + toilsomely labouring to pile the large stones one upon another, as if to + form a small enclosure. Materials lay around him in great plenty, but the + labour of carrying on the work was immense, from the size of most of the + stones; and it seemed astonishing that he should have succeeded in moving + several which he had already arranged for the foundation of his edifice. + He was struggling to move a fragment of great size when the two young men + came up, and was so intent upon executing his purpose, that he did not + perceive them till they were close upon him. In straining and heaving at + the stone, in order to place it according to his wish, he displayed a + degree of strength which seemed utterly inconsistent with his size and + apparent deformity. Indeed, to judge from the difficulties he had already + surmounted, he must have been of Herculean powers; for some of the stones + he had succeeded in raising apparently required two men’s strength to have + moved them. Hobbie’s suspicions began to revive, on seeing the + preternatural strength he exerted. + </p> + <p> + “I am amaist persuaded it’s the ghaist of a stane-mason—see siccan + band-statnes as he’s laid i—An it be a man, after a’, I wonder what + he wad take by the rood to build a march dyke. There’s ane sair wanted + between Cringlehope and the Shaws.—Honest man” (raising his voice), + “ye make good firm wark there?” + </p> + <p> + The being whom he addressed raised his eyes with a ghastly stare, and, + getting up from his stooping posture, stood before them in all his native + and hideous deformity. His head was of uncommon size, covered with a fell + of shaggy hair, partly grizzled with age; his eyebrows, shaggy and + prominent, overhung a pair of small dark, piercing eyes, set far back in + their sockets, that rolled with a portentous wildness, indicative of a + partial insanity. The rest of his features were of the coarse, rough-hewn + stamp, with which a painter would equip a giant in romance; to which was + added the wild, irregular, and peculiar expression, so often seen in the + countenances of those whose persons are deformed. His body, thick and + square, like that of a man of middle size, was mounted upon two large + feet; but nature seemed to have forgotten the legs and the thighs, or they + were so very short as to be hidden by the dress which he wore. His arms + were long and brawny, furnished with two muscular hands, and, where + uncovered in the eagerness of his labour, were shagged with coarse black + hair. It seemed as if nature had originally intended the separate parts of + his body to be the members of a giant, but had afterwards capriciously + assigned them to the person of a dwarf, so ill did the length of his arms + and the iron strength of his frame correspond with the shortness of his + stature. His clothing was a sort of coarse brown tunic, like a monk’s + frock, girt round him with a belt of seal-skin. On his head he had a cap + made of badger’s skin, or some other rough fur, which added considerably + to the grotesque effect of his whole appearance, and overshadowed + features, whose habitual expression seemed that of sullen malignant + misanthropy. + </p> + <p> + This remarkable Dwarf gazed on the two youths in silence, with a dogged + and irritated look, until Earnscliff, willing to soothe him into better + temper, observed, “You are hard tasked, my friend; allow us to assist + you.” + </p> + <p> + Elliot and he accordingly placed the stone, by their joint efforts, upon + the rising wall. The Dwarf watched them with the eye of a taskmaster, and + testified, by peevish gestures, his impatience at the time which they took + in adjusting the stone. He pointed to another—they raised it also—to + a third, to a fourth—they continued to humour him, though with some + trouble, for he assigned them, as if intentionally, the heaviest fragments + which lay near. + </p> + <p> + “And now, friend,” said Elliot, as the unreasonable Dwarf indicated + another stone larger than any they had moved, “Earnscliff may do as he + likes; but be ye man or be ye waur, deil be in my fingers if I break my + back wi’ heaving thae stanes ony langer like a barrow-man, without getting + sae muckle as thanks for my pains.” + </p> + <p> + “Thanks!” exclaimed the Dwarf, with a motion expressive of the utmost + contempt—“There—take them, and fatten upon them! Take them, + and may they thrive with you as they have done with me—as they have + done with every mortal worm that ever heard the word spoken by his fellow + reptile! Hence—either labour or begone!” + </p> + <p> + “This is a fine reward we have, Earnscliff, for building a tabernacle for + the devil, and prejudicing our ain souls into the bargain, for what we + ken.” + </p> + <p> + “Our presence,” answered Earnscliff, “seems only to irritate his frenzy; + we had better leave him, and send some one to provide him with food and + necessaries.” + </p> + <p> + They did so. The servant dispatched for this purpose found the Dwarf still + labouring at his wall, but could not extract a word from him. The lad, + infected with the superstitions of the country, did not long persist in an + attempt to intrude questions or advice on so singular a figure, but having + placed the articles which he had brought for his use on a stone at some + distance, he left them at the misanthrope’s disposal. + </p> + <p> + The Dwarf proceeded in his labours, day after day, with an assiduity so + incredible as to appear almost supernatural. In one day he often seemed to + have done the work of two men, and his building soon assumed the + appearance of the walls of a hut, which, though very small, and + constructed only of stones and turf, without any mortar, exhibited, from + the unusual size of the stones employed, an appearance of solidity very + uncommon for a cottage of such narrow dimensions and rude construction. + Earnscliff; attentive to his motions, no sooner perceived to what they + tended, than he sent down a number of spars of wood suitable for forming + the roof, which he caused to be left in the neighbourhood of the spot, + resolving next day to send workmen to put them up. But his purpose was + anticipated, for in the evening, during the night, and early in the + morning, the Dwarf had laboured so hard, and with such ingenuity, that he + had nearly completed the adjustment of the rafters. His next labour was to + cut rushes and thatch his dwelling, a task which he performed with + singular dexterity. + </p> + <p> + As he seemed averse to receive any aid beyond the occasional assistance of + a passenger, materials suitable to his purpose, and tools, were supplied + to him, in the use of which he proved to be skilful. He constructed the + door and window of his cot, he adjusted a rude bedstead, and a few + shelves, and appeared to become somewhat soothed in his temper as his + accommodations increased. + </p> + <p> + His next task was to form a strong enclosure, and to cultivate the land + within it to the best of his power; until, by transporting mould, and + working up what was upon the spot, he formed a patch of garden-ground. It + must be naturally supposed, that, as above hinted, this solitary being + received assistance occasionally from such travellers as crossed the moor + by chance, as well as from several who went from curiosity to visit his + works. It was, indeed, impossible to see a human creature, so unfitted, at + first sight, for hard labour, toiling with such unremitting assiduity, + without stopping a few minutes to aid him in his task; and, as no one of + his occasional assistants was acquainted with the degree of help which the + Dwarf had received from others, the celerity of his progress lost none of + its marvels in their eyes. The strong and compact appearance of the + cottage, formed in so very short a space, and by such a being, and the + superior skill which he displayed in mechanics, and in other arts, gave + suspicion to the surrounding neighbours. They insisted, that, if he was + not a phantom,—an opinion which was now abandoned, since he plainly + appeared a being of blood and bone with themselves,—yet he must be + in close league with the invisible world, and have chosen that sequestered + spot to carry on his communication with them undisturbed. They insisted, + though in a different sense from the philosopher’s application of the + phrase, that he was never less alone than when alone; and that from the + heights which commanded the moor at a distance, passengers often + discovered a person at work along with this dweller of the desert, who + regularly disappeared as soon as they approached closer to the cottage. + Such a figure was also occasionally seen sitting beside him at the door, + walking with him in the moor, or assisting him in fetching water from his + fountain. Earnscliff explained this phenomenon by supposing it to be the + Dwarf’s shadow. + </p> + <p> + “Deil a shadow has he,” replied Hobbie Elliot, who was a strenuous + defender of the general opinion; “he’s ower far in wi’ the Auld Ane to + have a shadow. Besides,” he argued more logically, “wha ever heard of a + shadow that cam between a body and the sun? and this thing, be it what it + will, is thinner and taller than the body himsell, and has been seen to + come between him and the sun mair than anes or twice either.” + </p> + <p> + These suspicions, which, in any other part of the country, might have been + attended with investigations a little inconvenient to the supposed wizard, + were here only productive of respect and awe. The recluse being seemed + somewhat gratified by the marks of timid veneration with which an + occasional passenger approached his dwelling, the look of startled + surprise with which he surveyed his person and his premises, and the + hurried step with which he pressed his retreat as he passed the awful + spot. The boldest only stopped to gratify their curiosity by a hasty + glance at the walls of his cottage and garden, and to apologize for it by + a courteous salutation, which the inmate sometimes deigned to return by a + word or a nod. Earnscliff often passed that way, and seldom without + enquiring after the solitary inmate, who seemed now to have arranged his + establishment for life. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible to engage him in any conversation on his own personal + affairs; nor was he communicative or accessible in talking on any other + subject whatever, although he seemed to have considerably relented in the + extreme ferocity of his misanthropy, or rather to be less frequently + visited with the fits of derangement of which this was a symptom. No + argument could prevail upon him to accept anything beyond the simplest + necessaries, although much more was offered by Earnscliff out of charity, + and by his more superstitious neighbours from other motives. The benefits + of these last he repaid by advice, when consulted (as at length he slowly + was) on their diseases, or those of their cattle. He often furnished them + with medicines also, and seemed possessed, not only of such as were the + produce of the country, but of foreign drugs. He gave these persons to + understand, that his name was Elshender the Recluse; but his popular + epithet soon came to be Canny Elshie, or the Wise Wight of + Mucklestane-Moor. Some extended their queries beyond their bodily + complaints, and requested advice upon other matters, which he delivered + with an oracular shrewdness that greatly confirmed the opinion of his + possessing preternatural skill. The querists usually left some offering + upon a stone, at a distance from his dwelling; if it was money, or any + article which did not suit him to accept, he either threw it away, or + suffered it to remain where it was without making use of it. On all + occasions his manners were rude and unsocial; and his words, in number, + just sufficient to express his meaning as briefly as possible, and he + shunned all communication that went a syllable beyond the matter in hand. + When winter had passed away, and his garden began to afford him herbs and + vegetables, he confined himself almost entirely to those articles of food. + He accepted, notwithstanding, a pair of she-goats from Earnscliff, which + fed on the moor, and supplied him with milk. + </p> + <p> + When Earnscliff found his gift had been received, he soon afterwards paid + the hermit a visit. The old man was seated an a broad flat stone near his + garden door, which was the seat of science he usually occupied when + disposed to receive his patients or clients. The inside of his hut, and + that of his garden, he kept as sacred from human intrusion as the natives + of Otaheite do their Morai;—apparently he would have deemed it + polluted by the step of any human being. When he shut himself up in his + habitation, no entreaty could prevail upon him to make himself visible, or + to give audience to any one whomsoever. + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff had been fishing in a small river at some distance. He had his + rod in his hand, and his basket, filled with trout, at his shoulder. He + sate down upon a stone nearly opposite to the Dwarf who, familiarized with + his presence, took no farther notice of him than by elevating his huge + mis-shapen head for the purpose of staring at him, and then again sinking + it upon his bosom, as if in profound meditation. Earnscliff looked around + him, and observed that the hermit had increased his accommodations by the + construction of a shed for the reception of his goats. + </p> + <p> + “You labour hard, Elshie,” he said, willing to lead this singular being + into conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Labour,” re-echoed the Dwarf, “is the mildest evil of a lot so miserable + as that of mankind; better to labour like me, than sport like you.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot defend the humanity of our ordinary rural sports, Elshie, and + yet—” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” interrupted the Dwarf, “they are better than your ordinary + business; better to exercise idle and wanton cruelty on mute fishes than + on your fellow-creatures. Yet why should I say so? Why should not the + whole human herd butt, gore, and gorge upon each other, till all are + extirpated but one huge and over-fed Behemoth, and he, when he had + throttled and gnawed the bones of all his fellows—he, when his prey + failed him, to be roaring whole days for lack of food, and, finally, to + die, inch by inch, of famine—it were a consummation worthy of the + race!” + </p> + <p> + “Your deeds are better, Elshie, than your words,” answered Earnscliff; + “you labour to preserve the race whom your misanthropy slanders.” + </p> + <p> + “I do; but why?—Hearken. You are one on whom I look with the least + loathing, and I care not, if, contrary to my wont, I waste a few words in + compassion to your infatuated blindness. If I cannot send disease into + families, and murrain among the herds, can I attain the same end so well + as by prolonging the lives of those who can serve the purpose of + destruction as effectually?—If Alice of Bower had died in winter, + would young Ruthwin have been slain for her love the last spring?—Who + thought of penning their cattle beneath the tower when the Red Reiver of + Westburnflat was deemed to be on his death-bed?—My draughts, my + skill, recovered him. And, now, who dare leave his herd upon the lea + without a watch, or go to bed without unchaining the sleuth-hound?” + </p> + <p> + “I own,” answered Earnscliff; “you did little good to society by the last + of these cures. But, to balance the evil, there is my friend Hobbie, + honest Hobbie of the Heugh-foot, your skill relieved him last winter in a + fever that might have cost him his life.” + </p> + <p> + “Thus think the children of clay in their ignorance,” said: the Dwarf, + smiling maliciously, “and thus they speak in their folly. Have you marked + the young cub of a wild cat that has been domesticated, how sportive, how + playful, how gentle,—but trust him with your game, your lambs, your + poultry, his inbred ferocity breaks forth; he gripes, tears, ravages, and + devours.” + </p> + <p> + “Such is the animal’s instinct,” answered Earnscliff; “but what has that + to do with Hobbie?” + </p> + <p> + “It is his emblem—it is his picture,” retorted the Recluse. “He is + at present tame, quiet, and domesticated, for lack of opportunity to + exercise his inborn propensities; but let the trumpet of war sound—let + the young blood-hound snuff blood, he will be as ferocious as the wildest + of his Border ancestors that ever fired a helpless peasant’s abode. Can + you deny, that even at present he often urges you to take bloody revenge + for an injury received when you were a boy?”—Earnscliff started; the + Recluse appeared not to observe his surprise, and proceeded—“The + trumpet WILL blow, the young blood-hound WILL lap blood, and I will laugh + and say, For this I have preserved thee!” He paused, and continued,—“Such + are my cures;—their object, their purpose, perpetuating the mass of + misery, and playing even in this desert my part in the general tragedy. + Were YOU on your sick bed, I might, in compassion, send you a cup of + poison.” + </p> + <p> + “I am much obliged to you, Elshie, and certainly shall not fail to consult + you, with so comfortable a hope from your assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not flatter yourself too far,” replied the Hermit, “with the hope that + I will positively yield to the frailty of pity. Why should I snatch a + dupe, so well fitted to endure the miseries of life as you are, from the + wretchedness which his own visions, and the villainy of the world, are + preparing for him? Why should I play the compassionate Indian, and, + knocking out the brains of the captive with my tomahawk, at once spoil the + three days’ amusement of my kindred tribe, at the very moment when the + brands were lighted, the pincers heated, the cauldrons boiling, the knives + sharpened, to tear, scorch, seethe, and scarify the intended victim?” + </p> + <p> + “A dreadful picture you present to me of life, Elshie; but I am not + daunted by it,” returned Earnscliff. “We are sent here, in one sense, to + bear and to suffer; but, in another, to do and to enjoy. The active day + has its evening of repose; even patient sufferance has its alleviations, + where there is a consolatory sense of duty discharged.” + </p> + <p> + “I spurn at the slavish and bestial doctrine,” said the Dwarf, his eyes + kindling with insane fury,—“I spurn at it, as worthy only of the + beasts that perish; but I will waste no more words with you.” + </p> + <p> + He rose hastily; but, ere he withdrew into the hut, he added, with great + vehemence, “Yet, lest you still think my apparent benefits to mankind flow + from the stupid and servile source, called love of our fellow-creatures, + know, that were there a man who had annihilated my soul’s dearest hope—who + had torn my heart to mammocks, and seared my brain till it glowed like a + volcano, and were that man’s fortune and life in my power as completely as + this frail potsherd” (he snatched up an earthen cup which stood beside + him), “I would not dash him into atoms thus”—(he flung the vessel + with fury against the wall),—“No!” (he spoke more composedly, but + with the utmost bitterness), “I would pamper him with wealth and power to + inflame his evil passions, and to fulfil his evil designs; he should lack + no means of vice and villainy; he should be the centre of a whirlpool that + itself should know neither rest nor peace, but boil with unceasing fury, + while it wrecked every goodly ship that approached its limits! he should + be an earthquake capable of shaking the very land in which he dwelt, and + rendering all its inhabitants friendless, outcast, and miserable—as + I am!” + </p> + <p> + The wretched being rushed into his hut as he uttered these last words, + shutting the door with furious violence, and rapidly drawing two bolts, + one after another, as if to exclude the intrusion of any one of that hated + race, who had thus lashed his soul to frenzy. Earnscliff left the moor + with mingled sensations of pity and horror, pondering what strange and + melancholy cause could have reduced to so miserable a state of mind, a man + whose language argued him to be of rank and education much superior to the + vulgar. He was also surprised to see how much particular information a + person who had lived in that country so short a time, and in so recluse a + manner, had been able to collect respecting the dispositions and private + affairs of the inhabitants. + </p> + <p> + “It is no wonder,” he said to himself, “that with such extent of + information, such a mode of life, so uncouth a figure, and sentiments so + virulently misanthropic, this unfortunate should be regarded by the vulgar + as in league with the Enemy of Mankind.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The bleakest rock upon the loneliest heath + Feels, in its barrenness, some touch of spring; + And, in the April dew, or beam of May, + Its moss and lichen freshen and revive; + And thus the heart, most sear’d to human pleasure, + Melts at the tear, joys in the smile, of woman.—BEAUMONT +</pre> + <p> + As the season advanced, the weather became more genial, and the Recluse + was more frequently found occupying the broad flat stone in the front of + his mansion. As he sate there one day, about the hour of noon, a party of + gentlemen and ladies, well mounted, and numerously attended, swept across + the heath at some distance from his dwelling. Dogs, hawks, and led-horses + swelled the retinue, and the air resounded at intervals with the cheer of + the hunters, and the sound of horns blown by the attendants. The Recluse + was about to retire into his mansion at the sight of a train so joyous, + when three young ladies, with their attendants, who had made a circuit, + and detached themselves from their party, in order to gratify their + curiosity by a sight of the Wise Wight of Mucklestane-Moor, came suddenly + up, ere he could effect his purpose. The first shrieked, and put her hands + before her eyes, at sight of an object so unusually deformed. The second, + with a hysterical giggle, which she intended should disguise her terrors, + asked the Recluse, whether he could tell their fortune. The third, who was + best mounted, best dressed, and incomparably the best-looking of the + three, advanced, as if to cover the incivility of her companions. + </p> + <p> + “We have lost the right path that leads through these morasses, and our + party have gone forward without us,” said the young lady. “Seeing you, + father, at the door of your house, we have turned this way to—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush!” interrupted the Dwarf; “so young, and already so artful? You came—you + know you came, to exult in the consciousness of your own youth, wealth, + and beauty, by contrasting them with age, poverty, and deformity. It is a + fit employment for the daughter of your father; but O how unlike the child + of your mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Did you, then, know my parents, and do you know me?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; this is the first time you have crossed my waking eyes, but I have + seen you in my dreams.” + </p> + <p> + “Your dreams?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, Isabel Vere. What hast thou, or thine, to do with my waking + thoughts?” + </p> + <p> + “Your waking thoughts, sir,” said the second of Miss Vere’s companions, + with a sort of mock gravity, “are fixed, doubtless, upon wisdom; folly can + only intrude on your sleeping moments.” + </p> + <p> + “Over thine,” retorted the Dwarf, more splenetically than became a + philosopher or hermit, “folly exercises an unlimited empire, asleep or + awake.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord bless us!” said the lady, “he’s a prophet, sure enough.” + </p> + <p> + “As surely,” continued the Recluse, “as thou art a woman.—A woman!—I + should have said a lady—a fine lady. You asked me to tell your + fortune—it is a simple one; an endless chase through life after + follies not worth catching, and, when caught, successively thrown away—a + chase, pursued from the days of tottering infancy to those of old age upon + his crutches. Toys and merry-makings in childhood—love and its + absurdities in youth—spadille and basto in age, shall succeed each + other as objects of pursuit—flowers and butterflies in spring—butterflies + and thistle-down in summer—withered leaves in autumn and winter—all + pursued, all caught, all flung aside.—Stand apart; your fortune is + said.” + </p> + <p> + “All CAUGHT, however,” retorted the laughing fair one, who was a cousin of + Miss Vere’s; “that’s something, Nancy,” she continued, turning to the + timid damsel who had first approached the Dwarf; “will you ask your + fortune?” + </p> + <p> + “Not for worlds,” said she, drawing back; “I have heard enough of yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said Miss Ilderton, offering money to the Dwarf, “I’ll pay + for mine, as if it were spoken by an oracle to a princess.” + </p> + <p> + “Truth,” said the Soothsayer, “can neither be bought nor sold;” and he + pushed back her proffered offering with morose disdain. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said the lady, “I’ll keep my money, Mr. Elshender, to assist + me in the chase I am to pursue.” + </p> + <p> + “You will need it,” replied the cynic; “without it, few pursue + successfully, and fewer are themselves pursued.—Stop!” he said to + Miss Vere, as her companions moved off, “With you I have more to say. You + have what your companions would wish to have, or be thought to have,—beauty, + wealth, station, accomplishments.” + </p> + <p> + “Forgive my following my companions, father; I am proof both to flattery + and fortune-telling.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” continued the Dwarf, with his hand on her horse’s rein, “I am no + common soothsayer, and I am no flatterer. All the advantages I have + detailed, all and each of them have their corresponding evils—unsuccessful + love, crossed affections, the gloom of a convent, or an odious alliance. + I, who wish ill to all mankind, cannot wish more evil to you, so much is + your course of life crossed by it.” + </p> + <p> + “And if it be, father, let me enjoy the readiest solace of adversity while + prosperity is in my power. You are old; you are poor; your habitation is + far from human aid, were you ill, or in want; your situation, in many + respects, exposes you to the suspicions of the vulgar, which are too apt + to break out into actions of brutality. Let me think I have mended the lot + of one human being! Accept of such assistance as I have power to offer; do + this for my sake, if not for your own, that when these evils arise, which + you prophesy perhaps too truly, I may not have to reflect, that the hours + of my happier time have been passed altogether in vain.” + </p> + <p> + The old man answered with a broken voice, and almost without addressing + himself to the young lady,— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ‘tis thus thou shouldst think—‘tis thus thou shouldst speak, + if ever human speech and thought kept touch with each other! They do not—they + do not—Alas! they cannot. And yet—wait here an instant—stir + not till my return.” He went to his little garden, and returned with a + half-blown rose. “Thou hast made me shed a tear, the first which has wet + my eyelids for many a year; for that good deed receive this token of + gratitude. It is but a common rose; preserve it, however, and do not part + with it. Come to me in your hour of adversity. Show me that rose, or but + one leaf of it, were it withered as my heart is—if it should be in + my fiercest and wildest movements of rage against a hateful world, still + it will recall gentler thoughts to my bosom, and perhaps afford happier + prospects to thine. But no message,” he exclaimed, rising into his usual + mood of misanthropy,—“no message—no go-between! Come thyself; + and the heart and the doors that are shut against every other earthly + being, shall open to thee and to thy sorrows. And now pass on.” + </p> + <p> + He let go the bridle-rein, and the young lady rode on, after expressing + her thanks to this singular being, as well as her surprise at the + extraordinary nature of his address would permit, often turning back to + look at the Dwarf, who still remained at the door of his habitation, and + watched her progress over the moor towards her father’s castle of + Ellieslaw, until the brow of the hill hid the party from his sight. + </p> + <p> + The ladies, meantime, jested with Miss Vere on the strange interview they + had just had with the far-famed wizard of the Moor. “Isabella has all the + luck at home and abroad! Her hawk strikes down the black-cock; her eyes + wound the gallant; no chance for her poor companions and kinswomen; even + the conjuror cannot escape the force of her charms. You should, in + compassion, cease to be such an engrosser, my dear Isabel, or at least set + up shop, and sell off all the goods you do not mean to keep for your own + use.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have them all,” replied Miss Vere, “and the conjuror to boot, + at a very easy rate.” + </p> + <p> + “No! Nancy shall have the conjuror,” said Miss Ilderton, “to supply + deficiencies; she’s not quite a witch herself, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord, sister,” answered the younger Miss Ilderton, “what could I do with + so frightful a monster? I kept my eyes shut, after once glancing at him; + and, I protest, I thought I saw him still, though I winked as close as + ever I could.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s a pity,” said her sister; “ever while you live, Nancy, choose an + admirer whose faults can be hid by winking at them.—Well, then, I + must take him myself, I suppose, and put him into mamma’s Japan cabinet, + in order to show that Scotland can produce a specimen of mortal clay + moulded into a form ten thousand times uglier than the imaginations of + Canton and Pekin, fertile as they are in monsters, have immortalized in + porcelain.” + </p> + <p> + “There is something,” said Miss Vere, “so melancholy in the situation of + this poor man, that I cannot enter into your mirth, Lucy, so readily as + usual. If he has no resources, how is he to exist in this waste country, + living, as he does, at such a distance from mankind? and if he has the + means of securing occasional assistance, will not the very suspicion that + he is possessed of them, expose him to plunder and assassination by some + of our unsettled neighbours?” + </p> + <p> + “But you forget that they say he is a warlock,” said Nancy Ilderton. + </p> + <p> + “And, if his magic diabolical should fail him,” rejoined her sister, “I + would have him trust to his magic natural, and thrust his enormous head, + and most preternatural visage, out at his door or window, full in view of + the assailants. The boldest robber that ever rode would hardly bide a + second glance of him. Well, I wish I had the use of that Gorgon head of + his for only one half hour.” + </p> + <p> + “For what purpose, Lucy?” said Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “O! I would frighten out of the castle that dark, stiff, and stately Sir + Frederick Langley, that is so great a favourite with your father, and so + little a favourite of yours. I protest I shall be obliged to the Wizard as + long as I live, if it were only for the half hour’s relief from that man’s + company which we have gained by deviating from the party to visit Elshie.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you say, then,” said Miss Vere, in a low tone, so as not to be + heard by the younger sister, who rode before them, the narrow path not + admitting of their moving all three abreast,—“What would you say, my + dearest Lucy, if it were proposed to you to endure his company for life?” + </p> + <p> + “Say? I would say, NO, NO, NO, three times, each louder than another, till + they should hear me at Carlisle.” + </p> + <p> + “And Sir Frederick would say then, nineteen nay-says are half a grant.” + </p> + <p> + “That,” replied Miss Lucy, “depends entirely on the manner in which the + nay-says are said. Mine should have not one grain of concession in them, I + promise you.” + </p> + <p> + “But if your father,” said Miss Vere, “were to say,—Thus do, or—” + </p> + <p> + “I would stand to the consequences of his OR, were he the most cruel + father that ever was recorded in romance, to fill up the alternative.” + </p> + <p> + “And what if he threatened you with a catholic aunt, an abbess, and a + cloister?” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Miss Ilderton, “I would threaten him with a protestant + son-in-law, and be glad of an opportunity to disobey him for conscience’ + sake. And now that Nancy is out of hearing, let me really say, I think you + would be excusable before God and man for resisting this preposterous + match by every means in your power. A proud, dark, ambitious man; a + caballer against the state; infamous for his avarice and severity; a bad + son, a bad brother, unkind and ungenerous to all his relatives—Isabel, + I would die rather than have him.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let my father hear you give me such advice,” said Miss Vere, “or + adieu, my dear Lucy, to Ellieslaw Castle.” + </p> + <p> + “And adieu to Ellieslaw Castle, with all my heart,” said her friend, “if I + once saw you fairly out of it, and settled under some kinder protector + than he whom nature has given you. O, if my poor father had been in his + former health, how gladly would he have received and sheltered you, till + this ridiculous and cruel persecution were blown over!” + </p> + <p> + “Would to God it had been so, my dear Lucy!” answered Isabella; “but I + fear, that, in your father’s weak state of health, he would be altogether + unable to protect me against the means which would be immediately used for + reclaiming the poor fugitive.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear so indeed,” replied Miss Ilderton; “but we will consider and + devise something. Now that your father and his guests seem so deeply + engaged in some mysterious plot, to judge from the passing and returning + of messages, from the strange faces which appear and disappear without + being announced by their names, from the collecting and cleaning of arms, + and the anxious gloom and bustle which seem to agitate every male in the + castle, it may not be impossible for us (always in case matters be driven + to extremity) to shape out some little supplemental conspiracy of our own. + I hope the gentlemen have not kept all the policy to themselves; and there + is one associate that I would gladly admit to our counsel.” + </p> + <p> + “Not Nancy?” + </p> + <p> + “O, no!” said Miss Ilderton; “Nancy, though an excellent good girl, and + fondly attached to you, would make a dull conspirator—as dull as + Renault and all the other subordinate plotters in VENICE PRESERVED. No; + this is a Jaffier, or Pierre, if you like the character better; and yet + though I know I shall please you, I am afraid to mention his name to you, + lest I vex you at the same time. Can you not guess? Something about an + eagle and a rock—it does not begin with eagle in English, but + something very like it in Scotch.” + </p> + <p> + “You cannot mean young Earnscliff, Lucy?” said Miss Vere, blushing deeply. + </p> + <p> + “And whom else should I mean,” said Lucy. “Jaffiers and Pierres are very + scarce in this country, I take it, though one could find Renaults and + Bedamars enow.” + </p> + <p> + “How call you talk so wildly, Lucy? Your plays and romances have + positively turned your brain. You know, that, independent of my father’s + consent, without which I never will marry any one, and which, in the case + you point at, would never be granted; independent, too, of our knowing + nothing of young Earnscliff’s inclinations, but by your own vivid + conjectures and fancies—besides all this, there is the fatal brawl!” + </p> + <p> + “When his father was killed?” said Lucy. “But that was very long ago; and + I hope we have outlived the time of bloody feud, when a quarrel was + carried down between two families from father to son, like a Spanish game + at chess, and a murder or two committed in every generation, just to keep + the matter from going to sleep. We do with our quarrels nowadays as with + our clothes; cut them out for ourselves, and wear them out in our own day, + and should no more think of resenting our fathers’ feuds, than of wearing + their slashed doublets and trunk-hose.” + </p> + <p> + “You treat this far too lightly, Lucy,” answered Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit, my dear Isabella,” said Lucy. “Consider, your father, though + present in the unhappy affray, is never supposed to have struck the fatal + blow; besides, in former times, in case of mutual slaughter between clans, + subsequent alliances were so far from being excluded, that the hand of a + daughter or a sister was the most frequent gage of reconciliation. You + laugh at my skill in romance; but, I assure you, should your history be + written, like that of many a less distressed and less deserving heroine, + the well-judging reader would set you down for the lady and the love of + Earnscliff; from the very obstacle which you suppose so insurmountable.” + </p> + <p> + “But these are not the days of romance, but of sad reality, for there + stands the castle of Ellieslaw.” + </p> + <p> + “And there stands Sir Frederick Langley at the gate, waiting to assist the + ladies from their palfreys. I would as lief touch a toad; I will + disappoint him, and take old Horsington the groom for my master of the + horse.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, the lively young lady switched her palfrey forward, and passing + Sir Frederick with a familiar nod as he stood ready to take her horse’s + rein, she cantered on, and jumped into the arms of the old groom. Fain + would Isabella have done the same had she dared; but her father stood + near, displeasure already darkening on a countenance peculiarly qualified + to express the harsher passions, and she was compelled to receive the + unwelcome assiduities of her detested suitor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Let not us that are squires of the night’s body be called + thieves of the day’s booty; let us be Diana’s foresters, + gentlemen of the shade, minions of the moon. + —HENRY THE FOURTH, PART I. +</pre> + <p> + The Solitary had consumed the remainder of that day in which he had the + interview with the young ladies, within the precincts of his garden. + Evening again found him seated on his favourite stone. The sun setting + red, and among seas of rolling clouds, threw a gloomy lustre over the + moor, and gave a deeper purple to the broad outline of heathy mountains + which surrounded this desolate spot. The Dwarf sate watching the clouds as + they lowered above each other in masses of conglomerated vapours, and, as + a strong lurid beam of the sinking luminary darted full on his solitary + and uncouth figure, he might well have seemed the demon of the storm which + was gathering, or some gnome summoned forth from the recesses of the earth + by the subterranean signals of its approach. As he sate thus, with his + dark eye turned towards the scowling and blackening heaven, a horseman + rode rapidly up to him, and stopping, as if to let his horse breathe for + an instant, made a sort of obeisance to the anchoret, with an air betwixt + effrontery and embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + The figure of the rider was thin, tall, and slender, but remarkably + athletic, bony, and sinewy; like one who had all his life followed those + violent exercises which prevent the human form from increasing in bulk, + while they harden and confirm by habit its muscular powers. His face, + sharp-featured, sun-burnt, and freckled, had a sinister expression of + violence, impudence, and cunning, each of which seemed alternately to + predominate over the others. Sandy-coloured hair, and reddish eyebrows, + from under which looked forth his sharp grey eyes, completed the + inauspicious outline of the horseman’s physiognomy. He had pistols in his + holsters, and another pair peeped from his belt, though he had taken some + pains to conceal them by buttoning his doublet. He wore a rusted steel + head piece; a buff jacket of rather an antique cast; gloves, of which that + for the right hand was covered with small scales of iron, like an ancient + gauntlet; and a long broadsword completed his equipage. + </p> + <p> + “So,” said the Dwarf, “rapine and murder once more on horseback.” + </p> + <p> + “On horseback?” said the bandit; “ay, ay, Elshie, your leech-craft has set + me on the bonny bay again.” + </p> + <p> + “And all those promises of amendment which you made during your illness + forgotten?” continued Elshender. + </p> + <p> + “All clear away, with the water-saps and panada,” returned the unabashed + convalescent. “Ye ken, Elshie, for they say ye are weel acquent wi’ the + gentleman, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “When the devil was sick, the devil a monk would be, + When the devil was well, the devil a monk was he.” + </pre> + <p> + “Thou say’st true,” said the Solitary; “as well divide a wolf from his + appetite for carnage, or a raven from her scent of slaughter, as thee from + thy accursed propensities.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what would you have me to do? It’s born with me—lies in my + very blude and bane. Why, man, the lads of Westburnflat, for ten lang + descents, have been reivers and lifters. They have all drunk hard, lived + high, taking deep revenge for light offence, and never wanted gear for the + winning.” + </p> + <p> + “Right; and thou art as thorough-bred a wolf,” said the Dwarf, “as ever + leapt a lamb-fold at night. On what hell’s errand art thou bound now?” + </p> + <p> + “Can your skill not guess?” + </p> + <p> + “Thus far I know,” said the Dwarf, “that thy purpose is bad, thy deed will + be worse, and the issue worst of all.” + </p> + <p> + “And you like me the better for it, Father Elshie, eh?” said Westburnflat; + “you always said you did.” + </p> + <p> + “I have cause to like all,” answered the Solitary, “that are scourges to + their fellow-creatures, and thou art a bloody one.” + </p> + <p> + “No—I say not guilty to that—lever bluidy unless there’s + resistance, and that sets a man’s bristles up, ye ken. And this is nae + great matter, after a’; just to cut the comb of a young cock that has been + crawing a little ower crousely.” + </p> + <p> + “Not young Earnscliff?” said the Solitary, with some emotion. + </p> + <p> + “No; not young Earnscliff—not young Earnscliff YET; but his time may + come, if he will not take warning, and get him back to the burrow-town + that he’s fit for, and no keep skelping about here, destroying the few + deer that are left in the country, and pretending to act as a magistrate, + and writing letters to the great folk at Auld Reekie, about the disturbed + state of the land. Let him take care o’ himsell.” + </p> + <p> + “Then it must be Hobbie of the Heugh-foot,” said Elshie. “What harm has + the lad done you?” + </p> + <p> + “Harm! nae great harm; but I hear he says I staid away from the Ba’spiel + on Fastern’s E’en, for fear of him; and it was only for fear of the + Country Keeper, for there was a warrant against me. I’ll stand Hobbie’s + feud, and a’ his clan’s. But it’s not so much for that, as to gie him a + lesson not to let his tongue gallop ower freely about his betters. I trow + he will hae lost the best pen-feather o’ his wing before to-morrow + morning.—Farewell, Elshie; there’s some canny boys waiting for me + down amang the shaws, owerby; I will see you as I come back, and bring ye + a blithe tale in return for your leech-craft.” + </p> + <p> + Ere the Dwarf could collect himself to reply, the Reiver of Westburnflat + set spurs to his horse. The animal, starting at one of the stones which + lay scattered about, flew from the path. The rider exercised his spurs + without moderation or mercy. The horse became furious, reared, kicked, + plunged, and bolted like a deer, with all his four feet off the ground at + once. It was in vain; the unrelenting rider sate as if he had been a part + of the horse which he bestrode; and, after a short but furious contest, + compelled the subdued animal to proceed upon the path at a rate which soon + carried him out of sight of the Solitary. + </p> + <p> + “That villain,” exclaimed the Dwarf,—“that cool-blooded, hardened, + unrelenting ruffian,—that wretch, whose every thought is infected + with crimes,—has thewes and sinews, limbs, strength, and activity + enough, to compel a nobler animal than himself to carry him to the place + where he is to perpetrate his wickedness; while I, had I the weakness to + wish to put his wretched victim on his guard, and to save the helpless + family, would see my good intentions frustrated by the decrepitude which + chains me to the spot.—Why should I wish it were otherwise? What + have my screech-owl voice, my hideous form, and my mis-shapen features, to + do with the fairer workmanship of nature? Do not men receive even my + benefits with shrinking horror and ill-suppressed disgust? And why should + I interest myself in a race which accounts me a prodigy and an outcast, + and which has treated me as such? No; by all the ingratitude which I have + reaped—by all the wrongs which I have sustained—by my + imprisonment, my stripes, my chains, I will wrestle down my feelings of + rebellious humanity! I will not be the fool I have been, to swerve from my + principles whenever there was an appeal, forsooth, to my feelings; as if + I, towards whom none show sympathy, ought to have sympathy with any one. + Let Destiny drive forth her scythed car through the overwhelmed and + trembling mass of humanity! Shall I be the idiot to throw this decrepit + form, this mis-shapen lump of mortality, under her wheels, that the Dwarf, + the Wizard, the Hunchback, may save from destruction some fair form or + some active frame, and all the world clap their hands at the exchange? No, + never!—And yet this Elliot—this Hobbie, so young and gallant, + so frank, so—I will think of it no longer. I cannot aid him if I + would, and I am resolved—firmly resolved, that I would not aid him, + if a wish were the pledge of his safety!” + </p> + <p> + Having thus ended his soliloquy, he retreated into his hut for shelter + from the storm which was fast approaching, and now began to burst in large + and heavy drops of rain. The last rays of the sun now disappeared + entirely, and two or three claps of distant thunder followed each other at + brief intervals, echoing and re-echoing among the range of heathy fells + like the sound of a distant engagement. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Proud bird of the mountain, thy plume shall be torn!— + . . . . + Return to thy dwelling; all lonely, return; + For the blackness of ashes shall mark where it stood, + And a wild mother scream o’er her famishing brood.—CAMPBELL. +</pre> + <p> + The night continued sullen and stormy; but morning rose as if refreshed by + the rains. Even the Mucklestane-Moor, with its broad bleak swells of + barren grounds, interspersed with marshy pools of water, seemed to smile + under the serene influence of the sky, just as good-humour can spread a + certain inexpressible charm over the plainest human countenance. The heath + was in its thickest and deepest bloom. The bees, which the Solitary had + added to his rural establishment, were abroad and on the wing, and filled + the air with the murmurs of their industry. As the old man crept out of + his little hut, his two she-goats came to meet him, and licked his hands + in gratitude for the vegetables with which he supplied them from his + garden. “You, at least,” he said—“you, at least, see no differences + in form which can alter your feelings to a benefactor—to you, the + finest shape that ever statuary moulded would be an object of indifference + or of alarm, should it present itself instead of the mis-shapen trunk to + whose services you are accustomed. While I was in the world, did I ever + meet with such a return of gratitude? No; the domestic whom I had bred + from infancy made mouths at me as he stood behind my chair; the friend + whom I had supported with my fortune, and for whose sake I had even + stained—(he stopped with a strong convulsive shudder), even he + thought me more fit for the society of lunatics—for their + disgraceful restraints—for their cruel privations, than for + communication with the rest of humanity. Hubert alone—and Hubert too + will one day abandon me. All are of a piece, one mass of wickedness, + selfishness, and ingratitude—wretches, who sin even in their + devotions; and of such hardness of heart, that they do not, without + hypocrisy, even thank the Deity himself for his warm sun and pure air.” + </p> + <p> + As he was plunged in these gloomy soliloquies, he heard the tramp of a + horse on the other side of his enclosure, and a strong clear bass voice + singing with the liveliness inspired by a light heart, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Canny Hobbie Elliot, canny Hobbie now, + Canny Hobbie Elliot, I’se gang alang wi’ you. +</pre> + <p> + At the same moment, a large deer greyhound sprung over the hermit’s fence. + It is well known to the sportsmen in these wilds, that the appearance and + scent of the goat so much resemble those of their usual objects of chase, + that the best-broke greyhounds will sometimes fly upon them. The dog in + question instantly pulled down and throttled one of the hermit’s + she-goats, while Hobbie Elliot, who came up, and jumped from his horse for + the purpose, was unable to extricate the harmless animal from the fangs of + his attendant until it was expiring. The Dwarf eyed, for a few moments, + the convulsive starts of his dying favourite, until the poor goat + stretched out her limbs with the twitches and shivering fit of the last + agony. He then started into an access of frenzy, and unsheathing a long + sharp knife, or dagger, which he wore under his coat, he was about to + launch it at the dog, when Hobbie, perceiving his purpose, interposed, and + caught hold of his hand, exclaiming, “Let a be the hound, man—let a + be the hound!—Na, na, Killbuck maunna be guided that gate, neither.” + </p> + <p> + The Dwarf turned his rage on the young farmer; and, by a sudden effort, + far more powerful than Hobbie expected from such a person, freed his wrist + from his grasp, and offered the dagger at his heart. All this was done in + the twinkling of an eye, and the incensed Recluse might have completed his + vengeance by plunging the weapon in Elliot’s bosom, had he not been + checked by an internal impulse which made him hurl the knife to a + distance. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he exclaimed, as he thus voluntarily deprived himself of the means + of gratifying his rage; “not again—not again!” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie retreated a step or two in great surprise, discomposure, and + disdain, at having been placed in such danger by an object apparently so + contemptible. + </p> + <p> + “The deil’s in the body for strength and bitterness!” were the first words + that escaped him, which he followed up with an apology for the accident + that had given rise to their disagreement. “I am no justifying Killbuck + a’thegither neither, and I am sure it is as vexing to me as to you, + Elshie, that the mischance should hae happened; but I’ll send you twa + goats and twa fat gimmers, man, to make a’ straight again. A wise man like + you shouldna bear malice against a poor dumb thing; ye see that a goat’s + like first-cousin to a deer, sae he acted but according to his nature + after a’. Had it been a pet-lamb, there wad hae been mair to be said. Ye + suld keep sheep, Elshie, and no goats, where there’s sae mony deerhounds + about—but I’ll send ye baith.” + </p> + <p> + “Wretch!” said the Hermit, “your cruelty has destroyed one of the only + creatures in existence that would look on me with kindness!” + </p> + <p> + “Dear Elshie,” answered Hobbie, “I’m wae ye suld hae cause to say sae; I’m + sure it wasna wi’ my will. And yet, it’s true, I should hae minded your + goats, and coupled up the dogs. I’m sure I would rather they had worried + the primest wether in my faulds.—Come, man, forget and forgie. I’m + e’en as vexed as ye can be—But I am a bridegroom, ye see, and that + puts a’ things out o’ my head, I think. There’s the marriage-dinner, or + gude part o’t, that my twa brithers are bringing on a sled round by the + Riders’ Slack, three goodly bucks as ever ran on Dallomlea, as the sang + says; they couldna come the straight road for the saft grund. I wad send + ye a bit venison, but ye wadna take it weel maybe, for Killbuck catched + it.” + </p> + <p> + During this long speech, in which the good-natured Borderer endeavoured to + propitiate the offended Dwarf by every argument he could think of, he + heard him with his eyes bent on the ground, as if in the deepest + meditation, and at length broke forth—“Nature?—yes! it is + indeed in the usual beaten path of Nature. The strong gripe and throttle + the weak; the rich depress and despoil the needy; the happy (those who are + idiots enough to think themselves happy) insult the misery and diminish + the consolation of the wretched.—Go hence, thou who hast contrived + to give an additional pang to the most miserable of human beings—thou + who hast deprived me of what I half considered as a source of comfort. Go + hence, and enjoy the happiness prepared for thee at home!” + </p> + <p> + “Never stir,” said Hobbie, “if I wadna take you wi’ me, man, if ye wad but + say it wad divert ye to be at the bridal on Monday. There will be a + hundred strapping Elliots to ride the brouze—the like’s no been seen + sin’ the days of auld Martin of the Preakin-tower—I wad send the + sled for ye wi’ a canny powny.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it to me you propose once more to mix in the society of the common + herd?” said the Recluse, with an air of deep disgust. + </p> + <p> + “Commons!” retorted Hobbie, “nae siccan commons neither; the Elliots hae + been lang kend a gentle race.” + </p> + <p> + “Hence! begone!” reiterated the Dwarf; “may the same evil luck attend thee + that thou hast left behind with me! If I go not with you myself, see if + you can escape what my attendants, Wrath and Misery, have brought to thy + threshold before thee.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish ye wadna speak that gate,” said Hobbie. “Ye ken yoursell, Elshie, + naebody judges you to be ower canny; now, I’ll tell ye just ae word for a’—ye + hae spoken as muckle as wussing ill to me and mine; now, if ony mischance + happen to Grace, which God forbid, or to mysell; or to the poor dumb tyke; + or if I be skaithed and injured in body, gudes, or gear, I’ll no forget + wha it is that it’s owing to.” + </p> + <p> + “Out, hind!” exclaimed the Dwarf; “home! home to your dwelling, and think + on me when you find what has befallen there.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, aweel,” said Hobbie, mounting his horse, “it serves naething to + strive wi’ cripples,—they are aye cankered; but I’ll just tell ye ae + thing, neighbour, that if things be otherwise than weel wi’ Grace + Armstrong, I’se gie you a scouther if there be a tar-barrel in the five + parishes.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he rode off; and Elshie, after looking at him with a scornful + and indignant laugh, took spade and mattock, and occupied himself in + digging a grave for his deceased favourite. + </p> + <p> + A low whistle, and the words, “Hisht, Elshie, hisht!” disturbed him in + this melancholy occupation. He looked up, and the Red Reiver of + Westburnflat was before him. Like Banquo’s murderer, there was blood on + his face, as well as upon the rowels of his spurs and the sides of his + over-ridden horse. + </p> + <p> + “How now, ruffian!” demanded the Dwarf, “is thy job chared?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, doubt not that, Elshie,” answered the freebooter; “When I ride, + my foes may moan. They have had mair light than comfort at the Heugh-foot + this morning; there’s a toom byre and a wide, and a wail and a cry for the + bonny bride.” + </p> + <p> + “The bride?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; Charlie Cheat-the-Woodie, as we ca’ him, that’s Charlie Foster of + Tinning Beck, has promised to keep her in Cumberland till the blast blaw + by. She saw me, and kend me in the splore, for the mask fell frae my face + for a blink. I am thinking it wad concern my safety if she were to come + back here, for there’s mony o’ the Elliots, and they band weel thegither + for right or wrang. Now, what I chiefly come to ask your rede in, is how + to make her sure?” + </p> + <p> + “Wouldst thou murder her, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Umph! no, no; that I would not do, if I could help it. But they say they + can whiles get folk cannily away to the plantations from some of the + outports, and something to boot for them that brings a bonny wench. + They’re wanted beyond seas thae female cattle, and they’re no that scarce + here. But I think o’ doing better for this lassie. There’s a leddy, that, + unless she be a’ the better bairn, is to be sent to foreign parts whether + she will or no; now, I think of sending Grace to wait on her—she’s a + bonny lassie. Hobbie will hae a merry morning when he comes hame, and + misses baith bride and gear.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; and do you not pity him?” said the Recluse. + </p> + <p> + “Wad he pity me were I gaeing up the Castle hill at Jeddart? [ The place + of execution at that ancient burgh, where many of Westburnflat’s + profession have made their final exit.] And yet I rue something for the + bit lassie; but he’ll get anither, and little skaith dune—ane is as + gude as anither. And now, you that like to hear o’ splores, heard ye ever + o’ a better ane than I hae had this morning?” + </p> + <p> + “Air, ocean, and fire,” said the Dwarf, speaking to himself, “the + earthquake, the tempest, the volcano, are all mild and moderate, compared + to the wrath of man. And what is this fellow, but one more skilled than + others in executing the end of his existence?—Hear me, felon, go + again where I before sent thee.” + </p> + <p> + “To the Steward?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; and tell him, Elshender the Recluse commands him to give thee gold. + But, hear me, let the maiden be discharged free and uninjured; return her + to her friends, and let her swear not to discover thy villainy.” + </p> + <p> + “Swear,” said Westburnflat; “but what if she break her aith? Women are not + famous for keeping their plight. A wise man like you should ken that.—And + uninjured—wha kens what may happen were she to be left lang at + Tinning-Beck? Charlie Cheat-the-Woodie is a rough customer. But if the + gold could be made up to twenty pieces, I think I could ensure her being + wi’ her friends within the twenty-four hours.” + </p> + <p> + The Dwarf took his tablets from his pocket, marked a line on them, and + tore out the leaf. “There,” he said, giving the robber the leaf—“But, + mark me; thou knowest I am not to be fooled by thy treachery; if thou + darest to disobey my directions, thy wretched life, be sure, shall answer + it.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said the fellow, looking down, “that you have power on earth, + however you came by it; you can do what nae other man can do, baith by + physic and foresight; and the gold is shelled down when ye command, as + fast as I have seen the ash-keys fall in a frosty morning in October. I + will not disobey you.” + </p> + <p> + “Begone, then, and relieve me of thy hateful presence.” + </p> + <p> + The robber set spurs to his horse, and rode off without reply. + </p> + <p> + Hobbie Elliot had, in the meanwhile, pursued his journey rapidly, harassed + by those oppressive and indistinct fears that all was not right, which men + usually term a presentiment of misfortune. Ere he reached the top of the + bank from which he could look down on his own habitation, he was met by + his nurse, a person then of great consequence in all families in Scotland, + whether of the higher or middling classes. The connexion between them and + their foster-children was considered a tie far too dearly intimate to be + broken; and it usually happened, in the course of years, that the nurse + became a resident in the family of her foster-son, assisting in the + domestic duties, and receiving all marks of attention and regard from the + heads of the family. So soon as Hobbie recognised the figure of Annaple, + in her red cloak and black hood, he could not help exclaiming to himself, + “What ill luck can hae brought the auld nurse sae far frae hame, her that + never stirs a gun-shot frae the door-stane for ordinar?—Hout, it + will just be to get crane-berries, or whortle-berries, or some such stuff, + out of the moss, to make the pies and tarts for the feast on Monday.—I + cannot get the words of that cankered auld cripple deil’s-buckie out o’ my + head—the least thing makes me dread some ill news.—O, + Killbuck, man! were there nae deer and goats in the country besides, but + ye behoved to gang and worry his creature, by a’ other folk’s?” + </p> + <p> + By this time Annaple, with a brow like a tragic volume, had hobbled + towards him, and caught his horse by the bridle. The despair in her look + was so evident as to deprive even him of the power of asking the cause. “O + my bairn!” she cried, “gang na forward—gang na forward—it’s a + sight to kill onybody, let alane thee.” + </p> + <p> + “In God’s name, what’s the matter?” said the astonished horseman, + endeavouring to extricate his bridle from the grasp of the old woman; “for + Heaven’s sake, let me go and see what’s the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ohon! that I should have lived to see the day!—The steading’s a’ in + a low, and the bonny stack-yard lying in the red ashes, and the gear a’ + driven away. But gang na forward; it wad break your young heart, hinny, to + see what my auld een hae seen this morning.” + </p> + <p> + “And who has dared to do this? let go my bridle, Annaple—where is my + grandmother—my sisters?—Where is Grace Armstrong?—God!—the + words of the warlock are knelling in my ears!” + </p> + <p> + He sprang from his horse to rid himself of Annaple’s interruption, and, + ascending the hill with great speed, soon came in view of the spectacle + with which she had threatened him. It was indeed a heart-breaking sight. + The habitation which he had left in its seclusion, beside the + mountain-stream, surrounded with every evidence of rustic plenty, was now + a wasted and blackened ruin. From amongst the shattered and sable walls + the smoke continued to rise. The turf-stack, the barn-yard, the offices + stocked with cattle, all the wealth of an upland cultivator of the period, + of which poor Elliot possessed no common share, had been laid waste or + carried off in a single night. He stood a moment motionless, and then + exclaimed, “I am ruined—ruined to the ground!—But curse on the + warld’s gear—Had it not been the week before the bridal—But I + am nae babe, to sit down and greet about it. If I can but find Grace, and + my grandmother, and my sisters weel, I can go to the wars in Flanders, as + my gude-sire did, under the Bellenden banner, wi’ auld Buccleuch. At ony + rate, I will keep up a heart, or they will lose theirs a’thegither.” + </p> + <p> + Manfully strode Hobbie down the hill, resolved to suppress his own + despair, and administer consolation which he did not feel. The + neighbouring inhabitants of the dell, particularly those of his own name, + had already assembled. The younger part were in arms and clamorous for + revenge, although they knew not upon whom; the elder were taking measures + for the relief of the distressed family. Annaple’s cottage, which was + situated down the brook, at some distance from the scene of mischief, had + been hastily adapted for the temporary accommodation of the old lady and + her daughters, with such articles as had been contributed by the + neighbours, for very little was saved from the wreck. + </p> + <p> + “Are we to stand here a’ day, sirs,” exclaimed one tall young man, “and + look at the burnt wa’s of our kinsman’s house? Every wreath of the reek is + a blast of shame upon us! Let us to horse, and take the chase.—Who + has the nearest bloodhound?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s young Earnscliff,” answered another; “and he’s been on and away wi’ + six horse lang syne, to see if he can track them.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us follow him then, and raise the country, and mak mair help as we + ride, and then have at the Cumberland reivers! Take, burn, and slay—they + that lie nearest us shall smart first.” + </p> + <p> + “Whisht! haud your tongues, daft callants,” said an old man, “ye dinna ken + what ye speak about. What! wad ye raise war atween two pacificated + countries?” + </p> + <p> + “And what signifies deaving us wi’ tales about our fathers,” retorted the + young; man, “if we’re to sit and see our friends’ houses burnt ower their + heads, and no put out hand to revenge them? Our fathers did not do that, I + trow?” + </p> + <p> + “I am no saying onything against revenging Hobbie’s wrang, puir chield; + but we maun take the law wi’ us in thae days, Simon,” answered the more + prudent elder. + </p> + <p> + “And besides,” said another old man, “I dinna believe there’s ane now + living that kens the lawful mode of following a fray across the Border. + Tam o’ Whittram kend a’ about it; but he died in the hard winter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said a third, “he was at the great gathering, when they chased as + far as Thirlwall; it was the year after the fight of Philiphaugh.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout,” exclaimed another of these discording counsellors, “there’s nae + great skill needed; just put a lighted peat on the end of a spear, or + hayfork, or siclike, and blaw a horn, and cry the gathering-word, and then + it’s lawful to follow gear into England, and recover it by the strong + hand, or to take gear frae some other Englishman, providing ye lift nae + mair than’s been lifted frae you. That’s the auld Border law, made at + Dundrennan, in the days of the Black Douglas, Deil ane need doubt it. It’s + as clear as the sun.” + </p> + <p> + “Come away, then, lads,” cried Simon, “get to your geldings, and we’ll + take auld Cuddie the muckle tasker wi’ us; he kens the value o’ the stock + and plenishing that’s been lost. Hobbie’s stalls and stakes shall be fou + again or night; and if we canna big up the auld house sae soon, we’se lay + an English ane as low as Heugh-foot is—and that’s fair play, a’ the + warld ower.” + </p> + <p> + This animating proposal was received with great applause by the younger + part of the assemblage, when a whisper ran among them, “There’s Hobbie + himsell, puir fallow! we’ll be guided by him.” + </p> + <p> + The principal sufferer, having now reached the bottom of the hill, pushed + on through the crowd, unable, from the tumultuous state of his feelings, + to do more than receive and return the grasps of the friendly hands by + which his neighbours and kinsmen mutely expressed their sympathy in his + misfortune. While he pressed Simon of Hackburn’s hand, his anxiety at + length found words. “Thank ye, Simon—thank ye, neighbours—I + ken what ye wad a’ say. But where are they?—Where are—” He + stopped, as if afraid even to name the objects of his enquiry; and with a + similar feeling, his kinsmen, without reply, pointed to the hut, into + which Hobbie precipitated himself with the desperate air of one who is + resolved to know the worst at once. A general and powerful expression of + sympathy accompanied him. “Ah, puir fallow—puir Hobbie!” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll learn the warst o’t now!” + </p> + <p> + “But I trust Earnscliff will get some speerings o’ the puir lassie.” + </p> + <p> + Such were the exclamations of the group, who, having no acknowledged + leader to direct their motions, passively awaited the return of the + sufferer, and determined to be guided by his directions. + </p> + <p> + The meeting between Hobbie and his family was in the highest degree + affecting. His sisters threw themselves upon him, and almost stifled him + with their caresses, as if to prevent his looking round to distinguish the + absence of one yet more beloved. + </p> + <p> + “God help thee, my son! He can help when worldly trust is a broken reed.”—Such + was the welcome of the matron to her unfortunate grandson. He looked + eagerly round, holding two of his sisters by the hand, while the third + hung about his neck—“I see you—I count you—my + grandmother, Lilias, Jean, and Annot; but where is—” (he hesitated, + and then continued, as if with an effort), “Where is Grace? Surely this is + not a time to hide hersell frae me—there’s nae time for daffing + now.” + </p> + <p> + “O, brother!” and “Our poor Grace!” was the only answer his questions + could procure, till his grandmother rose up, and gently disengaged him + from the weeping girls, led him to a seat, and with the affecting serenity + which sincere piety, like oil sprinkled on the waves, can throw over the + most acute feelings, she said, “My bairn, when thy grandfather was killed + in the wars, and left me with six orphans around me, with scarce bread to + eat, or a roof to cover us, I had strength,—not of mine own—but + I had strength given me to say, The Lord’s will be done!—My son, our + peaceful house was last night broken into by moss-troopers, armed and + masked; they have taken and destroyed all, and carried off our dear Grace. + Pray for strength to say, His will be done!” + </p> + <p> + “Mother! mother! urge me not—I cannot—not now I am a sinful + man, and of a hardened race. Masked armed—Grace carried off! Gie me + my sword, and my father’s knapsack—I will have vengeance, if I + should go to the pit of darkness to seek it!” + </p> + <p> + “O my bairn, my bairn! be patient under the rod. Who knows when He may + lift His hand off from us? Young Earnscliff, Heaven bless him, has taen + the chase, with Davie of Stenhouse, and the first comers. I cried to let + house and plenishing burn, and follow the reivers to recover Grace, and + Earnscliff and his men were ower the Fell within three hours after the + deed. God bless him! he’s a real Earnscliff; he’s his father’s true son—a + leal friend.” + </p> + <p> + “A true friend indeed; God bless him!” exclaimed Hobbie; “let’s on and + away, and take the chase after him.” + </p> + <p> + “O, my child, before you run on danger, let me hear you but say, HIS will + be done!” + </p> + <p> + “Urge me not, mother—not now.” He was rushing out, when, looking + back, he observed his grandmother make a mute attitude of affliction. He + returned hastily, threw himself into her arms, and said, “Yes, mother, I + CAN say, HIS will be done, since it will comfort you.” + </p> + <p> + “May He go forth—may He go forth with you, my dear bairn; and O, may + He give you cause to say on your return, HIS name be praised!” + </p> + <p> + “Farewell, mother!—farewell, my dear sisters!” exclaimed Elliot, and + rushed out of the house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now horse and hattock, cried the Laird,— + Now horse and hattock, speedilie; + They that winna ride for Telfer’s kye, + Let them never look in the face o’ me.—Border Ballad. +</pre> + <p> + “Horse! horse! and spear!” exclaimed Hobbie to his kinsmen. Many a ready + foot was in the stirrup; and, while Elliot hastily collected arms and + accoutrements, no easy matter in such a confusion, the glen resounded with + the approbation of his younger friends. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay!” exclaimed Simon of Hackburn, “that’s the gate to take it, + Hobbie. Let women sit and greet at hame, men must do as they have been + done by; it’s the Scripture says’t.” + </p> + <p> + “Haud your tongue, sir,” said one of the seniors, sternly; “dinna abuse + the Word that gate, ye dinna ken what ye speak about.” + </p> + <p> + “Hae ye ony tidings?—Hae ye ony speerings, Hobbie?—O, + callants, dinna be ower hasty,” said old Dick of the Dingle. + </p> + <p> + “What signifies preaching to us, e’enow?” said Simon; “if ye canna make + help yoursell, dinna keep back them that can.” + </p> + <p> + “Whisht, sir; wad ye take vengeance or ye ken wha has wrang’d ye?” + </p> + <p> + “D’ye think we dinna ken the road to England as weel as our fathers before + us?—All evil comes out o’ thereaway—it’s an auld saying and a + true; and we’ll e’en away there, as if the devil was blawing us south.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll follow the track o’ Earnscliff’s horses ower the waste,” cried one + Elliot. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll prick them out through the blindest moor in the Border, an there had + been a fair held there the day before,” said Hugh, the blacksmith of + Ringleburn, “for I aye shoe his horse wi’ my ain hand.” + </p> + <p> + “Lay on the deer-hounds,” cried another “where are they?” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, man, the sun’s been lang up, and the dew is aff the grund—the + scent will never lie.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie instantly whistled on his hounds, which were roving about the ruins + of their old habitation, and filling the air with their doleful howls. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Killbuck,” said Hobbie, “try thy skill this day,” and then, as if a + light had suddenly broke on him,—“that ill-faur’d goblin spak + something o’ this! He may ken mair o’t, either by villains on earth, or + devils below—I’ll hae it frae him, if I should cut it out o’ his + mis-shapen bouk wi’ my whinger.” He then hastily gave directions to his + comrades: “Four o’ ye, wi’ Simon, haud right forward to Graeme’s-gap. If + they’re English, they’ll be for being back that way. The rest disperse by + twasome and threesome through the waste, and meet me at the Trysting-pool. + Tell my brothers, when they come up, to follow and meet us there. Poor + lads, they will hae hearts weelnigh as sair as mine; little think they + what a sorrowful house they are bringing their venison to! I’ll ride ower + Mucklestane-Moor mysell.” + </p> + <p> + “And if I were you,” said Dick of the Dingle, “I would speak to Canny + Elshie. He can tell you whatever betides in this land, if he’s sae + minded.” + </p> + <p> + “He SHALL tell me,” said Hobbie, who was busy putting his arms in order, + “what he kens o’ this night’s job, or I shall right weel ken wherefore he + does not.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but speak him fair, my bonny man—speak him fair Hobbie; the + like o’ him will no bear thrawing. They converse sae muckle wi’ thae + fractious ghaists and evil spirits, that it clean spoils their temper.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alane to guide him,” answered Hobbie; “there’s that in my breast + this day, that would ower-maister a’ the warlocks on earth, and a’ the + devils in hell.” + </p> + <p> + And being now fully equipped, he threw himself on his horse, and spurred + him at a rapid pace against the steep ascent. + </p> + <p> + Elliot speedily surmounted the hill, rode down the other side at the same + rate, crossed a wood, and traversed a long glen, ere he at length regained + Mucklestane-Moor. As he was obliged, in the course of his journey, to + relax his speed in consideration of the labour which his horse might still + have to undergo, he had time to consider maturely in what manner he should + address the Dwarf, in order to extract from him the knowledge which he + supposed him to be in possession of concerning the authors of his + misfortunes. Hobbie, though blunt, plain of speech, and hot of + disposition, like most of his countrymen, was by no means deficient in the + shrewdness which is also their characteristic. He reflected, that from + what he had observed on the memorable night when the Dwarf was first seen, + and from the conduct of that mysterious being ever since, he was likely to + be rendered even more obstinate in his sullenness by threats and violence. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll speak him fair,” he said, “as auld Dickon advised me. Though folk + say he has a league wi’ Satan, he canna be sic an incarnate devil as no to + take some pity in a case like mine; and folk threep he’ll whiles do good, + charitable sort o’ things. I’ll keep my heart doun as weel as I can, and + stroke him wi’ the hair; and if the warst come to the warst, it’s but + wringing the head o’ him about at last.” + </p> + <p> + In this disposition of accommodation he approached the hut of the + Solitary. + </p> + <p> + The old man was not upon his seat of audience, nor could Hobbie perceive + him in his garden, or enclosures. + </p> + <p> + “He’s gotten into his very keep,” said Hobbie, “maybe to be out o’ the + gate; but I’se pu’ it doun about his lugs, if I canna win at him + otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + Having thus communed with himself, he raised his voice, and invoked Elshie + in a tone as supplicating as his conflicting feelings would permit. + “Elshie, my gude friend!” No reply. “Elshie, canny Father Elshie!” The + Dwarf remained mute. “Sorrow be in the crooked carcass of thee!” said the + Borderer between his teeth; and then again attempting a soothing tone,—“Good + Father Elshie, a most miserable creature desires some counsel of your + wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + “The better!” answered the shrill and discordant voice of the Dwarf + through a very small window, resembling an arrow slit, which he had + constructed near the door of his dwelling, and through which he could see + any one who approached it, without the possibility of their looking in + upon him. + </p> + <p> + “The better!” said Hobbie impatiently; “what is the better, Elshie? Do you + not hear me tell you I am the most miserable wretch living?” + </p> + <p> + “And do you not hear me tell you it is so much the better! and did I not + tell you this morning, when you thought yourself so happy, what an evening + was coming upon you?” + </p> + <p> + “That ye did e’en,” replied Hobbie, “and that gars me come to you for + advice now; they that foresaw the trouble maun ken the cure.” + </p> + <p> + “I know no cure for earthly trouble,” returned the Dwarf “or, if I did, + why should I help others, when none hath aided me? Have I not lost wealth, + that would have bought all thy barren hills a hundred times over? rank, to + which thine is as that of a peasant? society, where there was an + interchange of all that was amiable—of all that was intellectual? + Have I not lost all this? Am I not residing here, the veriest outcast on + the face of Nature, in the most hideous and most solitary of her retreats, + myself more hideous than all that is around me? And why should other worms + complain to me when they are trodden on, since I am myself lying crushed + and writhing under the chariot-wheel?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye may have lost all this,” answered Hobbie, in the bitterness of + emotion; “land and friends, goods and gear; ye may hae lost them a’,—but + ye ne’er can hae sae sair a heart as mine, for ye ne’er lost nae Grace + Armstrong. And now my last hopes are gane, and I shall ne’er see her + mair.” + </p> + <p> + This he said in the tone of deepest emotion—and there followed a + long pause, for the mention of his bride’s name had overcome the more + angry and irritable feelings of poor Hobbie. Ere he had again addressed + the Solitary, the bony hand and long fingers of the latter, holding a + large leathern bag, was thrust forth at the small window, and as it + unclutched the burden, and let it drop with a clang upon the ground, his + harsh voice again addressed Elliot. + </p> + <p> + “There—there lies a salve for every human ill; so, at least, each + human wretch readily thinks.—Begone; return twice as wealthy as thou + wert before yesterday, and torment me no more with questions, complaints, + or thanks; they are alike odious to me.” + </p> + <p> + “It is a’ gowd, by Heaven!” said Elliot, having glanced at the contents; + and then again addressing the Hermit, “Muckle obliged for your goodwill; + and I wad blithely gie you a bond for some o’ the siller, or a wadset ower + the lands o’ Wideopen. But I dinna ken, Elshie; to be free wi’ you, I + dinna like to use siller unless I kend it was decently come by; and maybe + it might turn into sclate-stanes, and cheat some poor man.” + </p> + <p> + “Ignorant idiot!” retorted the Dwarf; “the trash is as genuine poison as + ever was dug out of the bowels of the earth. Take it—use it, and may + it thrive with you as it hath done with me!” + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you,” said Elliot, “it wasna about the gear that I was + consulting you,—it was a braw barn-yard, doubtless, and thirty head + of finer cattle there werena on this side of the Catrail; but let the gear + gang,—if ye could but gie me speerings o’ puir Grace, I would be + content to be your slave for life, in onything that didna touch my + salvation. O, Elshie, speak, man, speak!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” answered the Dwarf, as if worn out by his importunity, + “since thou hast not enough of woes of thine own, but must needs seek to + burden thyself with those of a partner, seek her whom thou hast lost in + the WEST.” + </p> + <p> + “In the WEST? That’s a wide word.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the last,” said the Dwarf, “which I design to utter;” and he drew + the shutters of his window, leaving Hobbie to make the most of the hint he + had given. + </p> + <p> + The west! the west!—thought Elliot; the country is pretty quiet down + that way, unless it were Jock o’ the Todholes; and he’s ower auld now for + the like o’ thae jobs.—West!—By My life, it must be + Westburnflat. “Elshie, just tell me one word. Am I right? Is it + Westburnflat? If I am wrang, say sae. I wadna like to wyte an innocent + neighbour wi’ violence—No answer?—It must be the Red Reiver—I + didna think he wad hae ventured on me, neither, and sae mony kin as + there’s o’ us—I am thinking he’ll hae some better backing than his + Cumberland friends.—Fareweel to you, Elshie, and mony thanks—I + downa be fashed wi’ the siller e’en now, for I maun awa’ to meet my + friends at the Trysting-place—Sae, if ye carena to open the window, + ye can fetch it in after I’m awa’.” + </p> + <p> + Still there was no reply. + </p> + <p> + “He’s deaf, or he’s daft, or he’s baith; but I hae nae time to stay to + claver wi’ him.” + </p> + <p> + And off rode Hobbie Elliot towards the place of rendezvous which he had + named to his friends. + </p> + <p> + Four or five riders were already gathered at the Trysting pool. They stood + in close consultation together, while their horses were permitted to graze + among the poplars which overhung the broad still pool. A more numerous + party were seen coming from the southward. It proved to be Earnscliff and + his party, who had followed the track of the cattle as far as the English + border, but had halted on the information that a considerable force was + drawn together under some of the Jacobite gentlemen in that district, and + there were tidings of insurrection in different parts of Scotland. This + took away from the act which had been perpetrated the appearance of + private animosity, or love of plunder; and Earnscliff was now disposed to + regard it as a symptom of civil war. The young gentleman greeted Hobbie + with the most sincere sympathy, and informed him of the news he had + received. + </p> + <p> + “Then, may I never stir frae the bit,” said Elliot, “if auld Ellieslaw is + not at the bottom o’ the haill villainy! Ye see he’s leagued wi’ the + Cumberland Catholics; and that agrees weel wi’ what Elshie hinted about + Westburnflat, for Ellieslaw aye protected him, and he will want to harry + and disarm the country about his ain hand before he breaks out.” + </p> + <p> + Some now remembered that the party of ruffians had been heard to say they + were acting for James VIII., and were charged to disarm all rebels. Others + had heard Westburnflat boast, in drinking parties, that Ellieslaw would + soon be in arms for the Jacobite cause, and that he himself was to hold a + command under him, and that they would be bad neighbours for young + Earnscliff; and all that stood out for the established government. The + result was a strong belief that Westburnflat had headed the party under + Ellieslaw’s orders; and they resolved to proceed instantly to the house of + the former, and, if possible, to secure his person. They were by this time + joined by so many of their dispersed friends, that their number amounted + to upwards of twenty horsemen, well mounted, and tolerably, though + variously, armed. + </p> + <p> + A brook, which issued from a narrow glen among the hills, entered, at + Westburnflat, upon the open marshy level, which, expanding about half a + mile in every direction, gives name to the spot. In this place the + character of the stream becomes changed, and, from being a lively + brisk-running mountain-torrent, it stagnates, like a blue swollen snake, + in dull deep windings, through the swampy level. On the side of the + stream, and nearly about the centre of the plain, arose the tower of + Westburnflat, one of the few remaining strongholds formerly so numerous + upon the Borders. The ground upon which it stood was gently elevated above + the marsh for the space of about a hundred yards, affording an esplanade + of dry turf, which extended itself in the immediate neighbourhood of the + tower; but, beyond which, the surface presented to strangers was that of + an impassable and dangerous bog. The owner of the tower and his inmates + alone knew the winding and intricate paths, which, leading over ground + that was comparatively sound, admitted visitors to his residence. But + among the party which were assembled under Earnscliff’s directions, there + was more than one person qualified to act as a guide. For although the + owner’s character and habits of life were generally known, yet the laxity + of feeling with respect to property prevented his being looked on with the + abhorrence with which he must have been regarded in a more civilized + country. He was considered, among his more peaceable neighbours, pretty + much as a gambler, cock-fighter, or horse-jockey would be regarded at the + present day; a person, of course, whose habits were to be condemned, and + his society, in general, avoided, yet who could not be considered as + marked with the indelible infamy attached to his profession, where laws + have been habitually observed. And their indignation was awakened against + him upon this occasion, not so much on account of the general nature of + the transaction, which was just such as was to be expected from this + marauder, as that the violence had been perpetrated upon a neighbour + against whom he had no cause of quarrel,—against a friend of their + own,—above all, against one of the name of Elliot, to which clan + most of them belonged. It was not, therefore, wonderful, that there should + be several in the band pretty well acquainted with the locality of his + habitation, and capable of giving such directions and guidance as soon + placed the whole party on the open space of firm ground in front of the + Tower of Westburnflat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + So spak the knicht; the geaunt sed, + Lend forth with the the sely maid, + And mak me quile of the and sche; + For glaunsing ee, or brow so brent, + Or cheek with rose and lilye blent, + Me lists not ficht with the.—ROMANCE OF THE FALCON. +</pre> + <p> + The tower, before which the party now stood, was a small square building, + of the most gloomy aspect. The walls were of great thickness, and the + windows, or slits which served the purpose of windows, seemed rather + calculated to afford the defenders the means of employing missile weapons, + than for admitting air or light to the apartments within. A small + battlement projected over the walls on every side, and afforded farther + advantage of defence by its niched parapet, within which arose a steep + roof, flagged with grey stones. A single turret at one angle, defended by + a door studded with huge iron nails, rose above the battlement, and gave + access to the roof from within, by the spiral staircase which it enclosed. + It seemed to the party that their motions were watched by some one + concealed within this turret; and they were confirmed in their belief + when, through a narrow loophole, a female hand was seen to wave a + handkerchief, as if by way of signal to them. Hobbie was almost out of his + senses with joy and eagerness. + </p> + <p> + “It was Grace’s hand and arm,” he said; “I can swear to it amang a + thousand. There is not the like of it on this side of the Lowdens—We’ll + have her out, lads, if we should carry off the Tower of Westburnflat stane + by stane.” + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff, though he doubted the possibility of recognising a fair + maiden’s hand at such a distance from the eye of the lover, would say + nothing to damp his friend’s animated hopes, and it was resolved to summon + the garrison. + </p> + <p> + The shouts of the party, and the winding of one or two horns, at length + brought to a loophole, which flanked the entrance, the haggard face of an + old woman. + </p> + <p> + “That’s the Reiver’s mother,” said one of the Elliots; “she’s ten times + waur than himsell, and is wyted for muckle of the ill he does about the + country.” + </p> + <p> + “Wha are ye? what d’ye want here?” were the queries of the respectable + progenitor. + </p> + <p> + “We are seeking William Graeme of Westburnflat,” said Earnscliff. + </p> + <p> + “He’s no at hame,” returned the old dame. + </p> + <p> + “When did he leave home?” pursued Earnscliff. + </p> + <p> + “I canna tell,” said the portress. + </p> + <p> + “When will he return?” said Hobbie Elliot. + </p> + <p> + “I dinna ken naething about it,” replied the inexorable guardian of the + keep. + </p> + <p> + “Is there anybody within the tower with you?” again demanded Earnscliff. + </p> + <p> + “Naebody but mysell and baudrons,” said the old woman. + </p> + <p> + “Then open the gate and admit us,” said Earnscliff; “I am a justice of + peace, and in search of the evidence of a felony.” + </p> + <p> + “Deil be in their fingers that draws a bolt for ye,” retorted the + portress; “for mine shall never do it. Thinkna ye shame o’ yoursells, to + come here siccan a band o’ ye, wi’ your swords, and spears, and + steel-caps, to frighten a lone widow woman?” + </p> + <p> + “Our information,” said Earnscliff; “is positive; we are seeking goods + which have been forcibly carried off, to a great amount.” + </p> + <p> + “And a young woman, that’s been cruelly made prisoner, that’s worth mair + than a’ the gear, twice told,” said Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “And I warn you.” continued Earnscliff, “that your only way to prove your + son’s innocence is to give us quiet admittance to search the house.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will ye do, if I carena to thraw the keys, or draw the bolts, or + open the grate to sic a clamjamfrie?” said the old dame, scoffingly. + </p> + <p> + “Force our way with the king’s keys, and break the neck of every living + soul we find in the house, if ye dinna gie it ower forthwith!” menaced the + incensed Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “Threatened folks live lang,” said the hag, in the same tone of irony; + “there’s the iron grate—try your skeel on’t, lads—it has kept + out as gude men as you or now.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, she laughed, and withdrew from the aperture through which she + had held the parley. + </p> + <p> + The besiegers now opened a serious consultation. The immense thickness of + the walls, and the small size of the windows, might, for a time, have even + resisted cannon-shot. The entrance was secured, first, by a strong grated + door, composed entirely of hammered iron, of such ponderous strength as + seemed calculated to resist any force that could be brought against it. + “Pinches or forehammers will never pick upon’t,” said Hugh, the blacksmith + of Ringleburn; “ye might as weel batter at it wi’ pipe-staples.” + </p> + <p> + Within the doorway, and at the distance of nine feet, which was the solid + thickness of the wall, there was a second door of oak, crossed, both + breadth and lengthways, with clenched bars of iron, and studded full of + broad-headed nails. Besides all these defences, they were by no means + confident in the truth of the old dame’s assertion, that she alone + composed the garrison. The more knowing of the party had observed + hoof-marks in the track by which they approached the tower, which seemed + to indicate that several persons had very lately passed in that direction. + </p> + <p> + To all these difficulties was added their want of means for attacking the + place. There was no hope of procuring ladders long enough to reach the + battlements, and the windows, besides being very narrow, were secured with + iron bars. Scaling was therefore out of the question; mining was still + more so, for want of tools and gunpowder; neither were the besiegers + provided with food, means of shelter, or other conveniences, which might + have enabled them to convert the siege into a blockade; and there would, + at any rate, have been a risk of relief from some of the marauder’s + comrades. Hobbie grinded and gnashed his teeth, as, walking round the + fastness, he could devise no means of making a forcible entry. At length + he suddenly exclaimed, “And what for no do as our fathers did lang syne?—Put + hand to the wark, lads. Let us cut up bushes and briers, pile them before + the door and set fire to them, and smoke that auld devil’s dam as if she + were to be reested for bacon.” + </p> + <p> + All immediately closed with this proposal, and some went to work with + swords and knives to cut down the alder and hawthorn bushes which grew by + the side of the sluggish stream, many of which were sufficiently decayed + and dried for their purpose, while others began to collect them in a large + stack, properly disposed for burning, as close to the iron-grate as they + could be piled. Fire was speedily obtained from one of their guns, and + Hobbie was already advancing to the pile with a kindled brand, when the + surly face of the robber, and the muzzle of a musquetoon, were partially + shown at a shot-hole which flanked the entrance. “Mony thanks to ye,” he + said, scoffingly, “for collecting sae muckle winter eilding for us; but if + ye step a foot nearer it wi’ that lunt, it’s be the dearest step ye ever + made in your days.” + </p> + <p> + “We’ll sune see that,” said Hobbie, advancing fearlessly with the torch. + </p> + <p> + The marauder snapped his piece at him, which, fortunately for our honest + friend, did not go off; while Earnscliff, firing at the same moment at the + narrow aperture and slight mark afforded by the robber’s face, grazed the + side of his head with a bullet. He had apparently calculated upon his post + affording him more security, for he no sooner felt the wound, though a + very slight one, than he requested a parley, and demanded to know what + they meant by attacking in this fashion a peaceable and honest man, and + shedding his blood in that lawless manner? + </p> + <p> + “We want your prisoner,” said Earnscliff, “to be delivered up to us in + safety.” + </p> + <p> + “And what concern have you with her?” replied the marauder. + </p> + <p> + “That,” retorted Earnscliff, “you, who are detaining her by force, have no + right to enquire.” + </p> + <p> + “Aweel, I think I can gie a guess,” said the robber. “Weel, sirs, I am + laith to enter into deadly feud with you by spilling ony of your bluid, + though Earnscliff hasna stopped to shed mine—and he can hit a mark + to a groat’s breadth—so, to prevent mair skaith, I am willing to + deliver up the prisoner, since nae less will please you.” + </p> + <p> + “And Hobbie’s gear?” cried Simon of Hackburn. “D’ye think you’re to be + free to plunder the faulds and byres of a gentle Elliot, as if they were + an auld wife’s hens’-cavey?” + </p> + <p> + “As I live by bread,” replied Willie of Westburnflat “As I live by bread, + I have not a single cloot o’ them! They’re a’ ower the march lang syne; + there’s no a horn o’ them about the tower. But I’ll see what o’ them can + be gotten back, and I’ll take this day twa days to meet Hobbie at the + Castleton wi’ twa friends on ilka side, and see to make an agreement about + a’ the wrang he can wyte me wi’.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said Elliot, “that will do weel eneugh.”—And then aside to + his kinsman, “Murrain on the gear! Lordsake, man! say nought about them. + Let us but get puir Grace out o’ that auld hellicat’s clutches.” + </p> + <p> + “Will ye gie me your word, Earnscliff,” said the marauder, who still + lingered at the shot-hole, “your faith and troth, with hand and glove, + that I am free to come and free to gae, with five minutes to open the + grate, and five minutes to steek it and to draw the bolts? less winna do, + for they want creishing sairly. Will ye do this?” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have full time,” said Earnscliff; “I plight my faith and troth, + my hand and my glove.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait there a moment, then,” said Westburnflat; “or hear ye, I wad rather + ye wad fa’ back a pistol-shot from the door. It’s no that I mistrust your + word, Earnscliff; but it’s best to be sure.” + </p> + <p> + O, friend, thought Hobbie to himself, as he drew back, an I had you but on + Turner’s-holm, [There is a level meadow, on the very margin of the two + kingdoms, called Turner’s-holm, just where the brook called Crissop joins + the Liddel. It is said to have derived its name as being a place + frequently assigned for tourneys, during the ancient Border times.] and + naebody by but twa honest lads to see fair play, I wad make ye wish ye had + broken your leg ere ye had touched beast or body that belanged to me! + </p> + <p> + “He has a white feather in his wing this same Westburnflat, after a’,” + said Simon of Hackburn, somewhat scandalized by his ready surrender.—“He’ll + ne’er fill his father’s boots.” + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the inner door of the tower was opened, and the mother + of the freebooter appeared in the space betwixt that and the outer grate. + Willie himself was next seen, leading forth a female, and the old woman, + carefully bolting the grate behind them, remained on the post as a sort of + sentinel. + </p> + <p> + “Ony ane or twa o’ ye come forward,” said the outlaw, “and take her frae + my hand haill and sound.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie advanced eagerly, to meet his betrothed bride. Earnscliff followed + more slowly, to guard against treachery. Suddenly Hobbie slackened his + pace in the deepest mortification, while that of Earnscliff was hastened + by impatient surprise. It was not Grace Armstrong, but Miss Isabella Vere, + whose liberation had been effected by their appearance before the tower. + </p> + <p> + “Where is Grace? where is Grace Armstrong?” exclaimed Hobbie, in the + extremity of wrath and indignation. + </p> + <p> + “Not in my hands,” answered Westburnflat; “ye may search the tower, if ye + misdoubt me.” + </p> + <p> + “You false villain, you shall account for her, or die on the spot,” said + Elliot, presenting his gun. + </p> + <p> + But his companions, who now came up, instantly disarmed him of his weapon, + exclaiming, all at once, “Hand and glove! faith and troth! Haud a care, + Hobbie we maun keep our faith wi’ Westburnflat, were he the greatest rogue + ever rode.” + </p> + <p> + Thus protected, the outlaw recovered his audacity, which had been somewhat + daunted by the menacing gesture of Elliot. + </p> + <p> + “I have kept my word, sirs,” he said, “and I look to have nae wrang amang + ye. If this is no the prisoner ye sought,” he said, addressing Earnscliff, + “ye’ll render her back to me again. I am answerable for her to those that + aught her.” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake, Mr. Earnscliff, protect me!” said Miss Vere, clinging to + her deliverer; “do not you abandon one whom the whole world seems to have + abandoned.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing,” whispered Earnscliff, “I will protect you with my life.” + Then turning to Westburnflat, “Villain!” he said, “how dared you to insult + this lady?” + </p> + <p> + “For that matter, Earnscliff,” answered the freebooter, “I can answer to + them that has better right to ask me than you have; but if you come with + an armed force, and take her awa’ from them that her friends lodged her + wi’, how will you answer THAT—But it’s your ain affair—Nae + single man can keep a tower against twenty—A’ the men o’ the Mearns + downa do mair than they dow.” + </p> + <p> + “He lies most falsely,” said Isabella; “he carried me off by violence from + my father.” + </p> + <p> + “Maybe he only wanted ye to think sae, hinny,” replied the robber; “but + it’s nae business o’ mine, let it be as it may.—So ye winna resign + her back to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Back to you, fellow? Surely no,” answered Earnscliff; “I will protect + Miss Vere, and escort her safely wherever she is pleased to be conveyed.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, maybe you and her hae settled that already,” said Willie of + Westburnflat. + </p> + <p> + “And Grace?” interrupted Hobbie, shaking himself loose from the friends + who had been preaching to him the sanctity of the safe-conduct, upon the + faith of which the freebooter had ventured from his tower,—“Where’s + Grace?” and he rushed on the marauder, sword in hand. + </p> + <p> + Westburnflat, thus pressed, after calling out, “Godsake, Hobbie, hear me a + gliff!” fairly turned his back and fled. His mother stood ready to open + and shut the grate; but Hobbie struck at the freebooter as he entered with + so much force, that the sword made a considerable cleft in the lintel of + the vaulted door, which is still shown as a memorial of the superior + strength of those who lived in the days of yore. Ere Hobbie could repeat + the blow, the door was shut and secured, and he was compelled to retreat + to his companions, who were now preparing to break up the siege of + Westburnflat. They insisted upon his accompanying them in their return. + </p> + <p> + “Ye hae broken truce already,” said old Dick of the Dingle; “an we takena + the better care, ye’ll play mair gowk’s tricks, and make yoursell the + laughing-stock of the haill country, besides having your friends charged + with slaughter under trust. Bide till the meeting at Castleton, as ye hae + greed; and if he disna make ye amends, then we’ll hae it out o’ his + heart’s blood. But let us gang reasonably to wark and keep our tryst, and + I’se warrant we get back Grace, and the kye an’ a’.” + </p> + <p> + This cold-blooded reasoning went ill down with the unfortunate lover; but, + as he could only obtain the assistance of his neighbours and kinsmen on + their own terms, he was compelled to acquiesce in their notions of good + faith and regular procedure. + </p> + <p> + Earnscliff now requested the assistance of a few of the party to convey + Miss Vere to her father’s castle of Ellieslaw, to which she was peremptory + in desiring to be conducted. This was readily granted; and five or six + young men agreed to attend him as an escort. Hobbie was not of the number. + Almost heart-broken by the events of the day, and his final + disappointment, he returned moodily home to take such measures as he could + for the sustenance and protection of his family, and to arrange with his + neighbours the farther steps which should be adopted for the recovery of + Grace Armstrong. The rest of the party dispersed in different directions, + as soon as they had crossed the morass. The outlaw and his mother watched + them from the tower, until they entirely disappeared. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I left my ladye’s bower last night— + It was clad in wreaths of snaw,— + I’ll seek it when the sun is bright, + And sweet the roses blaw.—OLD BALLAD. +</pre> + <p> + Incensed at what he deemed the coldness of his friends, in a cause which + interested him so nearly, Hobbie had shaken himself free of their company, + and was now on his solitary road homeward. “The fiend founder thee!” said + he, as he spurred impatiently his over-fatigued and stumbling horse; “thou + art like a’ the rest o’ them. Hae I not bred thee, and fed thee, and + dressed thee wi’ mine ain hand, and wouldst thou snapper now and break my + neck at my utmost need? But thou’rt e’en like the lave—the farthest + off o’ them a’ is my cousin ten times removed, and day or night I wad hae + served them wi’ my best blood; and now, I think they show mair regard to + the common thief of Westburnflat than to their ain kinsman. But I should + see the lights now in Heugh-foot—Wae’s me!” he continued, + recollecting himself, “there will neither coal nor candle-light shine in + the Heugh-foot ony mair! An it werena for my mother and sisters, and poor + Grace, I could find in my heart to put spurs to the beast, and loup ower + the scaur into the water to make an end o’t a’.”—In this + disconsolate mood he turned his horse’s bridle towards the cottage in + which his family had found refuge. + </p> + <p> + As he approached the door, he heard whispering and tittering amongst his + sisters. “The deevil’s in the women,” said poor Hobbie; “they would + nicker, and laugh, and giggle, if their best friend was lying a corp—and + yet I am glad they can keep up their hearts sae weel, poor silly things; + but the dirdum fa’s on me, to be sure, and no on them.” + </p> + <p> + While he thus meditated, he was engaged in fastening up his horse in a + shed. “Thou maun do without horse-sheet and surcingle now, lad,” he said, + addressing the animal; “you and me hae had a downcome alike; we had better + hae fa’en i, the deepest pool o’ Tarras.” + </p> + <p> + He was interrupted by the youngest of his sisters, who came running out, + and, speaking in a constrained voice, as if to stifle some emotion, called + out to him, “What are ye doing there, Hobbie, fiddling about the naig, and + there’s ane frae Cumberland been waiting here for ye this hour and mair? + Haste ye in, man; I’ll take off the saddle.” + </p> + <p> + “Ane frae Cumberland!” exclaimed Elliot; and putting the bridle of his + horse into the hand of his sister, he rushed into the cottage. “Where is + he? where is he!” he exclaimed, glancing eagerly around, and seeing only + females; “Did he bring news of Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “He doughtna bide an instant langer,” said the elder sister, still with a + suppressed laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Hout fie, bairns!” said the old lady, with something of a good-humoured + reproof, “ye shouldna vex your billy Hobbie that way.—Look round, my + bairn, and see if there isna ane here mair than ye left this morning.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie looked eagerly round. “There’s you, and the three titties.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s four of us now, Hobbie, lad,” said the youngest, who at this + moment entered. + </p> + <p> + In an instant Hobbie had in his arms Grace Armstrong, who, with one of his + sister’s plaids around her, had passed unnoticed at his first entrance. + “How dared you do this?” said Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “It wasna my fault,” said Grace, endeavouring to cover her face with her + hands to hide at once her blushes, and escape the storm of hearty kisses + with which her bridegroom punished her simple stratagem,—“It wasna + my fault, Hobbie; ye should kiss Jeanie and the rest o’ them, for they hae + the wyte o’t.” + </p> + <p> + “And so I will,” said Hobbie, and embraced and kissed his sisters and + grandmother a hundred times, while the whole party half-laughed, + half-cried, in the extremity of their joy. “I am the happiest man,” said + Hobbie, throwing himself down on a seat, almost exhausted,—“I am the + happiest man in the world!” + </p> + <p> + “Then, O my dear bairn,” said the good old dame, who lost no opportunity + of teaching her lesson of religion at those moments when the heart was + best open to receive it,—“Then, O my son, give praise to Him that + brings smiles out o’ tears and joy out o’ grief, as He brought light out + o’ darkness and the world out o’ naething. Was it not my word, that if ye + could say His will be done, ye might hae cause to say His name be + praised?” + </p> + <p> + “It was—it was your word, grannie; and I do praise Him for His + mercy, and for leaving me a good parent when my ain were gane,” said + honest Hobbie, taking her hand, “that puts me in mind to think of Him, + baith in happiness and distress.” + </p> + <p> + There was a solemn pause of one or two minutes employed in the exercise of + mental devotion, which expressed, in purity and sincerity, the gratitude + of the affectionate family to that Providence who had unexpectedly + restored to their embraces the friend whom they had lost. + </p> + <p> + Hobbie’s first enquiries were concerning the adventures which Grace had + undergone. They were told at length, but amounted in substance to this:—That + she was awaked by the noise which the ruffians made in breaking into the + house, and by the resistance made by one or two of the servants, which was + soon overpowered; that, dressing herself hastily, she ran downstairs, and + having seen, in the scuffle, Westburnflat’s vizard drop off, imprudently + named him by his name, and besought him for mercy; that the ruffian + instantly stopped her mouth, dragged her from the house, and placed her on + horseback, behind one of his associates. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll break the accursed neck of him,” said Hobbie, “if there werena + another Graeme in the land but himsell!” + </p> + <p> + She proceeded to say, that she was carried southward along with the party, + and the spoil which they drove before them, until they had crossed the + Border. Suddenly a person, known to her as a kinsman of Westburnflat, came + riding very fast after the marauders, and told their leader, that his + cousin had learnt from a sure hand that no luck would come of it, unless + the lass was restored to her friends. After some discussion, the chief of + the party seemed to acquiesce. Grace was placed behind her new guardian, + who pursued in silence, and with great speed, the least-frequented path to + the Heugh-foot, and ere evening closed, set down the fatigued and + terrified damsel within a quarter of a mile of the dwelling of her + friends. Many and sincere were the congratulations which passed on all + sides. + </p> + <p> + As these emotions subsided, less pleasing considerations began to intrude + themselves. + </p> + <p> + “This is a miserable place for ye a’,” said Hobbie, looking around him; “I + can sleep weel eneugh mysell outby beside the naig, as I hae done mony a + lang night on the hills; but how ye are to put yoursells up, I canna see! + And what’s waur, I canna mend it; and what’s waur than a’, the morn may + come, and the day after that, without your being a bit better off.” + </p> + <p> + “It was a cowardly cruel thing,” said one of the sisters, looking round, + “to harry a puir family to the bare wa’s this gate.” + </p> + <p> + “And leave us neither stirk nor stot,” said the youngest brother, who now + entered, “nor sheep nor lamb, nor aught that eats grass and corn.” + </p> + <p> + “If they had ony quarrel wi’ us,” said Harry, the second brother, “were we + na ready to have fought it out? And that we should have been a’ frae hame, + too,—ane and a’ upon the hill—Odd, an we had been at hame, + Will Graeme’s stamach shouldna hae wanted its morning; but it’s biding + him, is it na, Hobbie?” + </p> + <p> + “Our neighbours hae taen a day at the Castleton to gree wi’ him at the + sight o’ men,” said Hobbie, mournfully; “they behoved to have it a’ their + ain gate, or there was nae help to be got at their hands.” + </p> + <p> + “To gree wi’ him!” exclaimed both his brothers at once, “after siccan an + act of stouthrife as hasna been heard o’ in the country since the auld + riding days!” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, billies, and my blood was e’en boiling at it; but the sight o’ + Grace Armstrong has settled it brawly.” + </p> + <p> + “But the stocking, Hobbie’” said John Elliot; “we’re utterly ruined. Harry + and I hae been to gather what was on the outby land, and there’s scarce a + cloot left. I kenna how we’re to carry on—We maun a’ gang to the + wars, I think. Westburnflat hasna the means, e’en if he had the will, to + make up our loss; there’s nae mends to be got out o’ him, but what ye take + out o’ his banes. He hasna a four-footed creature but the vicious blood + thing he rides on, and that’s sair trash’d wi’ his night wark. We are + ruined stoop and roop.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie cast a mournful glance on Grace Armstrong, who returned it with a + downcast look and a gentle sigh. + </p> + <p> + “Dinna be cast down, bairns,” said the grandmother, “we hae gude friends + that winna forsake us in adversity. There’s Sir Thomas Kittleloof is my + third cousin by the mother’s side, and he has come by a hantle siller, and + been made a knight-baronet into the bargain, for being ane o’ the + commissioners at the Union.” + </p> + <p> + “He wadna gie a bodle to save us frae famishing,” said Hobbie; “and, if he + did, the bread that I bought wi’t would stick in my throat, when I thought + it was part of the price of puir auld Scotland’s crown and independence.” + </p> + <p> + “There’s the Laird o’ Dunder, ane o’ the auldest families in Tiviotdale.” + </p> + <p> + “He’s in the tolbooth, mother—he’s in the Heart of Mid-Louden for a + thousand merk he borrowed from Saunders Wyliecoat the writer.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor man!” exclaimed Mrs. Elliot, “can we no send him something, Hobbie?” + </p> + <p> + “Ye forget, grannie, ye forget we want help oursells,” said Hobbie, + somewhat peevishly. + </p> + <p> + “Troth did I, hinny,” replied the good-natured lady, “just at the instant; + it’s sae natural to think on ane’s blude relations before themsells;—But + there’s young Earnscliff.” + </p> + <p> + “He has ower little o’ his ain; and siccan a name to keep up, it wad be a + shame,” said Hobbie, “to burden him wi’ our distress. And I’ll tell ye, + grannie, it’s needless to sit rhyming ower the style of a’ your kith, kin, + and allies, as if there was a charm in their braw names to do us good; the + grandees hae forgotten us, and those of our ain degree hae just little + eneugh to gang on wi’ themsells; ne’er a friend hae we that can, or will, + help us to stock the farm again.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, Hobbie, me maun trust in Him that can raise up friends and fortune + out o’ the bare moor, as they say.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie sprung upon his feet. “Ye are right, grannie!” he exclaimed; “ye + are right. I do ken a friend on the bare moor, that baith can and will + help us—The turns o’ this day hae dung my head clean hirdie-girdie. + I left as muckle gowd lying on Mucklestane-Moor this morning as would + plenish the house and stock the Heugh-foot twice ower, and I am certain + sure Elshie wadna grudge us the use of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Elshie!” said his grandmother in astonishment; “what Elshie do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “What Elshie should I mean, but Canny Elshie, the Wight o’ Mucklestane,” + replied Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “God forfend, my bairn, you should gang to fetch water out o’ broken + cisterns, or seek for relief frae them that deal wi’ the Evil One! There + was never luck in their gifts, nor grace in their paths. And the haill + country kens that body Elshie’s an unco man. O, if there was the law, and + the douce quiet administration of justice, that makes a kingdom flourish + in righteousness, the like o’ them suldna be suffered to live! The wizard + and the witch are the abomination and the evil thing in the land.” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, mother,” answered Hobbie, “ye may say what ye like, but I am in + the mind that witches and warlocks havena half the power they had lang + syne; at least, sure am I, that ae ill-deviser, like auld Ellieslaw, or ae + ill-doer, like that d—d villain Westburnflat, is a greater plague + and abomination in a country-side than a haill curnie o’ the warst witches + that ever capered on a broomstick, or played cantrips on Fastern’s E’en. + It wad hae been lang or Elshie had burnt down my house and barns, and I am + determined to try if he will do aught to build them up again. He’s weel + kend a skilfu’ man ower a’ the country, as far as Brough under Stanmore.” + </p> + <p> + “Bide a wee, my bairn; mind his benefits havena thriven wi’ a’body. Jock + Howden died o’ the very same disorder Elshie pretended to cure him of, + about the fa’ o’ the leaf; and though he helped Lambside’s cow weel out o’ + the moor-ill, yet the louping-ill’s been sairer amane; his sheep than ony + season before. And then I have heard he uses sic words abusing human + nature, that’s like a fleeing in the face of Providence; and ye mind ye + said yoursell, the first time ye ever saw him, that he was mair like a + bogle than a living thing.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, mother,” said Hobbie, “Elshie’s no that bad a chield; he’s a + grewsome spectacle for a crooked disciple, to be sure, and a rough talker, + but his bark is waur than his bite; sae, if I had anes something to eat, + for I havena had a morsel ower my throat this day, I wad streek mysell + down for twa or three hours aside the beast, and be on and awa’ to + Mucklestane wi’ the first skreigh o’ morning.” + </p> + <p> + “And what for no the night, Hobbie,” said Harry, “and I will ride wi’ ye?” + </p> + <p> + “My naig is tired,” said Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “Ye may take mine, then,” said John. + </p> + <p> + “But I am a wee thing wearied mysell.” + </p> + <p> + “You wearied?” said Harry; “shame on ye! I have kend ye keep the saddle + four-and-twenty hours thegither, and ne’er sic a word as weariness in your + wame.” + </p> + <p> + “The night’s very dark,” said Hobbie, rising and looking through the + casement of the cottage; “and, to speak truth, and shame the deil, though + Elshie’s a real honest fallow, yet somegate I would rather take daylight + wi’ me when I gang to visit him.” + </p> + <p> + This frank avowal put a stop to further argument; and Hobbie, having thus + compromised matters between the rashness of his brother’s counsel, and the + timid cautions which he received from his grandmother, refreshed himself + with such food as the cottage afforded; and, after a cordial salutation + all round, retired to the shed, and stretched himself beside his trusty + palfrey. His brothers shared between them some trusses of clean straw, + disposed in the stall usually occupied by old Annaple’s cow; and the + females arranged themselves for repose as well as the accommodations of + the cottage would permit. + </p> + <p> + With the first dawn of morning, Hobbie arose; and, having rubbed down and + saddled his horse, he set forth to Mucklestane-Moor. He avoided the + company of either of his brothers, from an idea that the Dwarf was most + propitious to those who visited him alone. + </p> + <p> + “The creature,” said he to himself, as he went along, “is no neighbourly; + ae body at a time is fully mair than he weel can abide. I wonder if he’s + looked out o’ the crib o’ him to gather up the bag o’ siller. If he hasna + done that, it will hae been a braw windfa’ for somebody, and I’ll be + finely flung.—Come, Tarras,” said he to his horse, striking him at + the same time with his spur, “make mair fit, man; we maun be first on the + field if we can.” + </p> + <p> + He was now on the heath, which began to be illuminated by the beams of the + rising sun; the gentle declivity which he was descending presented him a + distinct, though distant view, of the Dwarf’s dwelling. The door opened, + and Hobbie witnessed with his own eyes that phenomenon which he had + frequently heard mentioned. Two human figures (if that of the Dwarf could + be termed such) issued from the solitary abode of the Recluse, and stood + as if in converse together in the open air. The taller form then stooped, + as if taking something up which lay beside the door of the hut, then both + moved forward a little way, and again halted, as in deep conference. All + Hobbie’s superstitious terrors revived on witnessing this’spectacle. That + the Dwarf would open his dwelling to a mortal guest, was as improbable as + that any one would choose voluntarily to be his nocturnal visitor; and, + under full conviction that he beheld a wizard holding intercourse with his + familiar spirit, Hobbie pulled in at once his breath and his bridle, + resolved not to incur the indignation of either by a hasty intrusion on + their conference. They were probably aware of his approach, for he had not + halted for a moment before the Dwarf returned to his cottage; and the + taller figure who had accompanied him, glided round the enclosure of the + garden, and seemed to disappear from the eyes of the admiring Hobbie. + </p> + <p> + “Saw ever mortal the like o’ that!” said Elliot; “but my case is + desperate, sae, if he were Beelzebub himsell, I’se venture down the brae + on him.” + </p> + <p> + Yet, notwithstanding his assumed courage, he slackened his pace, when, + nearly upon the very spot where he had last seen the tall figure, he + discerned, as if lurking among the long heather, a small black + rough-looking object, like a terrier dog. + </p> + <p> + “He has nae dog that ever I heard of,” said Hobbie, “but mony a deil about + his hand—lord forgie me for saying sic a word!—It keeps its + grund, be what it like—I’m judging it’s a badger; but whae kens what + shapes thae bogies will take to fright a body? it will maybe start up like + a lion or a crocodile when I come nearer. I’se e’en drive a stage at it, + for if it change its shape when I’m ower near, Tarras will never stand it; + and it will be ower muckle to hae him and the deil to fight wi’ baith at + ance.” + </p> + <p> + He therefore cautiously threw a stone at the object, which continued + motionless. “It’s nae living thing, after a’,” said Hobbie, approaching, + “but the very bag o’ siller he flung out o’ the window yesterday! and that + other queer lang creature has just brought it sae muckle farther on the + way to me.” He then advanced and lifted the heavy fur pouch, which was + quite full of gold. “Mercy on us!” said Hobbie, whose heart fluttered + between glee at the revival of his hopes and prospects in life, and + suspicion of the purpose for which this assistance was afforded him—-“Mercy + on us! it’s an awfu’ thing to touch what has been sae lately in the claws + of something no canny, I canna shake mysell loose o’ the belief that there + has been some jookery-paukery of Satan’s in a’ this; but I am determined + to conduct mysell like an honest man and a good Christian, come o’t what + will.” + </p> + <p> + He advanced accordingly to the cottage door, and having knocked repeatedly + without receiving any answer, he at length elevated his voice and + addressed the inmate of the hut. “Elshie! Father Elshie! I ken ye’re + within doors, and wauking, for I saw ye at the door-cheek as I cam ower + the bent; will ye come out and speak just a gliff to ane that has mony + thanks to gie ye?—It was a’ true ye tell’d me about Westburnflat; + but he’s sent back Grace safe and skaithless, sae there’s nae ill happened + yet but what may be suffered or sustained;—Wad ye but come out a + gliff; man, or but say ye’re listening?—Aweel, since ye winna + answer, I’se e’en proceed wi’ my tale. Ye see I hae been thinking it wad + be a sair thing on twa young folk, like Grace and me, to put aff our + marriage for mony years till I was abroad and came back again wi’ some + gear; and they say folk maunna take booty in the wars as they did lang + syne, and the queen’s pay is a sma’ matter; there’s nae gathering gear on + that—and then my grandame’s auld—and my sisters wad sit + peengin’ at the ingle-side for want o’ me to ding them about—and + Earnscliff, or the neighbourhood, or maybe your ainsell, Elshie, might + want some good turn that Hob Elliot could do ye—and it’s a pity that + the auld house o’ the Heugh-foot should be wrecked a’thegither. Sae I was + thinking—but deil hae me, that I should say sae,” continued he, + checking himself, “if I can bring mysell to ask a favour of ane that winna + sae muckle as ware a word on me, to tell me if he hears me speaking till + him.” + </p> + <p> + “Say what thou wilt—do what thou wilt,” answered the Dwarf from his + cabin, “but begone, and leave me at peace.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel, weel,” replied Elliot, “since ye are willing to hear me, I’se make + my tale short. Since ye are sae kind as to say ye are content to lend me + as muckle siller as will stock and plenish the Heugh-foot, I am content, + on my part, to accept the courtesy wi’ mony kind thanks; and troth, I + think it will be as safe in my hands as yours, if ye leave it flung about + in that gate for the first loon body to lift, forbye the risk o’ bad + neighbours that can win through steekit doors and lockfast places, as I + can tell to my cost. I say, since ye hae sae muckle consideration for me, + I’se be blithe to accept your kindness; and my mother and me (she’s a + life-renter, and I am fiar, o’ the lands o’ Wideopen) would grant you a + wadset, or an heritable bond, for the siller, and to pay the annual rent + half-yearly; and Saunders Wyliecoat to draw the bond, and you to be at nae + charge wi’ the writings.” + </p> + <p> + “Cut short thy jargon, and begone,” said the Dwarf; “thy loquacious + bull-headed honesty makes thee a more intolerable plague than the + light-fingered courtier who would take a man’s all without troubling him + with either thanks, explanation, or apology. Hence, I say! thou art one of + those tame slaves whose word is as good as their bond. Keep the money, + principal and interest, until I demand it of thee.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” continued the pertinacious Borderer, “we are a’ life-like and + death-like, Elshie, and there really should be some black and white on + this transaction. Sae just make me a minute, or missive, in ony form ye + like, and I’se write it fair ower, and subscribe it before famous + witnesses. Only, Elshie, I wad wuss ye to pit naething in’t that may be + prejudicial to my salvation; for I’ll hae the minister to read it ower, + and it wad only be exposing yoursell to nae purpose. And now I’m ganging + awa’, for ye’ll be wearied o’ my cracks, and I am wearied wi’ cracking + without an answer—and I’se bring ye a bit o’ bride’s-cake ane o’ + thae days, and maybe bring Grace to see you. Ye wad like to see Grace, + man, for as dour as ye are—Eh, Lord I I wish he may be weel, that + was a sair grane! or, maybe, he thought I was speaking of heavenly grace, + and no of Grace Armstrong. Poor man, I am very doubtfu’ o’ his condition; + but I am sure he is as kind to me as if I were his son, and a + queer-looking father I wad hae had, if that had been e’en sae.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie now relieved his benefactor of his presence, and rode blithely home + to display his treasure, and consult upon the means of repairing the + damage which his fortune had sustained through the aggression of the Red + Reiver of Westburnflat. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Three ruffians seized me yester morn, + Alas! a maiden most forlorn; + They choked my cries with wicked might, + And bound me on a palfrey white: + As sure as Heaven shall pity me, + I cannot tell what men they be.—CHRISTABELLE. +</pre> + <p> + The course of our story must here revert a little, to detail the + circumstances which had placed Miss Vere in the unpleasant situation from + which she was unexpectedly, and indeed unintentionally liberated, by the + appearance of Earnscliff and Elliot, with their friends and followers, + before the Tower of Westburnflat. + </p> + <p> + On the morning preceding the night in which Hobbie’s house was plundered + and burnt, Miss Vere was requested by her father to accompany him in a + walk through a distant part of the romantic grounds which lay round his + castle of Ellieslaw. “To hear was to obey,” in the true style of Oriental + despotism; but Isabella trembled in silence while she followed her father + through rough paths, now winding by the side of the river, now ascending + the cliffs which serve for its banks. A single servant, selected perhaps + for his stupidity, was the only person who attended them. From her + father’s silence, Isabella little doubted that he had chosen this distant + and sequestered scene to resume the argument which they had so frequently + maintained upon the subject of Sir Frederick’s addresses, and that he was + meditating in what manner he should most effectually impress upon her the + necessity of receiving him as her suitor. But her fears seemed for some + time to be unfounded. The only sentences which her father from time to + time addressed to her, respected the beauties of the romantic landscape + through which they strolled, and which varied its features at every step. + To these observations, although they seemed to come from a heart occupied + by more gloomy as well as more important cares, Isabella endeavoured to + answer in a manner as free and unconstrained as it was possible for her to + assume, amid the involuntary apprehensions which crowded upon her + imagination. + </p> + <p> + Sustaining with mutual difficulty a desultory conversation, they at length + gained the centre of a small wood, composed of large oaks, intermingled + with birches, mountain-ashes, hazel, holly, and a variety of underwood. + The boughs of the tall trees met closely above, and the underwood filled + up each interval between their trunks below. The spot on which they stood + was rather more open; still, however, embowered under the natural arcade + of tall trees, and darkened on the sides for a space around by a great and + lively growth of copse-wood and bushes. + </p> + <p> + “And here, Isabella,” said Mr. Vere, as he pursued the conversation, so + often resumed, so often dropped, “here I would erect an altar to + Friendship.” + </p> + <p> + “To Friendship, sir!” said Miss Vere; “and why on this gloomy and + sequestered spot, rather than elsewhere?” + </p> + <p> + “O, the propriety of the LOCALE is easily vindicated,” replied her father, + with a sneer. “You know, Miss Vere (for you, I am well aware, are a + learned young lady), you know, that the Romans were not satisfied with + embodying, for the purpose of worship, each useful quality and moral + virtue to which they could give a name; but they, moreover, worshipped the + same under each variety of titles and attributes which could give a + distinct shade, or individual character, to the virtue in question. Now, + for example, the Friendship to whom a temple should be here dedicated, is + not Masculine Friendship, which abhors and despises duplicity, art, and + disguise; but Female Friendship, which consists in little else than a + mutual disposition on the part of the friends, as they call themselves, to + abet each other in obscure fraud and petty intrigue.” + </p> + <p> + “You are severe, sir,” said Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “Only just,” said her father; “a humble copier I am from nature, with the + advantage of contemplating two such excellent studies as Lucy Ilderton and + yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “If I have been unfortunate enough to offend, sir, I can conscientiously + excuse Miss Ilderton from being either my counsellor or confidante.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! how came you, then,” said Mr. Vere, “by the flippancy of speech, + and pertness of argument, by which you have disgusted Sir Frederick, and + given me of late such deep offence?” + </p> + <p> + “If my manner has been so unfortunate as to displease you, sir, it is + impossible for me to apologize too deeply, or too sincerely; but I cannot + confess the same contrition for having answered Sir Frederick flippantly + when he pressed me rudely. Since he forgot I was a lady, it was time to + show him that I am at least a woman.” + </p> + <p> + “Reserve, then, your pertness for those who press you on the topic, + Isabella,” said her father coldly; “for my part, I am weary of the + subject, and will never speak upon it again.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, my dear father,” said Isabella, seizing his reluctant hand + “there is nothing you can impose on me, save the task of listening to this + man’s persecution, that I will call, or think, a hardship.” + </p> + <p> + “You are very obliging, Miss Vere, when it happens to suit you to be + dutiful,” said her unrelenting father, forcing himself at the same time + from the affectionate grasp of her hand; “but henceforward, child, I shall + save myself the trouble of offering you unpleasant advice on any topic. + You must look to yourself.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment four ruffians rushed upon them. Mr. Vere and his servant + drew their hangers, which it was the fashion of the time to wear, and + attempted to defend themselves and protect Isabella. But while each of + them was engaged by an antagonist, she was forced into the thicket by the + two remaining villains, who placed her and themselves on horses which + stood ready behind the copse-wood. They mounted at the same time, and, + placing her between them, set of at a round gallop, holding the reins of + her horse on each side. By many an obscure and winding path, over dale and + down, through moss and moor, she was conveyed to the tower of + Westburnflat, where she remained strictly watched, but not otherwise + ill-treated, under the guardianship of the old woman, to whose son that + retreat belonged. No entreaties could prevail upon the hag to give Miss + Vere any information on the object of her being carried forcibly off, and + confined in this secluded place. The arrival of Earnscliff, with a strong + party of horsemen, before the tower, alarmed the robber. As he had already + directed Grace Armstrong to be restored to her friends, it did not occur + to him that this unwelcome visit was on her account; and seeing at the + head of the party, Earnscliff, whose attachment to Miss Vere was whispered + in the country, he doubted not that her liberation was the sole object of + the attack upon his fastness. The dread of personal consequences compelled + him to deliver up his prisoner in the manner we have already related. + </p> + <p> + At the moment the tramp of horses was heard which carried off the daughter + of Ellieslaw, her father fell to the earth, and his servant, a stout young + fellow, who was gaining ground on the ruffian with whom he had been + engaged, left the combat to come to his master’s assistance, little + doubting that he had received a mortal wound, Both the villains + immediately desisted from farther combat, and, retreating into the + thicket, mounted their horses, and went off at full speed after their + companions. Meantime, Dixon had the satisfaction to find Mr. Vere not only + alive, but unwounded. He had overreached himself, and stumbled, it seemed, + over the root of a tree, in making too eager a blow at his antagonist. The + despair he felt at his daughter’s disappearance, was, in Dixon’s phrase, + such as would have melted the heart of a whin stane, and he was so much + exhausted by his feelings, and the vain researches which he made to + discover the track of the ravishers, that a considerable time elapsed ere + he reached home, and communicated the alarm to his domestics. + </p> + <p> + All his conduct and gestures were those of a desperate man. + </p> + <p> + “Speak not to me, Sir Frederick,” he said impatiently; “You are no father—she + was my child, an ungrateful one! I fear, but still my child—my only + child. Where is Miss Ilderton? she must know something of this. It + corresponds with what I was informed of her schemes. Go, Dixon, call + Ratcliffe here Let him come without a minute’s delay.” The person he had + named at this moment entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Dixon,” continued Mr. Vere, in an altered tone, “let Mr. Ratcliffe + know, I beg the favour of his company on particular business.—Ah! my + dear sir,” he proceeded, as if noticing him for the first time, “you are + the very man whose advice can be of the utmost service to me in this cruel + extremity.” + </p> + <p> + “What has happened, Mr. Vere, to discompose you?” said Mr, Ratcliffe, + gravely; and while the Laird of Ellieslaw details to him, with the most + animated gestures of grief and indignation, the singular adventure of the + morning, we shall take the opportunity to inform our readers of the + relative circumstances in which these gentlemen stood to each other. + </p> + <p> + In early youth, Mr. Vere of Ellieslaw had been remarkable for a career of + dissipation, which, in advanced life, he had exchanged for the no less + destructive career of dark and turbulent ambition. In both cases, he had + gratified the predominant passion without respect to the diminution of his + private fortune, although, where such inducements were wanting, he was + deemed close, avaricious, and grasping. His affairs being much embarrassed + by his earlier extravagance, he went to England, where he was understood + to have formed a very advantageous matrimonial connexion. He was many + years absent from his family estate. Suddenly and unexpectedly he returned + a widower, bringing with him his daughter, then a girl of about ten years + old. From this moment his expense seemed unbounded, in the eyes of the + simple inhabitants of his native mountains. It was supposed he must + necessarily have plunged himself deeply in debt. Yet he continued to live + in the same lavish expense, until some months before the commencement of + our narrative, when the public opinion of his embarrassed circumstances + was confirmed, by the residence of Mr. Ratcliffe at Ellieslaw Castle, who, + by the tacit consent, though obviously to the great displeasure, of the + lord of the mansion, seemed, from the moment of his arrival, to assume and + exercise a predominant and unaccountable influence in the management of + his private affairs. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ratcliffe was a grave, steady, reserved man, in an advanced period of + life. To those with whom he had occasion to speak upon business, he + appeared uncommonly well versed in all its forms. With others he held + little communication; but in any casual intercourse, or conversation, + displayed the powers of an active and well-informed mind. For some time + before taking up his final residence at the castle, he had been an + occasional visitor there, and was at such times treated by Mr. Vere + (contrary to his general practice towards those who were inferior to him + in rank) with marked attention, and even deference. Yet his arrival always + appeared to be an embarrassment to his host, and his departure a relief; + so that, when he became a constant inmate of the family, it was impossible + not to observe indications of the displeasure with which Mr. Vere regarded + his presence. Indeed, their intercourse formed a singular mixture of + confidence and constraint. Mr. Vere’s most important affairs were + regulated by Mr. Ratcliffe; and although he was none of those indulgent + men of fortune, who, too indolent to manage their own business, are glad + to devolve it upon another, yet, in many instances, he was observed to + give up his own judgment, and submit to the contrary opinions which Mr. + Ratcliffe did not hesitate distinctly to express. + </p> + <p> + Nothing seemed to vex Mr. Vere more than when strangers indicated any + observation of the state of tutelage under which he appeared to labour. + When it was noticed by Sir Frederick, or any of his intimates, he + sometimes repelled their remarks haughtily and indignantly, and sometimes + endeavoured to evade them, by saying, with a forced laugh, “That Ratcliffe + knew his own importance, but that he was the most honest and skilful + fellow in the world; and that it would be impossible for him to manage his + English affairs without his advice and assistance.” Such was the person + who entered the room at the moment Mr. Vere was summoning him to his + presence, and who now heard with surprise, mingled with obvious + incredulity, the hasty narrative of what had befallen Isabella. + </p> + <p> + Her father concluded, addressing Sir Frederick and the other gentlemen, + who stood around in astonishment, “And now, my friends, you see the most + unhappy father in Scotland. Lend me your assistance, gentlemen—give + me your advice, Mr. Ratcliffe. I am incapable of acting, or thinking, + under the unexpected violence of such a blow.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us take our horses, call our attendants, and scour the country in + pursuit of the villains,” said Sir Frederick. + </p> + <p> + “Is there no one whom you can suspect,” said Ratcliffe, gravely, “of + having some motive for this strange crime? These are not the days of + romance, when ladies are carried off merely for their beauty.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said Mr. Vere, “I can too well account for this strange + incident. Read this letter, which Miss Lucy Ilderton thought fit to + address from my house of Ellieslaw to young Mr. Earnscliff; whom, of all + men, I have a hereditary right to call my enemy. You see she writes to him + as the confidant of a passion which he has the assurance to entertain for + my daughter; tells him she serves his cause with her friend very ardently, + but that he has a friend in the garrison who serves him yet more + effectually. Look particularly at the pencilled passages, Mr. Ratcliffe, + where this meddling girl recommends bold measures, with an assurance that + his suit would be successful anywhere beyond the bounds of the barony of + Ellieslaw.” + </p> + <p> + “And you argue, from this romantic letter of a very romantic young lady, + Mr. Vere,” said Ratcliffe, “that young Earnscliff has carried off your + daughter, and committed a very great and criminal act of violence, on no + better advice and assurance than that of Miss Lucy Ilderton?” + </p> + <p> + “What else can I think?” said Ellieslaw. + </p> + <p> + “What else CAN you think?” said Sir Frederick; “or who else could have any + motive for committing such a crime?” + </p> + <p> + “Were that the best mode of fixing the guilt,” said Mr. Ratcliffe, calmly, + “there might easily be pointed out persons to whom such actions are more + congenial, and who have also sufficient motives of instigation. Supposing + it were judged advisable to remove Miss Vere to some place in which + constraint might be exercised upon her inclinations to a degree which + cannot at present be attempted under the roof of Ellieslaw Castle—What + says Sir Frederick Langley to that supposition?” + </p> + <p> + “I say,” returned Sir Frederick, “that although Mr. Vere may choose to + endure in Mr. Ratcliffe freedoms totally inconsistent with his situation + in life, I will not permit such license of innuendo, by word or look, to + be extended to me, with impunity.” + </p> + <p> + “And I say,” said young Mareschal of Mareschal-Wells, who was also a guest + at the castle, “that you are all stark mad to be standing wrangling here, + instead of going in pursuit of the ruffians.” + </p> + <p> + “I have ordered off the domestics already in the track most likely to + overtake them,” said Mr. Vere “if you will favour me with your company, we + will follow them, and assist in the search.” + </p> + <p> + The efforts of the party were totally unsuccessful, probably because + Ellieslaw directed the pursuit to proceed in the direction of Earnscliff + Tower, under the supposition that the owner would prove to be the author + of the violence, so that they followed a direction diametrically opposite + to that in which the ruffians had actually proceeded. In the evening they + returned, harassed and out of spirits. But other guests had, in the + meanwhile, arrived at the castle; and, after the recent loss sustained by + the owner had been related, wondered at, and lamented, the recollection of + it was, for the present, drowned in the discussion of deep political + intrigues, of which the crisis and explosion were momentarily looked for. + </p> + <p> + Several of the gentlemen who took part in this divan were Catholics, and + all of them stanch Jacobites, whose hopes were at present at the highest + pitch, as an invasion, in favour of the Pretender, was daily expected from + France, which Scotland, between the defenceless state of its garrisons and + fortified places, and the general disaffection of the inhabitants, was + rather prepared to welcome than to resist. Ratcliffe, who neither sought + to assist at their consultations on this subject, nor was invited to do + so, had, in the meanwhile, retired to his own apartment. Miss Ilderton was + sequestered from society in a sort of honourable confinement, “until,” + said Mr. Vere, “she should be safely conveyed home to her father’s house,” + an opportunity for which occurred on the following day. + </p> + <p> + The domestics could not help thinking it remarkable how soon the loss of + Miss Vere, and the strange manner in which it had happened, seemed to be + forgotten by the other guests at the castle. They knew not, that those the + most interested in her fate were well acquainted with the cause of her + being carried off, and the place of her retreat; and that the others, in + the anxious and doubtful moments which preceded the breaking forth of a + conspiracy, were little accessible to any feelings but what arose + immediately out of their own machinations. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Some one way, some another—Do you know + Where we may apprehend her? +</pre> + <p> + The researches after Miss Vere were (for the sake of appearances, perhaps) + resumed on the succeeding day, with similar bad success, and the party + were returning towards Ellieslaw in the evening. + </p> + <p> + “It is singular,” said Mareschal to Ratcliffe, “that four horsemen and a + female prisoner should have passed through the country without leaving the + slightest trace of their passage. One would think they had traversed the + air, or sunk through the ground.” + </p> + <p> + “Men may often,” answered Ratcliffe, “arrive at the knowledge of that + which is, from discovering that which is not. We have now scoured every + road, path, and track leading from the castle, in all the various points + of the compass, saving only that intricate and difficult pass which leads + southward down the Westburn, and through the morasses.” + </p> + <p> + “And why have we not examined that?” said Mareschal. + </p> + <p> + “O, Mr. Vere can best answer that question,” replied his companion, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Then I will ask it instantly,” said Mareschal; and, addressing Mr. Vere, + “I am informed, sir,” said he, “there is a path we have not examined, + leading by Westburnflat.” + </p> + <p> + “O,” said Sir Frederick, laughing, “we know the owner of Westburnflat well—a + wild lad, that knows little difference between his neighbour’s goods and + his own; but, withal, very honest to his principles: he would disturb + nothing belonging to Ellieslaw.” + </p> + <p> + “Besides,” said Mr. Vere, smiling mysteriously, “he had other tow on his + distaff last night. Have you not heard young Elliot of the Heugh-foot has + had his house burnt, and his cattle driven away, because he refused to + give up his arms to some honest men that think of starting for the king?” + </p> + <p> + The company smiled upon each other, as at hearing of an exploit which + favoured their own views. + </p> + <p> + “Yet, nevertheless,” resumed Mareschal, “I think we ought to ride in this + direction also, otherwise we shall certainly be blamed for our + negligence.” + </p> + <p> + No reasonable objection could be offered to this proposal, and the party + turned their horses’ heads towards Westburnflat. + </p> + <p> + They had not proceeded very far in that direction when the trampling of + horses was heard, and a small body of riders were perceived advancing to + meet them. + </p> + <p> + “There comes Earnscliff,” said Mareschal; “I know his bright bay with the + star in his front.” + </p> + <p> + “And there is my daughter along with him,” exclaimed Vere, furiously. “Who + shall call my suspicions false or injurious now? Gentlemen—friends—lend + me the assistance of your swords for the recovery of my child.” + </p> + <p> + He unsheathed his weapon, and was imitated by Sir Frederick and several of + the party, who prepared to charge those that were advancing towards them. + But the greater part hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “They come to us in all peace and security,” said Mareschal-Wells; “let us + first hear what account they give us of this mysterious affair. If Miss + Vere has sustained the slightest insult or injury from Earnscliff, I will + be first to revenge her; but let us hear what they say.” + </p> + <p> + “You do me wrong by your suspicions, Mareschal,” continued Vere; “you are + the last I would have expected to hear express them.” + </p> + <p> + “You injure yourself, Ellieslaw, by your violence, though the cause may + excuse it.” + </p> + <p> + He then advanced a little before the rest, and called out, with a loud + voice,—“Stand, Mr. Earnscliff; or do you and Miss Vere advance alone + to meet us. You are charged with having carried that lady off from her + father’s house; and we are here in arms to shed our best blood for her + recovery, and for bringing to justice those who have injured her.” + </p> + <p> + “And who would do that more willingly than I, Mr. Mareschal?” said + Earnscliff, haughtily,—“than I, who had the satisfaction this + morning to liberate her from the dungeon in which I found her confined, + and who am now escorting her back to the Castle of Ellieslaw?” + </p> + <p> + “Is this so, Miss Vere?” said Mareschal. + </p> + <p> + “It is,” answered Isabella, eagerly,—“it is so; for Heaven’s sake + sheathe your swords. I will swear by all that is sacred, that I was + carried off by ruffians, whose persons and object were alike unknown to + me, and am now restored to freedom by means of this gentleman’s gallant + interference.” + </p> + <p> + “By whom, and wherefore, could this have been done?” pursued Mareschal.—“Had + you no knowledge of the place to which you were conveyed?—Earnscliff, + where did you find this lady?” + </p> + <p> + But ere either question could be answered, Ellieslaw advanced, and, + returning his sword to the scabbard, cut short the conference. + </p> + <p> + “When I know,” he said, “exactly how much I owe to Mr. Earnscliff, he may + rely on suitable acknowledgments; meantime,” taking the bridle of Miss + Vere’s horse, “thus far I thank him for replacing my daughter in the power + of her natural guardian.” + </p> + <p> + A sullen bend of the head was returned by Earnscliff with equal + haughtiness; and Ellieslaw, turning back with his daughter upon the road + to his own house, appeared engaged with her in a conference so earnest, + that the rest of the company judged it improper to intrude by approaching + them too nearly. In the meantime, Earnscliff, as he took leave of the + other gentlemen belonging to Ellieslaw’s party, said aloud, “Although I am + unconscious of any circumstance in my conduct that can authorize such a + suspicion, I cannot but observe, that Mr. Vere seems to believe that I + have had some hand in the atrocious violence which has been offered to his + daughter. I request you, gentlemen, to take notice of my explicit denial + of a charge so dishonourable; and that, although I can pardon the + bewildering feelings of a father in such a moment, yet, if any other + gentleman,” (he looked hard at Sir Frederick Langley) “thinks my word and + that of Miss Vere, with the evidence of my friends who accompany me, too + slight for my exculpation, I will be happy—most happy—to repel + the charge, as becomes a man who counts his honour dearer than his life.” + </p> + <p> + “And I’ll be his second,” said Simon of Hackburn, “and take up ony twa o’ + ye, gentle or semple, laird or loon; it’s a’ ane to Simon.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is that rough-looking fellow?” said Sir Frederick Langley, “and what + has he to do with the quarrels of gentlemen?” + </p> + <p> + “I’se be a lad frae the Hie Te’iot,” said Simon, “and I’se quarrel wi’ ony + body I like, except the king, or the laird I live under.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said; Mareschal, “let us have no brawls.—Mr. Earnscliff; + although we do not think alike in some things, I trust we may be + opponents, even enemies, if fortune will have it so, without losing our + respect for birth, fair-play, and each other. I believe you as innocent of + this matter as I am myself; and I will pledge myself that my cousin + Ellieslaw, as soon as the perplexity attending these sudden events has + left his judgment to its free exercise, shall handsomely acknowledge the + very important service you have this day rendered him.” + </p> + <p> + “To have served your cousin is a sufficient reward in itself—Good + evening, gentlemen,” continued Earnscliff; “I see most of your party are + already on their way to Ellieslaw.” + </p> + <p> + Then saluting Mareschal with courtesy, and the rest of the party with + indifference, Earnscliff turned his horse and rode towards the Heugh-foot, + to concert measures with Hobbie Elliot for farther researches after his + bride, of whose restoration to her friends he was still ignorant. + </p> + <p> + “There he goes,” said Mareschal; “he is a fine, gallant young fellow, upon + my soul; and yet I should like well to have a thrust with him on the green + turf. I was reckoned at college nearly his equal with the foils, and I + should like to try him at sharps.” + </p> + <p> + “In my opinion,” answered Sir Frederick Langley, “we have done very ill in + having suffered him, and those men who are with him, to go off without + taking away their arms; for the Whigs are very likely to draw to a head + under such a sprightly young fellow as that.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame, Sir Frederick!” exclaimed Mareschal; “do you think that + Ellieslaw could, in honour, consent to any violence being offered to + Earnscliff; when he entered his bounds only to bring back his daughter? + or, if he were to be of your opinion, do you think that I, and the rest of + these gentlemen, would disgrace ourselves by assisting in such a + transaction? No, no, fair play and auld Scotland for ever! When the sword + is drawn, I will be as ready to use it as any man; but while it is in the + sheath, let us behave like gentlemen and neighbours.” + </p> + <p> + Soon after this colloquy they reached the castle, when Ellieslaw, who had + been arrived a few minutes before, met them in the court-yard. + </p> + <p> + “How is Miss Vere? and have you learned the cause of her being carried + off?” asked Mareschal hastily. + </p> + <p> + “She is retired to her apartment greatly fatigued; and I cannot expect + much light upon her adventure till her spirits are somewhat recruited,” + replied her father. “She and I were not the less obliged to you, + Mareschal, and to my other friends, for their kind enquiries. But I must + suppress the father’s feelings for a while to give myself up to those of + the patriot. You know this is the day fixed for our final decision—time + presses—our friends are arriving, and I have opened house, not only + for the gentry, but for the under spur-leathers whom we must necessarily + employ. We have, therefore, little time to prepare to meet them.—Look + over these lists, Marchie (an abbreviation by which Mareschal-Wells was + known among his friends). Do you, Sir Frederick, read these letters from + Lothian and the west—all is ripe for the sickle, and we have but to + summon out the reapers.” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart,” said Mareschal; “the more mischief the better sport.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Frederick looked grave and disconcerted. + </p> + <p> + “Walk aside with me, my good friend,” said Ellieslaw to the sombre + baronet; “I have something for your private ear, with which I know you + will be gratified.” + </p> + <p> + They walked into the house, leaving Ratcliffe and Mareschal standing + together in the court. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said Ratcliffe, “the gentlemen of your political persuasion + think the downfall of this government so certain, that they disdain even + to throw a decent disguise over the machinations of their party?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, Mr. Ratcliffe,” answered Mareschal, “the actions and sentiments + YOUR friends may require to be veiled, but I am better pleased that ours + can go barefaced.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it possible,” continued Ratcliffe, “that you, who, notwithstanding + pour thoughtlessness and heat of temper (I beg pardon, Mr. Mareschal, I am + a plain man)—that you, who, notwithstanding these constitutional + defects, possess natural good sense and acquired information, should be + infatuated enough to embroil yourself in such desperate proceedings? How + does your head feel when you are engaged in these dangerous conferences?” + </p> + <p> + “Not quite so secure on my shoulders,” answered Mareschal, “as if I were + talking of hunting and hawking. I am not of so indifferent a mould as my + cousin Ellieslaw, who speaks treason as if it were a child’s nursery + rhymes, and loses and recovers that sweet girl, his daughter, with a good + deal less emotion on both occasions, than would have affected me had I + lost and recovered a greyhound puppy. My temper is not quite so + inflexible, nor my hate against government so inveterate, as to blind me + to the full danger of the attempt.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why involve yourself in it?” said Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I love this poor exiled king with all my heart; and my father was an + old Killiecrankie man, and I long to see some amends on the Unionist + courtiers, that have bought and sold old Scotland, whose crown has been so + long independent.” + </p> + <p> + “And for the sake of these shadows,” said his monitor, “you are going to + involve your country in war and yourself in trouble?” + </p> + <p> + “I involve? No!—but, trouble for trouble, I had rather it came + to-morrow than a month hence. COME, I know it will; and, as your country + folks say, better soon than syne—it will never find me younger—and + as for hanging, as Sir John Falstaff says, I can become a gallows as well + as another. You know the end of the old ballad; + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sae dauntonly, sae wantonly, + Sae rantingly gaed he, + He play’d a spring, and danced a round, + Beneath the gallows tree.” + </pre> + <p> + “Mr. Mareschal, I am sorry for you,” said his grave adviser. + </p> + <p> + “I am obliged to you, Mr. Ratcliffe; but I would not have you judge of our + enterprise by my way of vindicating it; there are wiser heads than mine at + the work.” + </p> + <p> + “Wiser heads than yours may lie as low,” said Ratcliffe, in a warning + tone. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so; but no lighter heart shall; and, to prevent it being made + heavier by your remonstrances, I will bid you adieu, Mr. Ratcliffe, till + dinner-time, when you shall see that my apprehensions have not spoiled my + appetite.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To face the garment of rebellion + With some fine colour, that may please the eye + Of fickle changelings, and poor discontents, + Which gape and rub the elbow at the news + Of hurlyburly innovation.—HENRY THE FOURTH, PART II. +</pre> + <p> + There had been great preparations made at Ellieslaw Castle for the + entertainment on this important day, when not only the gentlemen of note + in the neighbourhood, attached to the Jacobite interest, were expected to + rendezvous, but also many subordinate malecontents, whom difficulty of + circumstances, love of change, resentment against England, or any of the + numerous causes which inflamed men’s passions at the time, rendered apt to + join in perilous enterprise. The men of rank and substance were not many + in number; for almost all the large proprietors stood aloof, and most of + the smaller gentry and yeomanry were of the Presbyterian persuasion, and + therefore, however displeased with the Union, unwilling to engage in a + Jacobite conspiracy. But there were some gentlemen of property, who, + either from early principle, from religious motives, or sharing the + ambitious views of Ellieslaw, had given countenance to his scheme; and + there were, also, some fiery young men, like Mareschal, desirous of + signalizing themselves by engaging in a dangerous enterprise, by which + they hoped to vindicate the independence of their country. The other + members of the party were persons of inferior rank and desperate fortunes, + who were now ready to rise in that part of the country, as they did + afterwards in the year 1715, under Forster and Derwentwater, when a troop, + commanded by a Border gentleman, named Douglas, consisted almost entirely + of freebooters, among whom the notorious Luck-in-a-bag, as he was called, + held a distinguished command. We think it necessary to mention these + particulars, applicable solely to the province in which our scene lies; + because, unquestionably, the Jacobite party, in the other parts of the + kingdom, consisted of much more formidable, as well as much more + respectable, materials. + </p> + <p> + One long table extended itself down the ample hall of Ellieslaw Castle, + which was still left much in the state in which it had been one hundred + years before, stretching, that is, in gloomy length, along the whole side + of the castle, vaulted with ribbed arches of freestone, the groins of + which sprung from projecting figures, that, carved into all the wild forms + which the fantastic imagination of a Gothic architect could devise, + grinned, frowned, and gnashed their tusks at the assembly below. Long + narrow windows lighted the banqueting room on both sides, filled up with + stained glass, through which the sun emitted a dusky and discoloured + light. A banner, which tradition averred to have been taken from the + English at the battle of Sark, waved over the chair in which Ellieslaw + presided, as if to inflame the courage of the guests, by reminding them of + ancient victories over their neighbours. He himself, a portly figure, + dressed on this occasion with uncommon care, and with features, which, + though of a stern and sinister expression, might well be termed handsome, + looked the old feudal baron extremely well. Sir Frederick Langley was + placed on his right hand, and Mr. Mareschal of Mareschal-Wells on his + left. Some gentlemen of consideration, with their sons, brothers, and + nephews, were seated at the upper end of the table, and among these Mr. + Ratcliffe had his place. Beneath the salt-cellar (a massive piece of plate + which occupied the midst of the table) sate the SINE NOMINE TURBA, men + whose vanity was gratified by holding even this subordinate space at the + social board, while the distinction observed in ranking them was a salve + to the pride of their superiors. That the lower house was not very select + must be admitted, since Willie of Westburnflat was one of the party. The + unabashed audacity of this fellow, in daring to present himself in the + house of a gentleman, to whom he had just offered so flagrant an insult, + can only be accounted for by supposing him conscious that his share in + carrying off Miss Vere was a secret, safe in her possession and that of + her father. + </p> + <p> + Before this numerous and miscellaneous party was placed a dinner, + consisting, not indeed of the delicacies of the season, as the newspapers + express it, but of viands, ample, solid, and sumptuous, under which the + very board groaned. But the mirth was not in proportion to the good cheer. + The lower end of the table were, for some time, chilled by constraint and + respect on finding themselves members of so august an assembly; and those + who were placed around it had those feelings of awe with which P. P., + clerk of the parish, describes himself oppressed, when he first uplifted + the psalm in presence of those persons of high worship, the wise Mr. + Justice Freeman, the good Lady Jones, and the great Sir Thomas Truby. This + ceremonious frost, however, soon gave way before the incentives to + merriment, which were liberally supplied, and as liberally consumed by the + guests of the lower description. They became talkative, loud, and even + clamorous in their mirth. + </p> + <p> + But it was not in the power of wine or brandy to elevate the spirits of + those who held the higher places at the banquet. They experienced the + chilling revulsion of spirits which often takes place, when men are called + upon to take a desperate resolution, after having placed themselves in + circumstances where it is alike difficult to advance or to recede. The + precipice looked deeper and more dangerous as they approached the brink, + and each waited with an inward emotion of awe, expecting which of his + confederates would set the example by plunging himself down. This inward + sensation of fear and reluctance acted differently, according to the + various habits and characters of the company. One looked grave; another + looked silly; a third gazed with apprehension on the empty seats at the + higher end of the table, designed for members of the conspiracy whose + prudence had prevailed over their political zeal, and who had absented + themselves from their consultations at this critical period; and some + seemed to be reckoning up in their minds the comparative rank and + prospects of those who were present and absent. Sir Frederick Langley was + reserved, moody, and discontented. Ellieslaw himself made such forced + efforts to raise the spirits of the company, as plainly marked the + flagging of his own. Ratcliffe watched the scene with the composure of a + vigilant but uninterested spectator. Mareschal alone, true to the + thoughtless vivacity of his character, ate and drank, laughed and jested, + and seemed even to find amusement in the embarrassment of the company. + </p> + <p> + “What has damped our noble courage this morning?” he exclaimed. “We seem + to be met at a funeral, where the chief mourners must not speak above + their breath, while the mutes and the saulies (looking to the lower end of + the table) are carousing below. Ellieslaw, when will you LIFT? [To LIFT, + meaning to lift the coffin, is the common expression for commencing a + funeral.] where sleeps your spirit, man? and what has quelled the high + hope of the Knight of Langley-dale?” + </p> + <p> + “You speak like a madman,” said Ellieslaw; “do you not see how many are + absent?” + </p> + <p> + “And what of that?” said Mareschal. “Did you not know before, that + one-half of the world are better talkers than doers? For my part, I am + much encouraged by seeing at least two-thirds of our friends true to the + rendezvous, though I suspect one-half of these came to secure the dinner + in case of the worst.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no news from the coast which can amount to certainty of the + King’s arrival,” said another of the company, in that tone of subdued and + tremulous whisper which implies a failure of resolution. + </p> + <p> + “Not a line from the Earl of D—, nor a single gentleman from the + southern side of the Border,” said a third. + </p> + <p> + “Who is he that wishes for more men from England,” exclaimed Mareschal, in + a theatrical tone of affected heroism, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My cousin Ellieslaw? No, my fair cousin, + If we are doom’d to die—” + </pre> + <p> + “For God’s sake,” said Ellieslaw, “spare us your folly at present, + Mareschal.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said his kinsman, “I’ll bestow my wisdom upon you instead, + such as it is. If we have gone forward like fools, do not let us go back + like cowards. We have done enough to draw upon us both the suspicion and + vengeance of the government; do not let us give up before we have done + something to deserve it.—What, will no one speak? Then I’ll leap the + ditch the first.” And, starting up, he filled a beer-glass to the brim + with claret, and waving his hand, commanded all to follow his example, and + to rise up from their seats. All obeyed-the more qualified guests as if + passively, the others with enthusiasm “Then, my friends, I give you the + pledge of the day—The independence of Scotland, and the health of + our lawful sovereign, King James the Eighth, now landed in Lothian, and, + as I trust and believe, in full possession of his ancient capital!” + </p> + <p> + He quaffed off the wine, and threw the glass over his head. + </p> + <p> + “It should never,” he said, “be profaned by a meaner toast.” + </p> + <p> + All followed his example, and, amid the crash of glasses and the shouts of + the company, pledged themselves to stand or fall with the principles and + political interest which their toast expressed. + </p> + <p> + “You have leaped the ditch with a witness,” said Ellieslaw, apart to + Mareschal; “but I believe it is all for the best; at all events, we cannot + now retreat from our undertaking. One man alone” (looking at Ratcliffe) + “has refused the pledge; but of that by and by.” + </p> + <p> + Then, rising up, he addressed the company in a style of inflammatory + invective against the government and its measures, but especially the + Union; a treaty, by means of which, he affirmed, Scotland had been at once + cheated of her independence, her commerce, and her honour, and laid as a + fettered slave at the foot of the rival against whom, through such a + length of ages, through so many dangers, and by so much blood, she had + honourably defended her rights. This was touching a theme which found a + responsive chord in the bosom of every man present. + </p> + <p> + “Our commerce is destroyed,” hollowed old John Rewcastle, a Jedburgh + smuggler, from the lower end of the table. + </p> + <p> + “Our agriculture is ruined,” said the Laird of Broken-girth-flow, a + territory which, since the days of Adam, had borne nothing but ling and + whortle-berries. + </p> + <p> + “Our religion is cut up, root and branch,” said the pimple-nosed pastor of + the Episcopal meeting-house at Kirkwhistle. + </p> + <p> + “We shall shortly neither dare shoot a deer nor kiss a wench, without a + certificate from the presbytery and kirk-treasurer,” said Mareschal-Wells. + </p> + <p> + “Or make a brandy jeroboam in a frosty morning, without license from a + commissioner of excise,” said the smuggler. + </p> + <p> + “Or ride over the fell in a moonless night,” said Westburnflat, “without + asking leave of young Earnscliff; or some Englified justice of the peace: + thae were gude days on the Border when there was neither peace nor justice + heard of.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us remember our wrongs at Darien and Glencoe,” continued Ellieslaw, + “and take arms for the protection of our rights, our fortunes, our lives, + and our families.” + </p> + <p> + “Think upon genuine episcopal ordination, without which there can be no + lawful clergy,” said the divine. + </p> + <p> + “Think of the piracies committed on our East-Indian trade by Green and the + English thieves,” said William Willieson, half-owner and sole skipper of a + brig that made four voyages annually between Cockpool and Whitehaven. + </p> + <p> + “Remember your liberties,” rejoined Mareschal, who seemed to take a + mischievous delight in precipitating the movements of the enthusiasm which + he had excited, like a roguish boy, who, having lifted the sluice of a + mill-dam, enjoys the clatter of the wheels which he has put in motion, + without thinking of the mischief he may have occasioned. “Remember your + liberties,” he exclaimed; “confound cess, press, and presbytery, and the + memory of old Willie that first brought them upon us!” + </p> + <p> + “Damn the gauger!” echoed old John Rewcastle; “I’ll cleave him wi’ my ain + hand.” + </p> + <p> + “And confound the country-keeper and the constable!” re-echoed + Westburnflat; “I’ll weize a brace of balls through them before morning.” + </p> + <p> + “We are agreed, then,” said Ellieslaw, when the shouts had somewhat + subsided, “to bear this state of things no longer?” + </p> + <p> + “We are agreed to a man,” answered his guests. + </p> + <p> + “Not literally so,” said Mr. Ratcliffe; “for though I cannot hope to + assuage the violent symptoms which seem so suddenly to have seized upon + the company, yet I beg to observe, that so far as the opinion of a single + member goes, I do not entirely coincide in the list of grievances which + has been announced, and that I do utterly protest against the frantic + measures which you seem disposed to adopt for removing them. I can easily + suppose much of what has been spoken may have arisen out of the heat of + the moment, or have been said perhaps in jest. But there are some jests of + a nature very apt to transpire; and you ought to remember, gentlemen, that + stone-walls have ears.” + </p> + <p> + “Stone-walls may have ears,” returned Ellieslaw, eyeing him with a look of + triumphant malignity, “but domestic spies, Mr. Ratcliffe, will soon find + themselves without any, if any such dares to continue his abode in a + family where his coming was an unauthorized intrusion, where his conduct + has been that of a presumptuous meddler, and from which his exit shall be + that of a baffled knave, if he does not know how to take a hint.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Vere,” returned Ratcliffe, with calm contempt, “I am fully aware, + that as soon as my presence becomes useless to you, which it must through + the rash step you are about to adopt, it will immediately become unsafe to + myself, as it has always been hateful to you. But I have one protection, + and it is a strong one; for you would not willingly hear me detail before + gentlemen, and men of honour, the singular circumstances in which our + connexion took its rise. As to the rest, I rejoice at its conclusion; and + as I think that Mr. Mareschal and some other gentlemen will guarantee the + safety of my ears and of my throat (for which last I have more reason to + be apprehensive) during the course of the night, I shall not leave your + castle till to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, sir,” replied Mr. Vere; “you are entirely safe from my + resentment, because you are beneath it, and not because I am afraid of + your disclosing my family secrets, although, for your own sake, I warn you + to beware how you do so. Your agency and intermediation can be of little + consequence to one who will win or lose all, as lawful right or unjust + usurpation shall succeed in the struggle that is about to ensue. Farewell, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe arose, and cast upon him a look, which Vere seemed to sustain + with difficulty, and, bowing to those around him, left the room. + </p> + <p> + This conversation made an impression on many of the company, which + Ellieslaw hastened to dispel, by entering upon the business of the day. + Their hasty deliberations went to organize an immediate insurrection. + Ellieslaw, Mareschal, and Sir Frederick Langley were chosen leaders, with + powers to direct their farther measures. A place of rendezvous was + appointed, at which all agreed to meet early on the ensuing day, with such + followers and friends to the cause as each could collect around him. + Several of the guests retired to make the necessary preparations; and + Ellieslaw made a formal apology to the others, who, with Westburnflat and + the old smuggler, continued to ply the bottle stanchly, for leaving the + head of the table, as he must necessarily hold a separate and sober + conference with the coadjutors whom they had associated with him in the + command. The apology was the more readily accepted, as he prayed them, at + the same time, to continue to amuse themselves with such refreshments as + the cellars of the castle afforded. Shouts of applause followed their + retreat; and the names of Vere, Langley, and, above all, of Mareschal, + were thundered forth in chorus, and bathed with copious bumpers + repeatedly, during the remainder of the evening. + </p> + <p> + When the principal conspirators had retired into a separate apartment, + they gazed on each other for a minute with a sort of embarrassment, which, + in Sir Frederick’s dark features, amounted to an expression of + discontented sullenness. Mareschal was the first to break the pause, + saying, with a loud burst of laughter, + </p> + <p> + —“Well! we are fairly embarked now, gentlemen—VOGUE LA + GALERE!” + </p> + <p> + “We may thank you for the plunge,” said Ellieslaw. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but I don’t know how far you will thank me,” answered Mareschal, + “when I show you this letter which I received just before we sat down. My + servant told me it was delivered by a man he had never seen before, who + went off at the gallop, after charging him to put it into my own hand.” + </p> + <p> + Ellieslaw impatiently opened the letter, and read aloud— + </p> + <p> + EDINBURGH,— + </p> + <p> + HOND. SIR, Having obligations to your family, which shall be nameless, and + learning that you are one of the company of, adventurers doing business + for the house of James and Company, late merchants in London, now in + Dunkirk, I think it right to send you this early and private information, + that the vessels you expected have been driven off the coast, without + having been able to break bulk, or to land any part of their cargo; and + that the west-country partners have resolved to withdraw their name from + the firm, as it must prove a losing concern. Having good hope you will + avail yourself of this early information, to do what is needful for your + own security, I rest your humble servant, NIHIL NAMELESS. + </p> + <p> + FOR RALPH MARESCHAL, OF MARESCHAL-WELLS —THESE WITH CARE AND SPEED. + </p> + <p> + Sir Frederick’s jaw dropped, and his countenance blackened, as the letter + was read, and Ellieslaw exclaimed,—“Why, this affects the very + mainspring of our enterprise. If the French fleet, with the king on board, + has been chased off by the English, as this d—d scrawl seems to + intimate, where are we?” + </p> + <p> + “Just where we were this morning, I think,” said Mareschal, still + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, and a truce to your ill-timed mirth, Mr. Mareschal; this + morning we were not committed publicly, as we now stand committed by your + own mad act, when you had a letter in your pocket apprizing you that our + undertaking was desperate.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, I expected you would say so. But, in the first place, my friend + Nihil Nameless and his letter may be all a flam; and, moreover, I would + have you know that I am tired of a party that does nothing but form bold + resolutions overnight, and sleep them away with their wine before morning. + The government are now unprovided of men and ammunition; in a few weeks + they will have enough of both: the country is now in a flame against them; + in a few weeks, betwixt the effects of self-interest, of fear, and of + lukewarm indifference, which are already so visible, this first fervour + will be as cold as Christmas. So, as I was determined to go the vole, I + have taken care you shall dip as deep as I; it signifies nothing plunging. + You are fairly in the bog, and must struggle through.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken with respect to one of us, Mr. Mareschal,” said Sir + Frederick Langley; and, applying himself to the bell, he desired the + person who entered to order his servants and horses instantly. + </p> + <p> + “You must not leave us, Sir Frederick,” said Ellieslaw; “if we have our + musters to go over.” + </p> + <p> + “I will go to-night, Mr. Vere,” said Sir Frederick, “and write you my + intentions in this matter when I am at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay,” said Mareschal, “and send them by a troop of horse from Carlisle to + make us prisoners? Look ye, Sir Frederick, I for one will neither be + deserted nor betrayed; and if you leave Ellieslaw Castle to-night, it + shall be by passing over my dead body.” + </p> + <p> + “For shame! Mareschal,” said Mr. Vere, “how can you so hastily + misinterpret our friend’s intentions? I am sure Sir Frederick can only be + jesting with us; for, were he not too honourable to dream of deserting the + cause, he cannot but remember the full proofs we have of his accession to + it, and his eager activity in advancing it. He cannot but be conscious, + besides, that the first information will be readily received by + government, and that if the question be, which can first lodge + intelligence of the affair, we can easily save a few hours on him.” + </p> + <p> + “You should say you, and not we, when you talk of priorities in such a + race of treachery; for my part, I won’t enter my horse for such a plate,” + said Mareschal; and added betwixit his teeth, “A pretty pair of fellows to + trust a man’s neck with!” + </p> + <p> + “I am not to be intimidated from doing what I think proper,” said Sir + Frederick Langley; “and my first step shall be to leave Ellieslaw. I have + no reason to keep faith with one” (looking at Vere) “who has kept none + with me.” + </p> + <p> + “In what respect,” said Ellieslaw, silencing, with a motion of his hand, + his impetuous kinsman—“how have I disappointed you, Sir Frederick?” + </p> + <p> + “In the nearest and most tender point—you have trifled with me concerning + our proposed alliance, which you well knew was the gage of our political + undertaking. This carrying off and this bringing back of Miss Vere,—the + cold reception I have met with from her, and the excuses with which you + cover it, I believe to be mere evasions, that you may yourself retain + possession of the estates which are hers by right, and make me, in the + meanwhile, a tool in your desperate enterprise, by holding out hopes and + expectations which you are resolved never to realize.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir Frederick, I protest, by all that is sacred—” + </p> + <p> + “I will listen to no protestations; I have been cheated with them too + long,” answered Sir Frederick. + </p> + <p> + “If you leave us,” said Ellieslaw, “you cannot but know both your ruin and + ours is certain; all depends on our adhering together.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me to take care of myself,” returned the knight; “but were what you + say true, I would rather perish than be fooled any farther.” + </p> + <p> + “Can nothing—no surety convince you of my sincerity?” said + Ellieslaw, anxiously; “this morning I should have repelled your unjust + suspicions as an insult; but situated as we now are—” + </p> + <p> + “You feel yourself compelled to be sincere?” retorted Sir Frederick. “If + you would have me think so, there is but one way to convince me of it—let + your daughter bestow her hand on me this evening.” + </p> + <p> + “So soon?—impossible,” answered Vere; “think of her late alarm—of + our present undertaking.” + </p> + <p> + “I will listen to nothing but to her consent, plighted at the altar. You + have a chapel in the castle—Doctor Hobbler is present among the + company-this proof of your good faith to-night, and we are again joined in + heart and hand. If you refuse me when it is so much for your advantage to + consent, how shall I trust you to-morrow, when I shall stand committed in + your undertaking, and unable to retract?” + </p> + <p> + “And I am to understand, that, if you can be made my son-in-law to-night, + our friendship is renewed?” said Ellieslaw. + </p> + <p> + “Most infallibly, and most inviolably,” replied Sir Frederick. + </p> + <p> + “Then,” said Vere, “though what you ask is premature, indelicate, and + unjust towards my character, yet, Sir Frederick, give me your hand—my + daughter shall be your wife.” + </p> + <p> + “This night?” + </p> + <p> + “This very night,” replied Ellieslaw, “before the clock strikes twelve.” + </p> + <p> + “With her own consent, I trust,” said Mareschal; “for I promise you both, + gentlemen, I will not stand tamely by, and see any violence put on the + will of my pretty kinswoman.” + </p> + <p> + “Another pest in this hot-headed fellow,” muttered Ellieslaw; and then + aloud, “With her own consent? For what do you take me, Mareschal, that you + should suppose your interference necessary to protect my daughter against + her father? Depend upon it, she has no repugnance to Sir Frederick + Langley.” + </p> + <p> + “Or rather to be called Lady Langley? faith, like enough—there are + many women might be of her mind; and I beg your pardon, but these sudden + demands and concessions alarmed me a little on her account.” + </p> + <p> + “It is only the suddenness of the proposal that embarrasses me,” said + Ellieslaw; “but perhaps if she is found intractable, Sir Frederick will + consider—” + </p> + <p> + “I will consider nothing, Mr. Vere—your daughter’s hand to-night, or + I depart, were it at midnight—there is my ultimatum.” + </p> + <p> + “I embrace it,” said Ellieslaw; “and I will leave you to talk upon our + military preparations, while I go to prepare my daughter for so sudden a + change of condition.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he left the company. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + He brings Earl Osmond to receive my vows. + O dreadful change! for Tancred, haughty Osmond. + —TANCRED AND SIGISMUNDA. +</pre> + <p> + Mr. Vere, whom long practice of dissimulation had enabled to model his + very gait and footsteps to aid the purposes of deception, walked along the + stone passage, and up the first flight of steps towards Miss Vere’s + apartment, with the alert, firm, and steady pace of one who is bound, + indeed, upon important business, but who entertains no doubt he can + terminate his affairs satisfactorily. But when out of hearing of the + gentlemen whom he had left, his step became so slow and irresolute, as to + correspond with his doubts and his fears. At length he paused in an + antechamber to collect his ideas, and form his plan of argument, before + approaching his daughter. + </p> + <p> + “In what more hopeless and inextricable dilemma was ever an unfortunate + man involved!” Such was the tenor of his reflections.—“If we now + fall to pieces by disunion, there can be little doubt that the government + will take my life as the prime agitator of the insurrection. Or, grant I + could stoop to save myself by a hasty submission, am I not, even in that + case, utterly ruined? I have broken irreconcilably with Ratcliffe, and can + have nothing to expect from that quarter but insult and persecution. I + must wander forth an impoverished and dishonoured man, without even the + means of sustaining life, far less wealth sufficient to counterbalance the + infamy which my countrymen, both those whom I desert and those whom I + join, will attach to the name of the political renegade. It is not to be + thought of. And yet, what choice remains between this lot and the + ignominious scaffold? Nothing can save me but reconciliation with these + men; and, to accomplish this, I have promised to Langley that Isabella + shall marry him ere midnight, and to Mareschal, that she shall do so + without compulsion. I have but one remedy betwixt me and ruin—her + consent to take a suitor whom she dislikes, upon such short notice as + would disgust her, even were he a favoured lover—But I must trust to + the romantic generosity of her disposition; and let me paint the necessity + of her obedience ever so strongly, I cannot overcharge its reality.” + </p> + <p> + Having finished this sad chain of reflections upon his perilous condition, + he entered his daughter’s apartment with every nerve bent up to the + support of the argument which he was about to sustain. Though a deceitful + and ambitious man, he was not so devoid of natural affection but that he + was shocked at the part he was about to act, in practising on the feelings + of a dutiful and affectionate child; but the recollections, that, if he + succeeded, his daughter would only be trepanned into an advantageous + match, and that, if he failed, he himself was a lost man, were quite + sufficient to drown all scruples. + </p> + <p> + He found Miss Vere seated by the window of her dressing-room, her head + reclining on her hand, and either sunk in slumber, or so deeply engaged in + meditation, that she did not hear the noise he made at his entrance. He + approached with his features composed to a deep expression of sorrow and + sympathy, and, sitting down beside her, solicited her attention by quietly + taking her hand, a motion which he did not fail to accompany with a deep + sigh. + </p> + <p> + “My father!” said Isabella, with a sort of start, which expressed at least + as much fear, as joy or affection. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Isabella,” said Vere, “your unhappy father, who comes now as a + penitent to crave forgiveness of his daughter for an injury done to her in + the excess of his affection, and then to take leave of her for ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir? Offence to me take leave for ever? What does all this mean?” said + Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Isabella, I am serious. But first let me ask you, have you no + suspicion that I may have been privy to the strange chance which befell + you yesterday morning?” + </p> + <p> + “You, sir?” answered Isabella, stammering between a consciousness that he + had guessed her thoughts justly, and the shame as well as fear which + forbade her to acknowledge a suspicion so degrading and so unnatural. + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” he continued, “your hesitation confesses that you entertained such + an opinion, and I have now the painful task of acknowledging that your + suspicions have done me no injustice. But listen to my motives. In an evil + hour I countenanced the addresses of Sir Frederick Langley, conceiving it + impossible that you could have any permanent objections to a match where + the advantages were, in most respects, on your side. In a worse, I entered + with him into measures calculated to restore our banished monarch, and the + independence of my country. He has taken advantage of my unguarded + confidence, and now has my life at his disposal.” + </p> + <p> + “Your life, sir?” said Isabella, faintly. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Isabella,” continued her father, “the life of him who gave life to + you. So soon as I foresaw the excesses into which his headlong passion + (for, to do him justice, I believe his unreasonable conduct arises from + excess of attachment to you) was likely to hurry him, I endeavoured, by + finding a plausible pretext for your absence for some weeks, to extricate + myself from the dilemma in which I am placed. For this purpose I wished, + in case your objections to the match continued insurmountable, to have + sent you privately for a few months to the convent of your maternal aunt + at Paris. By a series of mistakes you have been brought from the place of + secrecy and security which I had destined for your temporary abode. Fate + has baffled my last chance of escape, and I have only to give you my + blessing, and send you from the castle with Mr. Ratcliffe, who now leaves + it; my own fate will soon be decided.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heaven, sir! can this be possible?” exclaimed Isabella. “O, why was + I freed from the restraint in which you placed me? or why did you not + impart your pleasure to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Think an instant, Isabella. Would you have had me prejudice in your + opinion the friend I was most desirous of serving, by communicating to you + the injurious eagerness with which he pursued his object? Could I do so + honourably, having promised to assist his suit?—But it is all over, + I and Mareschal have made up our minds to die like men; it only remains to + send you from hence under a safe escort.” + </p> + <p> + “Great powers! and is there no remedy?” said the terrified young woman. + </p> + <p> + “None, my child,” answered Vere, gently, “unless one which you would not + advise your father to adopt—to be the first to betray his friends.” + </p> + <p> + “O, no! no!” she answered, abhorrently yet hastily, as if to reject the + temptation which the alternative presented to her. “But is there no other + hope—through flight—through mediation—through + supplication?—I will bend my knee to Sir Frederick!” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a fruitless degradation; he is determined on his course, and + I am equally resolved to stand the hazard of my fate. On one condition + only he will turn aside from his purpose, and that condition my lips shall + never utter to you.” + </p> + <p> + “Name it, I conjure you, my dear father!” exclaimed Isabella. “What CAN he + ask that we ought not to grant, to prevent the hideous catastrophe with + which you are threatened?” + </p> + <p> + “That, Isabella,” said Vere, solemnly, “you shall never know, until your + father’s head has rolled on the bloody scaffold; then, indeed, you will + learn there was one sacrifice by which he might have been saved.” + </p> + <p> + “And why not speak it now?” said Isabella; “do you fear I would flinch + from the sacrifice of fortune for your preservation? or would you bequeath + me the bitter legacy of life-long remorse, so oft as I shall think that + you perished, while there remained one mode of preventing the dreadful + misfortune that overhangs you?” + </p> + <p> + “Then, my child,” said Vere, “since you press me to name what I would a + thousand times rather leave in silence, I must inform you that he will + accept for ransom nothing but your hand in marriage, and that conferred + before midnight this very evening!” + </p> + <p> + “This evening, sir?” said the young lady, struck with horror at the + proposal—“and to such a man!—A man?—a monster, who could + wish to win the daughter by threatening the life of the father—it is + impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “You say right, my child,” answered her father, “it is indeed impossible; + nor have I either the right or the wish to exact such a sacrifice—It + is the course of nature that the old should die and be forgot, and the + young should live and be happy.” + </p> + <p> + “My father die, and his child can save him!—but no—no—my + dear father, pardon me, it is impossible; you only wish to guide me to + your wishes. I know your object is what you think my happiness, and this + dreadful tale is only told to influence my conduct and subdue my + scruples.” + </p> + <p> + “My daughter,” replied Ellieslaw, in a tone where offended authority + seemed to struggle with parental affection, “my child suspects me of + inventing a false tale to work upon her feelings! Even this I must bear, + and even from this unworthy suspicion I must descend to vindicate myself. + You know the stainless honour of your cousin Mareschal—mark what I + shall write to him, and judge from his answer, if the danger in which we + stand is not real, and whether I have not used every means to avert it.” + </p> + <p> + He sate down, wrote a few lines hastily, and handed them to Isabella, who, + after repeated and painful efforts, cleared her eyes and head sufficiently + to discern their purport. + </p> + <p> + “Dear cousin,” said the billet, “I find my daughter, as I expected, in + despair at the untimely and premature urgency of Sir Frederick Langley. + She cannot even comprehend the peril in which we stand, or how much we are + in his power—Use your influence with him, for Heaven’s sake, to + modify proposals, to the acceptance of which I cannot, and will not, urge + my child against all her own feelings, as well as those of delicacy and + propriety, and oblige your loving cousin,—R. V.” + </p> + <p> + In the agitation of the moment, when her swimming eyes and dizzy brain + could hardly comprehend the sense of what she looked upon, it is not + surprising that Miss Vere should have omitted to remark that this letter + seemed to rest her scruples rather upon the form and time of the proposed + union, than on a rooted dislike to the suitor proposed to her. Mr. Vere + rang the bell, and gave the letter to a servant to be delivered to Mr. + Mareschal, and, rising from his chair, continued to traverse the apartment + in silence and in great agitation until the answer was returned. He + glanced it over, and wrung the hand of his daughter as he gave it to her. + The tenor was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “My dear kinsman, I have already urged the knight on the point you + mention, and I find him as fixed as Cheviot. I am truly sorry my fair + cousin should be pressed to give up any of her maidenly rights. Sir + Frederick consents, however, to leave the castle with me the instant the + ceremony is performed, and we will raise our followers and begin the fray. + Thus there is great hope the bridegroom may be knocked on the head before + he and the bride can meet again, so Bell has a fair chance to be Lady + Langley A TRES BON MARCHE. For the rest, I can only say, that if she can + make up her mind to the alliance at all—it is no time for mere + maiden ceremony—my pretty cousin must needs consent to marry in + haste, or we shall all repent at leisure, or rather have very little + leisure to repent; which is all at present from him who rests your + affectionate kinsman,—R. M.” + </p> + <p> + “P.S.—Tell Isabella that I would rather cut the knight’s throat + after all, and end the dilemma that way, than see her constrained to marry + him against her will.” + </p> + <p> + When Isabella had read this letter, it dropped from her hand, and she + would, at the same time, have fallen from her chair, had she not been + supported by her father. + </p> + <p> + “My God, my child will die!” exclaimed Vere, the feelings of nature + overcoming, even in HIS breast, the sentiments of selfish policy; “look + up, Isabella—look up, my child—come what will, you shall not + be the sacrifice—I will fall myself with the consciousness I leave + you happy—My child may weep on my grave, but she shall not—not + in this instance—reproach my memory.” He called a servant.—“Go, + bid Ratcliffe come hither directly.” + </p> + <p> + During this interval, Miss Vere became deadly pale, clenched her hands, + pressing the palms strongly together, closed her eyes, and drew her lips + with strong compression, as if the severe constraint which she put upon + her internal feelings extended even to her muscular organization. Then + raising her head, and drawing in her breath strongly ere she spoke, she + said, with firmness,—“Father, I consent to the marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall not—you shall not,—my child—my dear child—you + shall not embrace certain misery to free me from uncertain danger.” + </p> + <p> + So exclaimed Ellieslaw; and, strange and inconsistent beings that we are! + he expressed the real though momentary feelings of his heart. + </p> + <p> + “Father,” repeated Isabella, “I will consent to this marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “No, my child, no—not now at least—we will humble ourselves to + obtain delay from him; and yet, Isabella, could you overcome a dislike + which has no real foundation, think, in other respects, what a match!—wealth—rank—importance.” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” reiterated Isabella, “I have consented.” + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if she had lost the power of saying anything else, or even of + varying the phrase which, with such effort, she had compelled herself to + utter. + </p> + <p> + “Heaven bless thee, my child!—Heaven bless thee!—And it WILL + bless thee with riches, with pleasure, with power.” + </p> + <p> + Miss Vere faintly entreated to be left by herself for the rest of the + evening. + </p> + <p> + “But will you not receive Sir Frederick?” said her father, anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “I will meet him,” she replied, “I will meet him—when I must, and + where I must; but spare me now.” + </p> + <p> + “Be it so, my dearest; you shall know no restraint that I can save you + from. Do not think too hardly of Sir Frederick for this,—it is an + excess of passion.” + </p> + <p> + Isabella waved her hand impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “Forgive me, my child—I go—Heaven bless thee. At eleven—if + you call me not before—at eleven I come to seek you.” + </p> + <p> + When he left Isabella she dropped upon her knees—“Heaven aid me to + support the resolution I have taken—Heaven only can—O, poor + Earnscliff! who shall comfort him? and with what contempt will he + pronounce her name, who listened to him to-day and gave herself to another + at night! But let him despise me—better so than that he should know + the truth—let him despise me; if it will but lessen his grief, I + should feel comfort in the loss of his esteem.” + </p> + <p> + She wept bitterly; attempting in vain, from time to time, to commence the + prayer for which she had sunk on her knees, but unable to calm her spirits + sufficiently for the exercise of devotion. As she remained in this agony + of mind, the door of her apartment was slowly opened. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The darksome cave they enter, where they found + The woful man, low sitting on the ground, + Musing full sadly in his sullen mind.—FAERY QUEEN. +</pre> + <p> + The intruder on Miss Vere’s sorrows was Ratcliffe. Ellieslaw had, in the + agitation of his mind, forgotten to countermand the order he had given to + call him thither, so that he opened the door with the words, “You sent for + me, Mr. Vere.” Then looking around—“Miss Vere, alone! on the ground! + and in tears!” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me—leave me, Mr. Ratcliffe,” said the unhappy young lady. + </p> + <p> + “I must not leave you,” said Ratcliffe; “I have been repeatedly requesting + admittance to take my leave of you, and have been refused, until your + father himself sent for me. Blame me not, if I am bold and intrusive; I + have a duty to discharge which makes me so.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot listen to you—I cannot speak to you, Mr. Ratcliffe; take + my best wishes, and for God’s sake leave me.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell me only,” said Ratcliffe, “is it true that this monstrous match is + to go forward, and this very night? I heard the servants proclaim it as I + was on the great staircase—I heard the directions given to clear out + the chapel.” + </p> + <p> + “Spare me, Mr. Ratcliffe,” replied the luckless bride; “and from the state + in which you see me, judge of the cruelty of these questions.” + </p> + <p> + “Married? to Sir Frederick Langley? and this night? It must not cannot—shall + not be.” + </p> + <p> + “It MUST be, Mr. Ratcliff, or my father is ruined.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I understand,” answered Ratcliffe; “and you have sacrificed yourself + to save him who—But let the virtue of the child atone for the faults + of the father it is no time to rake them up.—What CAN be done? Time + presses—I know but one remedy—with four-and-twenty hours I + might find many—Miss Vere, you must implore the protection of the + only human being who has it in his power to control the course of events + which threatens to hurry you before it.” + </p> + <p> + “And what human being,” answered Miss Vere, “has such power?” + </p> + <p> + “Start not when I name him,” said Ratcliffe, coming near her, and speaking + in a low but distinct voice. “It is he who is called Elshender the Recluse + of Mucklestane-Moor.” + </p> + <p> + “You are mad, Mr. Ratcliffe, or you mean to insult my misery by an + ill-timed jest!” + </p> + <p> + “I am as much in my senses, young lady,” answered her adviser, “as you + are; and I am no idle jester, far less with misery, least of all with your + misery. I swear to you that this being (who is other far than what he + seems) actually possesses the means of redeeming you from this hateful + union.” + </p> + <p> + “And of insuring my father’s safety?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes! even that,” said Ratcliffe, “if you plead his cause with him—yet + how to obtain admittance to the Recluse!” + </p> + <p> + “Fear not that,” said Miss Vere, suddenly recollecting the incident of the + rose; “I remember he desired me to call upon him for aid in my extremity, + and gave me this flower as a token. Ere it faded away entirely, I would + need, he said, his assistance: is it possible his words can have been + aught but the ravings of insanity?” + </p> + <p> + “Doubt it not fear it not—but above all,” said Ratcliffe, “let us + lose no time—are you at liberty, and unwatched?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe so,” said Isabella: “but what would you have me to do?” + </p> + <p> + “Leave the castle instantly,” said Ratcliffe, “and throw yourself at the + feet of this extraordinary man, who in circumstances that seem to argue + the extremity of the most contemptible poverty, possesses yet an almost + absolute influence over your fate.—Guests and servants are deep in + their carouse—the leaders sitting in conclave on their treasonable + schemes—my horse stands ready in the stable—I will saddle one + for you, and meet you at the little garden-gate—O, let no doubt of + my prudence or fidelity prevent your taking the only step in your power to + escape the dreadful fate which must attend the wife of Sir Frederick + Langley!” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ratcliffe,” said Miss Vere, “you have always been esteemed a man of + honour and probity, and a drowning wretch will always catch at the + feeblest twig,—I will trust you—I will follow your advice—I + will meet you at the garden-gate.” + </p> + <p> + She bolted the outer-door of her apartment as soon as Mr. Ratcliffe left + her, and descended to the garden by a separate stair of communication + which opened to her dressing-room. On the way she felt inclined to retract + the consent she had so hastily given to a plan so hopeless and + extravagant. But as she passed in her descent a private door which entered + into the chapel from the back-stair, she heard the voice of the + female-servants as they were employed in the task of cleaning it. + </p> + <p> + “Married! and to sae bad a man—Ewhow, sirs! onything rather than + that.” + </p> + <p> + “They are right—they are right,” said Miss Vere, “anything rather + than that!” + </p> + <p> + She hurried to the garden. Mr. Ratcliffe was true to his appointment—the + horses stood saddled at the garden-gate, and in a few minutes they were + advancing rapidly towards the hut of the Solitary. + </p> + <p> + While the ground was favourable, the speed of their journey was such as to + prevent much communication; but when a steep ascent compelled them to + slacken their pace, a new cause of apprehension occurred to Miss Vere’s + mind. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ratcliffe,” she said, pulling up her horse’s bridle, “let us + prosecute no farther a journey, which nothing but the extreme agitation of + my mind can vindicate my having undertaken—I am well aware that this + man passes among the vulgar as being possessed of supernatural powers, and + carrying on an intercourse with beings of another world; but I would have + you aware I am neither to be imposed on by such follies, nor, were I to + believe in their existence, durst I, with my feelings of religion, apply + to this being in my distress.” + </p> + <p> + “I should have thought, Miss Vere,” replied Ratcliffe, “my character and + habits of thinking were so well known to you, that you might have held me + exculpated from crediting in such absurdity.” + </p> + <p> + “But in what other mode,” said Isabella, “can a being, so miserable + himself in appearance, possess the power of assisting me?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Vere.” said Ratcliffe, after a momentary pause, “I am bound by a + solemn oath of secrecy—You must, without farther explanation, be + satisfied with my pledged assurance, that he does possess the power, if + you can inspire him with the will; and that, I doubt not, you will be able + to do.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ratcliffe,” said Miss Vere, “you may yourself be mistaken; you ask an + unlimited degree of confidence from me.” + </p> + <p> + “Recollect, Miss Vere,” he replied, “that when, in your humanity, you + asked me to interfere with your father in favour of Haswell and his ruined + family—when you requested me to prevail on him to do a thing most + abhorrent to his nature—to forgive an injury and remit a penalty—I + stipulated that you should ask me no questions concerning the sources of + my influence—You found no reason to distrust me then, do not + distrust me now.” + </p> + <p> + “But the extraordinary mode of life of this man,” said Miss Vere; “his + seclusion—his figure—the deepness of mis-anthropy which he is + said to express in his language—Mr. Ratcliffe, what can I think of + him if he really possesses the powers you ascribe to him?” + </p> + <p> + “This man, young lady, was bred a Catholic, a sect which affords a + thousand instances of those who have retired from power and affluence to + voluntary privations more strict even than his.” + </p> + <p> + “But he avows no religious motive,” replied Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied Ratcliffe; “disgust with the world has operated his retreat + from it without assuming the veil of superstition. Thus far I may tell you—he + was born to great wealth, which his parents designed should become greater + by his union with a kinswoman, whom for that purpose they bred up in their + own house. You have seen his figure; judge what the young lady must have + thought of the lot to which she was destined—Yet, habituated to his + appearance, she showed no reluctance, and the friends of—of the + person whom I speak of, doubted not that the excess of his attachment, the + various acquisitions of his mind, his many and amiable qualities, had + overcome the natural horror which his destined bride must have entertained + at an exterior so dreadfully inauspicious.” + </p> + <p> + “And did they judge truly?” said Isabella. + </p> + <p> + “You shall hear. He, at least, was fully aware of his own deficiency; the + sense of it haunted him like a phantom. ‘I am,’ was his own expression to + me,—I mean to a man whom he trusted,—‘I am, in spite of what + you would say, a poor miserable outcast, fitter to have been smothered in + the cradle than to have been brought up to scare the world in which I + crawl.’ The person whom he addressed in vain endeavoured to impress him + with the indifference to external form which is the natural result of + philosophy, or entreat him to recall the superiority of mental talents to + the more attractive attributes that are merely personal. ‘I hear you,’ he + would reply; ‘but you speak the voice of cold-blooded stoicism, or, at + least, of friendly partiality. But look at every book which we have read, + those excepted of that abstract philosophy which feels no responsive voice + in our natural feelings. Is not personal form, such as at least can be + tolerated without horror and disgust, always represented as essential to + our ideas of a friend, far more a lover? Is not such a mis-shapen monster + as I am, excluded, by the very fiat of Nature, from her fairest + enjoyments? What but my wealth prevents all—perhaps even Letitia, or + you—from shunning me as something foreign to your nature, and more + odious, by bearing that distorted resemblance to humanity which we observe + in the animal tribes that are more hateful to man because they seem his + caricature?’” + </p> + <p> + “You repeat the sentiments of a madman,” said Miss Vere. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied her conductor, “unless a morbid and excessive sensibility on + such a subject can be termed insanity. Yet I will not deny that this + governing feeling and apprehension carried the person who entertained it, + to lengths which indicated a deranged imagination. He appeared to think + that it was necessary for him, by exuberant, and not always well-chosen + instances of liberality, and even profusion, to unite himself to the human + race, from which he conceived himself naturally dissevered. The benefits + which he bestowed, from a disposition naturally philanthropical in an + uncommon degree, were exaggerated by the influence of the goading + reflection, that more was necessary from him than from others,—lavishing + his treasures as if to bribe mankind to receive him into their class. It + is scarcely necessary to say, that the bounty which flowed from a source + so capricious was often abused, and his confidence frequently betrayed. + These disappointments, which occur to all, more or less, and most to such + as confer benefits without just discrimination, his diseased fancy set + down to the hatred and contempt excited by his personal deformity.—But + I fatigue you, Miss Vere?” + </p> + <p> + “No, by no means; I—I could not prevent my attention from wandering + an instant; pray proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “He became at length,” continued Ratcliffe, “the most ingenious + self-tormentor of whom I have ever heard; the scoff of the rabble, and the + sneer of the yet more brutal vulgar of his own rank, was to him agony and + breaking on the wheel. He regarded the laugh of the common people whom he + passed on the street, and the suppressed titter, or yet more offensive + terror, of the young girls to whom he was introduced in company, as proofs + of the true sense which the world entertained of him, as a prodigy unfit + to be received among them on the usual terms of society, and as + vindicating the wisdom of his purpose in withdrawing himself from among + them. On the faith and sincerity of two persons alone, he seemed to rely + implicitly—on that of his betrothed bride, and of a friend eminently + gifted in personal accomplishments, who seemed, and indeed probably was, + sincerely attached to him. He ought to have been so at least, for he was + literally loaded with benefits by him whom you are now about to see. The + parents of the subject of my story died within a short space of each + other. Their death postponed the marriage, for which the day had been + fixed. The lady did not seem greatly to mourn this delay,—perhaps + that was not to have been expected; but she intimated no change of + intention, when, after a decent interval, a second day was named for their + union. The friend of whom I spoke was then a constant resident at the + Hall. In an evil hour, at the earnest request and entreaty of this friend, + they joined a general party, where men of different political opinions + were mingled, and where they drank deep. A quarrel ensued; the friend of + the Recluse drew his sword with others, and was thrown down and disarmed + by a more powerful antagonist. They fell in the struggle at the feet of + the Recluse, who, maimed and truncated as his form appears, possesses, + nevertheless, great strength, as well as violent passions. He caught up a + sword, pierced the heart of his friend’s antagonist, was tried, and his + life, with difficulty, redeemed from justice at the expense of a year’s + close imprisonment, the punishment of manslaughter. The incident affected + him most deeply, the more that the deceased was a man of excellent + character, and had sustained gross insult and injury ere he drew his + sword. I think, from that moment, I observed—I beg pardon—The + fits of morbid sensibility which had tormented this unfortunate gentleman, + were rendered henceforth more acute by remorse, which he, of all men, was + least capable of having incurred, or of sustaining when it became his + unhappy lot. His paroxysms of agony could not be concealed from the lady + to whom he was betrothed; and it must be confessed they were of an + alarming and fearful nature. He comforted himself, that, at the expiry of + his imprisonment, he could form with his wife and friend a society, + encircled by which he might dispense with more extensive communication + with the world. He was deceived; before that term elapsed, his friend and + his betrothed bride were man and wife. The effects of a shock so dreadful + on an ardent temperament, a disposition already soured by bitter remorse, + and loosened by the indulgence of a gloomy imagination from the rest of + mankind, I cannot describe to you; it was as if the last cable at which + the vessel rode had suddenly parted, and left her abandoned to all the + wild fury of the tempest. He was placed under medical restraint. As a + temporary measure this might have been justifiable; but his hard-hearted + friend, who, in consequence of his marriage, was now his nearest ally, + prolonged his confinement, in order to enjoy the management of his immense + estates. There was one who owed his all to the sufferer, an humble friend, + but grateful and faithful. By unceasing exertion, and repeated invocation + of justice, he at length succeeded in obtaining his patron’s freedom, and + reinstatement in the management of his own property, to which was soon + added that of his intended bride, who having died without male issue, her + estates reverted to him, as heir of entail. But freedom and wealth were + unable to restore the equipoise of his mind; to the former his grief made + him indifferent—the latter only served him as far as it afforded him + the means of indulging his strange and wayward fancy. He had renounced the + Catholic religion, but perhaps some of its doctrines continued to + influence a mind, over which remorse and misanthropy now assumed, in + appearance, an unbounded authority. His life has since been that + alternately of a pilgrim and a hermit, suffering the most severe + privations, not indeed in ascetic devotion, but in abhorrence of mankind. + Yet no man’s words and actions have been at such a wide difference, nor + has any hypocritical wretch ever been more ingenious in assigning good + motives for his vile actions, than this unfortunate in reconciling to his + abstract principles of misanthropy, a conduct which flows from his natural + generosity and kindness of feeling.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, Mr. Ratcliffe—still you describe the inconsistencies of a + madman.” + </p> + <p> + “By no means,” replied Ratcliffe. “That the imagination of this gentleman + is disordered, I will not pretend to dispute; I have already told you that + it has sometimes broken out into paroxysms approaching to real mental + alienation. But it is of his common state of mind that I speak; it is + irregular, but not deranged; the shades are as gradual as those that + divide the light of noonday from midnight. The courtier who ruins his + fortune for the attainment of a title which can do him no good, or power + of which he can make no suitable or creditable use, the miser who hoards + his useless wealth, and the prodigal who squanders it, are all marked with + a certain shade of insanity. To criminals who are guilty of enormities, + when the temptation, to a sober mind, bears no proportion to the horror of + the act, or the probability of detection and punishment, the same + observation applies; and every violent passion, as well as anger, may be + termed a short madness.” + </p> + <p> + “This may be all good philosophy, Mr. Ratcliffe,” answered Miss Vere; + “but, excuse me, it by no means emboldens me to visit, at this late hour, + a person whose extravagance of imagination you yourself can only + palliate.” + </p> + <p> + “Rather, then,” said Ratcliffe, “receive my solemn assurances, that you do + not incur the slightest danger. But what I have been hitherto afraid to + mention for fear of alarming you is, that now when we are within sight of + his retreat, for I can discover it through the twilight, I must go no + farther with you; you must proceed alone.” + </p> + <p> + “Alone?—I dare not.” + </p> + <p> + “You must,” continued Ratcliffe; “I will remain here and wait for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You will not, then, stir from this place,” said Miss Vere “yet the + distance is so great, you could not hear me were I to cry for assistance.” + </p> + <p> + “Fear nothing,” said her guide; “or observe, at least, the utmost caution + in stifling every expression of timidity. Remember that his predominant + and most harassing apprehension arises from a consciousness of the + hideousness of his appearance. Your path lies straight beside yon + half-fallen willow; keep the left side of it; the marsh lies on the right. + Farewell for a time. Remember the evil you are threatened with, and let it + overcome at once your fears and scruples.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ratcliffe,” said Isabella, “farewell; if you have deceived one so + unfortunate as myself, you have for ever forfeited the fair character for + probity and honour to which I have trusted.” + </p> + <p> + “On my life—on my soul,” continued Ratcliffe, raising his voice as + the distance between them increased, “you are safe—perfectly safe.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —‘Twas time and griefs + That framed him thus: Time, with his fairer hand, + Offering the fortunes of his former days, + The former man may make him.—Bring us to him, + And chance it as it may.—OLD PLAY. +</pre> + <p> + The sounds of Ratcliffe’s voice had died on Isabella’s ear; but as she + frequently looked back, it was some encouragement to her to discern his + form now darkening in the gloom. Ere, however, she went much farther, she + lost the object in the increasing shade. The last glimmer of the twilight + placed her before the hut of the Solitary. She twice extended her hand to + the door, and twice she withdrew it; and when she did at length make the + effort, the knock did not equal in violence the throb of her own bosom. + Her next effort was louder; her third was reiterated, for the fear of not + obtaining the protection from which Ratcliffe promised so much, began to + overpower the terrors of his presence from whom she was to request it. At + length, as she still received no answer, she repeatedly called upon the + Dwarf by his assumed name, and requested him to answer and open to her. + </p> + <p> + “What miserable being is reduced,” said the appalling voice of the + Solitary, “to seek refuge here? Go hence; when the heath-fowl need + shelter, they seek it not in the nest of the night-raven.” + </p> + <p> + “I come to you, father,” said Isabella, “in my hour of adversity, even as + you yourself commanded, when you promised your heart and your door should + be open to my distress; but I fear—” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the Solitary, “then thou art Isabella Vere? Give me a token + that thou art she.” + </p> + <p> + “I have brought you back the rose which you gave me; it has not had time + to fade ere the hard fate you foretold has come upon me!” + </p> + <p> + “And if thou hast thus redeemed thy pledge,” said the Dwarf, “I will not + forfeit mine. The heart and the door that are shut against every other + earthly being, shall be open to thee and to thy sorrows.” + </p> + <p> + She heard him move in his hut, and presently afterwards strike a light. + One by one, bolt and bar were then withdrawn, the heart of Isabella + throbbing higher as these obstacles to their meeting were successively + removed. The door opened, and the Solitary stood before her, his uncouth + form and features illuminated by the iron lamp which he held in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Enter, daughter of affliction,” he said,—“enter the house of + misery.” + </p> + <p> + She entered, and observed, with a precaution which increased her + trepidation, that the Recluse’s first act, after setting the lamp upon the + table, was to replace the numerous bolts which secured the door of his + hut. She shrunk as she heard the noise which accompanied this ominous + operation, yet remembered Ratcliffe’s caution, and endeavoured to suppress + all appearance of apprehension. The light of the lamp was weak and + uncertain; but the Solitary, without taking immediate notice of Isabella, + otherwise than by motioning her to sit down on a small settle beside the + fireplace, made haste to kindle some dry furze, which presently cast a + blaze through the cottage. Wooden shelves, which bore a few books, some + bundles of dried herbs, and one or two wooden cups and platters, were on + one side of the fire; on the other were placed some ordinary tools of + field-labour, mingled with those used by mechanics. Where the bed should + have been, there was a wooden frame, strewed with withered moss and + rushes, the couch of the ascetic. The whole space of the cottage did not + exceed ten feet by six within the walls; and its only furniture, besides + what we have mentioned, was a table and two stools formed of rough deals. + </p> + <p> + Within these narrow precincts Isabella now found herself enclosed with a + being, whose history had nothing to reassure her, and the fearful + conformation of whose hideous countenance inspired an almost superstitious + terror. He occupied the seat opposite to her, and dropping his huge and + shaggy eyebrows over his piercing black eyes, gazed at her in silence, as + if agitated by a variety of contending feelings. On the other side sate + Isabella, pale as death, her long hair uncurled by the evening damps, and + falling over her shoulders and breast, as the wet streamers droop from the + mast when the storm has passed away, and left the vessel stranded on the + beach. The Dwarf first broke the silence with the sudden, abrupt, and + alarming question,—“Woman, what evil fate has brought thee hither?” + </p> + <p> + “My father’s danger, and your own command,” she replied faintly, but + firmly. + </p> + <p> + “And you hope for aid from me?” + </p> + <p> + “If you can bestow it,” she replied, still in the same tone of mild + submission. + </p> + <p> + “And how should I possess that power?” continued the Dwarf, with a bitter + sneer; “Is mine the form of a redresser of wrongs? Is this the castle in + which one powerful enough to be sued to by a fair suppliant is likely to + hold his residence? I but mocked thee, girl, when I said I would relieve + thee.” + </p> + <p> + “Then must I depart, and face my fate as I best may!” + </p> + <p> + “No!” said the Dwarf, rising and interposing between her and the door, and + motioning to her sternly to resume her seat—“No! you leave me not in + this way; we must have farther conference. Why should one being desire aid + of another? Why should not each be sufficient to itself? Look round you—I, + the most despised and most decrepit on Nature’s common, have required + sympathy and help from no one. These stones are of my own piling; these + utensils I framed with my own hands; and with this”—and he laid his + hand with a fierce smile on the long dagger which he always wore beneath + his garment, and unsheathed it so far that the blade glimmered clear in + the fire-light—“with this,” he pursued, as he thrust the weapon back + into the scabbard, “I can, if necessary, defend the vital spark enclosed + in this poor trunk, against the fairest and strongest that shall threaten + me with injury.” + </p> + <p> + It was with difficulty Isabella refrained from screaming out aloud; but + she DID refrain. + </p> + <p> + “This,” continued the Recluse, “is the life of nature, solitary, + self-sufficing, and independent. The wolf calls not the wolf to aid him in + forming his den; and the vulture invites not another to assist her in + striking down her prey.” + </p> + <p> + “And when they are unable to procure themselves support,” said Isabella, + judiciously thinking that he would be most accessible to argument couched + in his own metaphorical style, “what then is to befall them?” + </p> + <p> + “Let them starve, die, and be forgotten; it is the common lot of + humanity.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the lot of the wild tribes of nature,” said Isabella, “but chiefly + of those who are destined to support themselves by rapine, which brooks no + partner; but it is not the law of nature in general; even the lower orders + have confederacies for mutual defence. But mankind—the race would + perish did they cease to aid each other.—From the time that the + mother binds the child’s head, till the moment that some kind assistant + wipes the death-damp from the brow of the dying, we cannot exist without + mutual help. All, therefore, that need aid, have right to ask it of their + fellow-mortals; no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without + guilt.” + </p> + <p> + “And in this simple hope, poor maiden,” said the Solitary, “thou hast come + into the desert, to seek one whose wish it were that the league thou hast + spoken of were broken for ever, and that, in very truth, the whole race + should perish? Wert thou not frightened?” + </p> + <p> + “Misery,” said Isabella, firmly, “is superior to fear.” + </p> + <p> + “Hast thou not heard it said in thy mortal world, that I have leagued + myself with other powers, deformed to the eye and malevolent to the human + race as myself? Hast thou not heard this—And dost thou seek my cell + at midnight?” + </p> + <p> + “The Being I worship supports me against such idle fears,” said Isabella; + but the increasing agitation of her bosom belied the affected courage + which her words expressed. + </p> + <p> + “Ho! ho!” said the Dwarf, “thou vauntest thyself a philosopher? Yet, + shouldst thou not have thought of the danger of intrusting thyself, young + and beautiful, in the power of one so spited against humanity, as to place + his chief pleasure in defacing, destroying, and degrading her fairest + works?” + </p> + <p> + Isabella, much alarmed, continued to answer with firmness, “Whatever + injuries you may have sustained in the world, you are incapable of + revenging them on one who never wronged you, nor, wilfully, any other.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, but, maiden,” he continued, his dark eyes flashing with an expression + of malignity which communicated itself to his wild and distorted features, + “revenge is the hungry wolf, which asks only to tear flesh and lap blood. + Think you the lamb’s plea of innocence would be listened to by him?” + </p> + <p> + “Man!” said Isabella, rising, and expressing herself with much dignity, “I + fear not the horrible ideas with which you would impress me. I cast them + from me with disdain. Be you mortal or fiend, you would not offer injury + to one who sought you as a suppliant in her utmost need. You would not—you + durst not.” + </p> + <p> + “Thou say’st truly, maiden,” rejoined the Solitary; “I dare not—I + would not. Begone to thy dwelling. Fear nothing with which they threaten + thee. Thou hast asked my protection—thou shalt find it effectual.” + </p> + <p> + “But, father, this very night I have consented to wed the man that I + abhor, or I must put the seal to my father’s ruin.” + </p> + <p> + “This night?—at what hour?” + </p> + <p> + “Ere midnight.” + </p> + <p> + “And twilight,” said the Dwarf, “has already passed away. But fear + nothing, there is ample time to protect thee.” + </p> + <p> + “And my father?” continued Isabella, in a suppliant tone. + </p> + <p> + “Thy father,” replied the Dwarf, “has been, and is, my most bitter enemy. + But fear not; thy virtue shall save him. And now, begone; were I to keep + thee longer by me, I might again fall into the stupid dreams concerning + human worth from which I have been so fearfully awakened. But fear nothing—at + the very foot of the altar I will redeem thee. Adieu, time presses, and I + must act!” + </p> + <p> + He led her to the door of the hut, which he opened for her departure. She + remounted her horse, which had been feeding in the outer enclosure, and + pressed him forward by the light of the moon, which was now rising, to the + spot where she had left Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “Have you succeeded?” was his first eager question. + </p> + <p> + “I have obtained promises from him to whom you sent me; but how can he + possibly accomplish them?” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God!” said Ratcliffe; “doubt not his power to fulfil his promise.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment a shrill whistle was heard to resound along the heath. + </p> + <p> + “Hark!” said Ratcliffe, “he calls me—Miss Vere, return home, and + leave unbolted the postern-door of the garden; to that which opens on the + back-stairs I have a private key.” + </p> + <p> + A second whistle was heard, yet more shrill and prolonged than the first. + </p> + <p> + “I come, I come,” said Ratcliffe; and setting spurs to his horse, rode + over the heath in the direction of the Recluse’s hut. Miss Vere returned + to the castle, the mettle of the animal on which she rode, and her own + anxiety of mind, combining to accelerate her journey. + </p> + <p> + She obeyed Ratcliffe’s directions, though without well apprehending their + purpose, and leaving her horse at large in a paddock near the garden, + hurried to her own apartment, which she reached without observation. She + now unbolted her door, and rang her bell for lights. Her father appeared + along with the servant who answered her summons. + </p> + <p> + “He had been twice,” he said, “listening at her door during the two hours + that had elapsed since he left her, and, not hearing her speak, had become + apprehensive that she was taken ill.” + </p> + <p> + “And now, my dear father,” she said, “permit me to claim the promise you + so kindly gave; let the last moments of freedom which I am to enjoy be + mine without interruption; and protract to the last moment the respite + which is allowed me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said her father; “nor shall you be again interrupted. But this + disordered dress—this dishevelled hair—do not let me find you + thus when I call on you again; the sacrifice, to be beneficial, must be + voluntary.” + </p> + <p> + “Must it be so?” she replied; “then fear not, my father! the victim shall + be adorned.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + This looks not like a nuptial.—MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. +</pre> + <p> + The chapel in the castle of Ellieslaw, destined to be the scene of this + ill-omened union, was a building of much older date than the castle + itself, though that claimed considerable antiquity. Before the wars + between England and Scotland had become so common and of such long + duration, that the buildings along both sides of the Border were chiefly + dedicated to warlike purposes, there had been a small settlement of monks + at Ellieslaw, a dependency, it is believed by antiquaries, on the rich + Abbey of Jedburgh. Their possessions had long passed away under the + changes introduced by war and mutual ravage. A feudal castle had arisen on + the ruin of their cells, and their chapel was included in its precincts. + </p> + <p> + The edifice, in its round arches and massive pillars, the simplicity of + which referred their date to what has been called the Saxon architecture, + presented at all times a dark and sombre appearance, and had been + frequently used as the cemetery of the family of the feudal lords, as well + as formerly of the monastic brethren. But it looked doubly gloomy by the + effect of the few and smoky torches which were used to enlighten it on the + present occasion, and which, spreading a glare of yellow light in their + immediate vicinity, were surrounded beyond by a red and purple halo + reflected from their own smoke, and beyond that again by a zone of + darkness which magnified the extent of the chapel, while it rendered it + impossible for the eye to ascertain its limits. Some injudicious + ornaments, adopted in haste for the occasion, rather added to the + dreariness of the scene. Old fragments of tapestry, torn from the walls of + other apartments, had been hastily and partially disposed around those of + the chapel, and mingled inconsistently with scutcheons and funeral emblems + of the dead, which they elsewhere exhibited. On each side of the stone + altar was a monument, the appearance of which formed an equally strange + contrast. On the one was the figure, in stone, of some grim hermit, or + monk, who had died in the odour of sanctity; he was represented as + recumbent, in his cowl and scapulaire, with his face turned upward as in + the act of devotion, and his hands folded, from which his string of beads + was dependent. On the other side was a tomb, in the Italian taste, + composed of the most beautiful statuary marble, and accounted a model of + modern art. It was erected to the memory of Isabella’s mother, the late + Mrs. Vere of Ellieslaw, who was represented as in a dying posture, while a + weeping cherub, with eyes averted, seemed in the act of extinguishing a + dying lamp as emblematic of her speedy dissolution. It was, indeed, a + masterpiece of art, but misplaced in the rude vault to which it had been + consigned. Many were surprised, and even scandalized, that Ellieslaw, not + remarkable for attention to his lady while alive, should erect after her + death such a costly mausoleum in affected sorrow; others cleared him from + the imputation of hypocrisy, and averred that the monument had been + constructed under the direction and at the sole expense of Mr. Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + Before these monuments the wedding guests were assembled. They were few in + number; for many had left the castle to prepare for the ensuing political + explosion, and Ellieslaw was, in the circumstances of the case, far from + being desirous to extend invitations farther than to those near relations + whose presence the custom of the country rendered indispensable. Next to + the altar stood Sir Frederick Langley, dark, moody, and thoughtful, even + beyond his wont, and near him, Mareschal, who was to play the part of + bridesman, as it was called. The thoughtless humour of this young + gentleman, on which he never deigned to place the least restraint, added + to the cloud which overhung the brow of the bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + “The bride is not yet come out of her chamber,” he whispered to Sir + Frederick; “I trust that we must not have recourse to the violent + expedients of the Romans which I read of at College. It would be hard upon + my pretty cousin to be run away with twice in two days, though I know none + better worth such a violent compliment.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Frederick attempted to turn a deaf ear to this discourse, humming a + tune, and looking another may, but Mareschal proceeded in the same wild + manner. + </p> + <p> + “This delay is hard upon Dr. Hobbler, who was disturbed to accelerate + preparations for this joyful event when he had successfully extracted the + cork of his third bottle. I hope you will keep him free of the censure of + his superiors, for I take it this is beyond canonical hours.—But + here come Ellieslaw and my pretty cousin—prettier than ever, I + think, were it not she seems so faint and so deadly pale—Hark ye, + Sir Knight, if she says not YES with right good-will, it shall be no + wedding, for all that has come and gone yet.” + </p> + <p> + “No wedding, sir?” returned Sir Frederick, in a loud whisper, the tone of + which indicated that his angry feelings were suppressed with difficulty. + </p> + <p> + “No—no marriage,” replied Mareschal, “there’s my hand and glove + on’t.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Frederick Langley took his hand, and as he wrung it hard, said in a + lower whisper, “Mareschal, you shall answer this,” and then flung his hand + from him. + </p> + <p> + “That I will readily do,” said Mareschal, “for never word escaped my lips + that my hand was not ready to guarantee.-So, speak up, my pretty cousin, + and tell me if it be your free will and unbiassed resolution to accept of + this gallant knight for your lord and husband; for if you have the tenth + part of a scruple upon the subject, fall back, fall edge, he shall not + have you.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you mad, Mr. Mareschal?” said Ellieslaw, who, having been this young + man’s guardian during his minority, often employed a tone of authority to + him. “Do you suppose I would drag my daughter to the foot of the altar, + were it not her own choice?” + </p> + <p> + “Tut, Ellieslaw,” retorted the young gentleman, “never tell me of the + contrary; her eyes are full of tears, and her cheeks are whiter than her + white dress. I must insist, in the name of common humanity, that the + ceremony be adjourned till to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “She shall tell you herself, thou incorrigible intermeddler in what + concerns thee not, that it is her wish the ceremony should go on—Is + it not, Isabella, my dear?” + </p> + <p> + “It is,” said Isabella, half fainting—“since there is no help, + either in God or man.” + </p> + <p> + The first word alone was distinctly audible. Mareschal shrugged up his + shoulders and stepped back. Ellieslaw led, or rather supported, his + daughter to the altar. Sir Frederick moved forward and placed himself by + her side. The clergyman opened his prayer-book, and looked to Mr. Vere for + the signal to commence the service. + </p> + <p> + “Proceed,” said the latter. + </p> + <p> + But a voice, as if issuing from the tomb of his deceased wife, called, in + such loud and harsh accents as awakened every echo in the vaulted chapel, + “Forbear!” + </p> + <p> + All were mute and motionless, till a distant rustle, and the clash of + swords, or something resembling it, was heard from the remote apartments. + It ceased almost instantly. + </p> + <p> + “What new device is this?” said Sir Frederick, fiercely, eyeing Ellieslaw + and Mareschal with a glance of malignant suspicion. + </p> + <p> + “It can be but the frolic of some intemperate guest,” said Ellieslaw, + though greatly confounded; “we must make large allowances for the excess + of this evening’s festivity. Proceed with the service.” + </p> + <p> + Before the clergyman could obey, the same prohibition which they had + before heard, was repeated from the same spot. The female attendants + screamed, and fled from the chapel; the gentlemen laid their hands on + their swords. Ere the first moment of surprise had passed by, the Dwarf + stepped from behind the monument, and placed himself full in front of Mr. + Vere. The effect of so strange and hideous an apparition in such a place + and in such circumstances, appalled all present, but seemed to annihilate + the Laird of Ellieslaw, who, dropping his daughter’s arm, staggered + against the nearest pillar, and, clasping it with his hands as if for + support, laid his brow against the column. + </p> + <p> + “Who is this fellow?” said Sir Frederick; “and what does he mean by this + intrusion?” + </p> + <p> + “It is one who comes to tell you,” said the Dwarf, with the peculiar + acrimony which usually marked his manner, “that, in marrying that young + lady, you wed neither the heiress of Ellieslaw, nor of Mauley Hall, nor of + Polverton, nor of one furrow of land, unless she marries with MY consent; + and to thee that consent shall never be given. Down—down on thy + knees, and thank Heaven that thou art prevented from wedding qualities + with which thou hast no concern—portionless truth, virtue, and + innocence—thou, base ingrate,” he continued, addressing himself to + Ellieslaw, “what is thy wretched subterfuge now? Thou, who wouldst sell + thy daughter to relieve thee from danger, as in famine thou wouldst have + slain and devoured her to preserve thy own vile life!—Ay, hide thy + face with thy hands; well mayst thou blush to look on him whose body thou + didst consign to chains, his hand to guilt, and his soul to misery. Saved + once more by the virtue of her who calls thee father, go hence, and may + the pardon and benefits I confer on thee prove literal coals of fire, till + thy brain is seared and scorched like mine!” + </p> + <p> + Ellieslaw left the chapel with a gesture of mute despair. + </p> + <p> + “Follow him, Hubert Ratcliffe,” said the Dwarf, “and inform him of his + destiny. He will rejoice—for to breathe air and to handle gold is to + him happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand nothing of all this,” said Sir Frederick Langley; “but we + are here a body of gentlemen in arms and authority for King James; and + whether you really, sir, be that Sir Edward Mauley, who has been so long + supposed dead in confinement, or whether you be an impostor assuming his + name and title, we will use the freedom of detaining you, till your + appearance here, at this moment, is better accounted for; we will have no + spies among us—Seize on him, my friends.” + </p> + <p> + But the domestics shrunk back in doubt and alarm. Sir Frederick himself + stepped forward towards the Recluse, as if to lay hands on his person, + when his progress was suddenly stopped by the glittering point of a + partisan, which the sturdy hand of Hobbie Elliot presented against his + bosom. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll gar daylight shine through ye, if ye offer to steer him!” said the + stout Borderer; “stand back, or I’ll strike ye through! Naebody shall lay + a finger on Elshie; he’s a canny neighbourly man, aye ready to make a + friend help; and, though ye may think him a lamiter, yet, grippie for + grippie, friend, I’ll wad a wether he’ll make the bluid spin frae under + your nails. He’s a teugh carle Elshie! he grips like a smith’s vice.” + </p> + <p> + “What has brought you here, Elliot?” said Mareschal; “who called on you + for interference?” + </p> + <p> + “Troth, Mareschal-Wells,” answered Hobbie, “I am just come here, wi’ + twenty or thretty mair o’ us, in my ain name and the King’s—or + Queen’s, ca’ they her? and Canny Elshie’s into the bargain, to keep the + peace, and pay back some ill usage Ellieslaw has gien me. A bonny + breakfast the loons gae me the ither morning, and him at the bottom on’t; + and trow ye I wasna ready to supper him up?—Ye needna lay your hands + on your swords, gentlemen, the house is ours wi’ little din; for the doors + were open, and there had been ower muckle punch amang your folk; we took + their swords and pistols as easily as ye wad shiel pea-cods.” + </p> + <p> + Mareschal rushed out, and immediately re-entered the chapel. + </p> + <p> + “By Heaven! it is true, Sir Frederick; the house is filled with armed men, + and our drunken beasts are all disarmed. Draw, and let us fight our way.” + </p> + <p> + “Binna rash—binna rash,” exclaimed Hobbie; “hear me a bit, hear me a + bit. We mean ye nae harm; but, as ye are in arms for King James, as ye ca’ + him, and the prelates, we thought it right to keep up the auld neighbour + war, and stand up for the t’other ane and the Kirk; but we’ll no hurt a + hair o’ your heads, if ye like to gang hame quietly. And it will be your + best way, for there’s sure news come frae Loudoun, that him they ca’ Bang, + or Byng, or what is’t, has bang’d the French ships and the new king aff + the coast however; sae ye had best bide content wi’ auld Nanse for want of + a better Queen.” + </p> + <p> + Ratcliffe, who at this moment entered, confirmed these accounts so + unfavourable to the Jacobite interest. Sir Frederick, almost instantly, + and without taking leave of any one, left the castle, with such of his + attendants as were able to follow him. + </p> + <p> + “And what will you do, Mr. Mareschal?” said Ratcliffe. + </p> + <p> + “Why, faith,” answered he, smiling, “I hardly know; my spirit is too + great, and my fortune too small, for me to follow the example of the + doughty bridegroom. It is not in my nature, and it is hardly worth my + while.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, disperse your men, and remain quiet, and this will be + overlooked, as there has been no overt act.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, ay,” said Elliot, “just let byganes be byganes, and a’ friends + again; deil ane I bear malice at but Westburnflat, and I hae gien him + baith a het skin and a cauld ane. I hadna changed three blows of the + broadsword wi’ him before he lap the window into the castle-moat, and + swattered through it like a wild-duck. He’s a clever fallow, indeed! maun + kilt awa wi’ ae bonny lass in the morning, and another at night, less + wadna serve him! but if he disna kilt himsell out o’ the country, I’se + kilt him wi’ a tow, for the Castleton meeting’s clean blawn ower; his + friends will no countenance him.” + </p> + <p> + During the general confusion, Isabella had thrown herself at the feet of + her kinsman, Sir Edward Mauley, for so we must now call the Solitary, to + express at once her gratitude, and to beseech forgiveness for her father. + The eyes of all began to be fixed on them, as soon as their own agitation + and the bustle of the attendants had somewhat abated. Miss Vere kneeled + beside the tomb of her mother, to whose statue her features exhibited a + marked resemblance. She held the hand of the Dwarf, which she kissed + repeatedly and bathed with tears. He stood fixed and motionless, excepting + that his eyes glanced alternately on the marble figure and the living + suppliant. At length, the large drops which gathered on his eye-lashes + compelled him to draw his hand across them. + </p> + <p> + “I thought,” he said, “that tears and I had done; but we shed them at our + birth, and their spring dries not until we are in our graves. But no + melting of the heart shall dissolve my resolution. I part here, at once, + and for ever, with all of which the memory” (looking to the tomb), “or the + presence” (he pressed Isabella’s hand), “is dear to me.—Speak not to + me! attempt not to thwart my determination! it will avail nothing; you + will hear of and see this lump of deformity no more. To you I shall be + dead ere I am actually in my grave, and you will think of me as of a + friend disencumbered from the toils and crimes of existence.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed Isabella on the forehead, impressed another kiss on the brow of + the statue by which she knelt, and left the chapel followed by Ratcliffe. + Isabella, almost exhausted by the emotions of the day, was carried to her + apartment by her women. Most of the other guests dispersed, after having + separately endeavoured to impress on all who would listen to them their + disapprobation of the plots formed against the government, or their regret + for having engaged in them. Hobbie Elliot assumed the command of the + castle for the night, and mounted a regular guard. He boasted not a little + of the alacrity with which his friends and he had obeyed a hasty summons + received from Elshie through the faithful Ratcliffe. And it was a lucky + chance, he said, that on that very day they had got notice that + Westburnflat did not intend to keep his tryste at Castleton, but to hold + them at defiance; so that a considerable party had assembled at the + Heugh-foot, with the intention of paying a visit to the robber’s tower on + the ensuing morning, and their course was easily directed to Ellieslaw + Castle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —Last scene of all, + To close this strange eventful history.—AS YOU LIKE IT. +</pre> + <p> + On the next morning, Mr. Ratcliffe presented Miss Vere with a letter from + her father, of which the following is the tenor:— + </p> + <p> + “MY DEAREST CHILD, The malice of a persecuting government will compel me, + for my own safety, to retreat abroad, and to remain for some time in + foreign parts. I do not ask you to accompany, or follow me; you will + attend to my interest and your own more effectually by remaining where you + are. It is unnecessary to enter into a minute detail concerning the causes + of the strange events which yesterday took place. I think I have reason to + complain of the usage I have received from Sir Edward Mauley, who is your + nearest kinsman by the mother’s side; but as he has declared you his heir, + and is to put you in immediate possession of a large part of his fortune, + I account it a full atonement. I am aware he has never forgiven the + preference which your mother gave to my addresses, instead of complying + with the terms of a sort of family compact, which absurdly and + tyrannically destined her to wed her deformed relative. The shock was even + sufficient to unsettle his wits (which, indeed, were never over-well + arranged), and I had, as the husband of his nearest kinswoman and heir, + the delicate task of taking care of his person and property, until he was + reinstated in the management of the latter by those who, no doubt, thought + they were doing him justice; although, if some parts of his subsequent + conduct be examined, it will appear that he ought, for his own sake, to + have been left under the influence of a mild and salutary restraint. + </p> + <p> + “In one particular, however, he showed a sense of the ties of blood, as + well as of his own frailty; for while he sequestered himself closely from + the world, under various names and disguises, and insisted on spreading a + report of his own death (in which to gratify him I willingly acquiesced), + he left at my disposal the rents of a great proportion of his estates, and + especially all those, which, having belonged to your mother, reverted to + him as a male fief. In this he may have thought that he was acting with + extreme generosity, while, in the opinion of all impartial men, he will + only be considered as having fulfilled a natural obligation, seeing that, + in justice, if not in strict law, you must be considered as the heir of + your mother, and I as your legal administrator. Instead, therefore, of + considering myself as loaded with obligations to Sir Edward on this + account, I think I had reason to complain that these remittances were only + doled out to me at the pleasure of Mr. Ratcliffe, who, moreover, exacted + from me mortgages over my paternal estate of Ellieslaw for any sums which + I required as an extra advance; and thus may be said to have insinuated + himself into the absolute management and control of my property. Or, if + all this seeming friendship was employed by Sir Edward for the purpose of + obtaining a complete command of my affairs, and acquiring the power of + ruining me at his pleasure, I feel myself, I must repeat, still less bound + by the alleged obligation. + </p> + <p> + “About the autumn of last year, as I understand, either his own crazed + imagination, or the accomplishment of some such scheme as I have hinted, + brought him down to this country. His alleged motive, it seems, was a + desire of seeing a monument which he had directed to be raised in the + chapel over the tomb of your mother. Mr. Ratcliffe, who at this time had + done me the honour to make my house his own, had the complaisance to + introduce him secretly into the chapel. The consequence, as he informs me, + was a frenzy of several hours, during which he fled into the neighbouring + moors, in one of the wildest spots of which he chose, when he was somewhat + recovered, to fix his mansion, and set up for a sort of country empiric, a + character which, even in his best days, he was fond of assuming. It is + remarkable, that, instead of informing me of these circumstances, that I + might have had the relative of my late wife taken such care of as his + calamitous condition required, Mr. Ratcliffe seems to have had such + culpable indulgence for his irregular plans as to promise and even swear + secrecy concerning them. He visited Sir Edward often, and assisted in the + fantastic task he had taken upon him of constructing a hermitage. Nothing + they appear to have dreaded more than a discovery of their intercourse. + </p> + <p> + “The ground was open in every direction around, and a small subterranean + cave, probably sepulchral, which their researches had detected near the + great granite pillar, served to conceal Ratcliffe, when any one approached + his master. I think you will be of opinion, my love, that this secrecy + must have had some strong motive. It is also remarkable, that while I + thought my unhappy friend was residing among the Monks of La Trappe, he + should have been actually living, for many months, in this bizarre + disguise, within five miles of my house, and obtaining regular information + of my most private movements, either by Ratcliffe, or through Westburnflat + or others, whom he had the means to bribe to any extent. He makes it a + crime against me that I endeavoured to establish your marriage with Sir + Frederick. I acted for the best; but if Sir Edward Mauley thought + otherwise, why did he not step manfully forward, express his own purpose + of becoming a party to the settlements, and take that interest which he is + entitled to claim in you as heir to his great property? + </p> + <p> + “Even now, though your rash and eccentric relation is somewhat tardy in + announcing his purpose, I am far from opposing my authority against his + wishes, although the person he desires you to regard as your future + husband be young Earnscliff; the very last whom I should have thought + likely to be acceptable to him, considering a certain fatal event. But I + give my free and hearty consent, providing the settlements are drawn in + such an irrevocable form as may secure my child from suffering by that + state of dependence, and that sudden and causeless revocation of + allowances, of which I have so much reason to complain. Of Sir Frederick + Langley, I augur, you will hear no more. He is not likely to claim the + hand of a dowerless maiden. I therefore commit you, my dear Isabella, to + the wisdom of Providence and to your own prudence, begging you to lose no + time in securing those advantages, which the fickleness of your kinsman + has withdrawn from me to shower upon you. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Ratcliffe mentioned Sir Edward’s intention to settle a considerable + sum upon me yearly, for my maintenance in foreign parts; but this my heart + is too proud to accept from him. I told him I had a dear child, who, while + in affluence herself, would never suffer me to be in poverty. I thought it + right to intimate this to him pretty roundly, that whatever increase be + settled upon you, it may be calculated so as to cover this necessary and + natural encumbrance. I shall willingly settle upon you the castle and + manor of Ellieslaw, to show my parental affection and disinterested zeal + for promoting your settlement in life. The annual interest of debts + charged on the estate somewhat exceeds the income, even after a reasonable + rent has been put upon the mansion and mains. But as all the debts are in + the person of Mr. Ratcliffe, as your kinsman’s trustee, he will not be a + troublesome creditor. And here I must make you aware, that though I have + to complain of Mr. Ratcliffe’s conduct to me personally, I, nevertheless, + believe him a just and upright man, with whom you may safely consult on + your affairs, not to mention that to cherish his good opinion will be the + best way to retain that of your kinsman. Remember me to Marchie—I + hope he will not be troubled on account of late matters. I will write more + fully from the Continent. Meanwhile, I rest your loving father, RICHARD + VERE.” + </p> + <p> + The above letter throws the only additional light which we have been able + to procure upon the earlier part of our story. It was Hobbie’s opinion, + and may be that of most of our readers, that the Recluse of + Mucklestane-Moor had but a kind of a gleaming, or twilight understanding; + and that he had neither very clear views as to what he himself wanted, nor + was apt to pursue his ends by the clearest and most direct means; so that + to seek the clew of his conduct, was likened, by Hobbie, to looking for a + straight path through a common, over which are a hundred devious tracks, + but not one distinct line of road. + </p> + <p> + When Isabella had perused the letter, her first enquiry was after her + father. He had left the castle, she was informed, early in the morning, + after a long interview with Mr. Ratcliffe, and was already far on his way + to the next port, where he might expect to find shipping for the + Continent. + </p> + <p> + “Where was Sir Edward Mauley?” + </p> + <p> + No one had seen the Dwarf since the eventful scene of the preceding + evening. + </p> + <p> + “Odd, if onything has befa’en puir Elshie,” said Hobbie Elliot, “I wad + rather I were harried ower again.” + </p> + <p> + He immediately rode to his dwelling, and the remaining she-goat came + bleating to meet him, for her milking time was long past. The Solitary was + nowhere to be seen; his door, contrary to wont, was open, his fire + extinguished, and the whole hut was left in the state which it exhibited + on Isabella’s visit to him. It was pretty clear that the means of + conveyance which had brought the Dwarf to Ellieslaw on the preceding + evening, had removed him from it to some other place of abode. Hobbie + returned disconsolate to the castle. + </p> + <p> + “I am doubting we hae lost Canny Elshie for gude an’ a’.” + </p> + <p> + “You have indeed,” said Ratcliffe, producing a paper, which he put into + Hobbie’s hands; “but read that, and you will perceive you have been no + loser by having known him.” + </p> + <p> + It was a short deed of gift, by which “Sir Edward Mauley, otherwise called + Elshender the Recluse, endowed Halbert or Hobbie Elliot, and Grace + Armstrong, in full property, with a considerable sum borrowed by Elliot + from him.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie’s joy was mingled with feelings which brought tears down his rough + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “It’s a queer thing,” he said; “but I canna joy in the gear, unless I kend + the puir body was happy that gave it me.” + </p> + <p> + “Next to enjoying happiness ourselves,” said Ratcliffe, “is the + consciousness of having bestowed it on others. Had all my master’s + benefits been conferred like the present, what a different return would + they have produced! But the indiscriminate profusion that would glut + avarice, or supply prodigality, neither does good, nor is rewarded by + gratitude. It is sowing the wind to reap the whirlwind.” + </p> + <p> + “And that wad be a light har’st,” said Hobbie; “but, wi’ my young leddie’s + leave, I wad fain take down Eishie’s skeps o’ bees, and set them in + Grace’s bit flower yard at the Heugh-foot—they shall ne’er be + smeekit by ony o’ huz. And the puir goat, she would be negleckit about a + great toun like this; and she could feed bonnily on our lily lea by the + burn side, and the hounds wad ken her in a day’s time, and never fash her, + and Grace wad milk her ilka morning wi’ her ain hand, for Elshie’s sake; + for though he was thrawn and cankered in his converse, he likeit dumb + creatures weel.” + </p> + <p> + Hobbie’s requests were readily granted, not without some wonder at the + natural delicacy of feeling which pointed out to him this mode of + displaying his gratitude. He was delighted when Ratcliffe informed him + that his benefactor should not remain ignorant of the care which he took + of his favourite. + </p> + <p> + “And mind be sure and tell him that grannie and the titties, and, abune + a’, Grace and mysell, are weel and thriving, and that it’s a’ his doing—that + canna but please him, ane wad think.” + </p> + <p> + And Elliot and the family at Heugh-foot were, and continued to be, as + fortunate and happy as his undaunted honesty, tenderness, and gallantry so + well merited. + </p> + <p> + All bar between the marriage of Earnscliff and Isabella was now removed, + and the settlements which Ratcliffe produced on the part of Sir Edward + Mauley, might have satisfied the cupidity of Ellieslaw himself. But Miss + Vere and Ratcliffe thought it unnecessary to mention to Earnscliff that + one great motive of Sir Edward, in thus loading the young pair with + benefits, was to expiate his having, many years before, shed the blood of + his father in a hasty brawl. If it be true, as Ratcliffe asserted, that + the Dwarf’s extreme misanthropy seemed to relax somewhat, under the + consciousness of having diffused happiness among so many, the recollection + of this circumstance might probably be one of his chief motives for + refusing obstinately ever to witness their state of contentment. + </p> + <p> + Mareschal hunted, shot, and drank claret—tired of the country, went + abroad, served three campaigns, came home, and married Lucy Ilderton. + </p> + <p> + Years fled over the heads of Earnscliff and his wife, and found and left + them contented and happy. The scheming ambition of Sir Frederick Langley + engaged him in the unfortunate insurrection of 1715. He was made prisoner + at Preston, in Lancashire, with the Earl of Derwentwater, and others. His + defence, and the dying speech which he made at his execution, may be found + in the State Trials. Mr. Vere, supplied by his daughter with an ample + income, continued to reside abroad, engaged deeply in the affair of Law’s + bank during the regency of the Duke of Orleans, and was at one time + supposed to be immensely rich. But, on the bursting of that famous bubble, + he was so much chagrined at being again reduced to a moderate annuity + (although he saw thousands of his companions in misfortune absolutely + starving), that vexation of mind brought on a paralytic stroke, of which + he died, after lingering under its effects a few weeks. + </p> + <p> + Willie of Westburnflat fled from the wrath of Hobbie Elliot, as his + betters did from the pursuit of the law. His patriotism urged him to serve + his country abroad, while his reluctance to leave his native soil pressed + him rather to remain in the beloved island, and collect purses, watches, + and rings on the highroads at home. Fortunately for him, the first impulse + prevailed, and he joined the army under Marlborough; obtained a commission + to which he was recommended by his services in collecting cattle for the + commissariat; returned home after many years, with some money (how come by + Heaven only knows),—demolished the peel-house at Westburnflat, and + built, in its stead, a high narrow ONSTEAD, of three stories, with a + chimney at each end—drank brandy with the neighbours, whom, in his + younger days, he had plundered—died in his bed, and is recorded upon + his tombstone at Kirkwhistle (still extant), as having played all the + parts of a brave soldier, a discreet neighbour, and a sincere Christian. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ratcliffe resided usually with the family at Ellieslaw, but regularly + every spring and autumn he absented himself for about a month. On the + direction and purpose of his periodical journey he remained steadily + silent; but it was well understood that he was then in attendance on his + unfortunate patron. At length, on his return from one of these visits, his + grave countenance, and deep mourning dress, announced to the Ellieslaw + family that their benefactor was no more. Sir Edward’s death made no + addition to their fortune, for he had divested himself of his property + during his lifetime, and chiefly in their favour. Ratcliffe, his sole + confidant, died at a good old age, but without ever naming the place to + which his master had finally retired, or the manner of his death, or the + place of his burial. It was supposed that on all these particulars his + patron had enjoined him strict secrecy. + </p> + <p> + The sudden disappearance of Elshie from his extraordinary hermitage + corroborated the reports which the common people had spread concerning + him. Many believed that, having ventured to enter a consecrated building, + contrary to his paction with the Evil One, he had been bodily carried off + while on his return to his cottage; but most are of opinion that he only + disappeared for a season, and continues to be seen from time to time among + the hills. And retaining, according to custom, a more vivid recollection + of his wild and desperate language, than of the benevolent tendency of + most of his actions, he is usually identified with the malignant demon + called the Man of the Moors, whose feats were quoted by Mrs. Elliot to her + grandsons; and, accordingly, is generally represented as bewitching the + sheep, causing the ewes to KEB, that is, to cast their lambs, or seen + loosening the impending wreath of snow to precipitate its weight on such + as take shelter, during the storm, beneath the bank of a torrent, or under + the shelter of a deep glen. In short, the evils most dreaded and + deprecated by the inhabitants of that pastoral country, are ascribed to + the agency of the BLACK DWARF. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1460 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |