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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 18:30:22 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-22 18:30:22 -0800 |
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diff --git a/old/66121-0.txt b/old/66121-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index fafd87d..0000000 --- a/old/66121-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7802 +0,0 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66121 *** - - THE - - SCOTTISH CAVALIER. - - - An Historical Romance. - - - - BY JAMES GRANT, ESQ., - - AUTHOR OF - "THE ROMANCE OF WAR, OR THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS," - "MEMOIRS OF KIRKALDY OF GRANGE," &C. - - - - Dost thou admit his right, - Thus to transfer our ancient Scottish crown? - Ay, Scotland was a kingdom once, - And, by the might of God, a kingdom still shall be! - ROBERT THE BRUCE, ACT II. - - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - - VOL. II. - - - - LONDON: - HENRY COLBURN, PUBLISHER, - GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET. - - 1850. - - - - - Contents - - I. Les Gardes Ecossais - II. The Glove - III. A Ball in the Olden Time - IV. Two Loves for One Heart - V. Beatrix Gilruth - VI. The Sedan - VII. Adventures of the Night Concluded - VIII. The Fencing Lesson - IX. The Luckenbooths - X. The White Horse Cellar - XI. The Betrothal - XII. The Defiance - XIII. The March for England - XIV. The Hawk and the Dove - XV. A Statesman of 1688 - XVI. Trust and Mistrust - XVII. The Guisards - XVIII. The Revolt at Ipswich - XIX. Free Quarters - XX. The Redeemed Pledge - XXI. The Swart Rüyters - - - - -WALTER FENTON; - -OR, - -THE SCOTTISH CAVALIER. - - - -CHAPTER I. - -LES GARDES ECOSSAIS. - - Thus shall your country's annals boast your corps, - And, glorious thought! in times and ages hence, - Some valiant chief to stimulate the more, - And urge his troops, the battle in suspense, - Shall hold your bright example to their view. - RUDDIMAUN'S MAG. - - -Louis, surnamed the Saint, King of France, having taken the cross, -sailed with a splendid retinue of knights, nobles, and soldiers bent -on the delivery of Jerusalem from the profanation of the Moslem; and, -landing in the East, laid siege to Damietta (in Lower Egypt), which -he triumphantly won by storm. But, after enduring innumerable -hardships and disasters by the sword, and by pestilence from the -fœtid waters of the marshy Nile and the Lake of Menzaleh, he was -overthrown in battle at Mansoura, and made captive by the Soldan. - -This was about the year 1254, when Alexander III. was King of -Scotland. - -In these Eastern wars, St. Louis was twice saved from death by the -valour of a small band of auxilliary Scots crusaders, commanded by -the Earls of March and Dunbar, Walter Stewart Lord of Dundonald, and -Sir David Lindsay of Glenesk. Those brave adventurers had the good -fortune to rescue the French monarch, first from the scimitars of the -followers of the King of the Arsacides, a Mahommedan despot, and -afterwards from the emissaries of the Comtesse de la Marche. Our -good King Alexander, sent ambassadors to congratulate St. Louis on -his deliverance from these double perils; and on his return from this -first crusade, the two monarchs agreed that, in remembrance of these -deeds of fidelity and valour, there should remain in France, in all -time coming, "a standing company or guard of Scotsmen recommended by -their own sovereign," and who should in future form the -garde-du-corps of the most Christian King. - -Such was the origin of the bravest body-guard that Europe ever saw, -though our ancient historians are fond of dating its formation from -the days of Charlemagne and Gregory the Great of Scotland. - -The Guard thus established by St. Louis marched with him to his -second crusade, in the year 1270. It was then led by the Earls of -Carrick and Athole, Sir John Stuart, Sir William Gordon, and other -brave knights, most of whom perished with Louis of a deadly -pestilence before the walls of Tunis, and under the towers of Abu -Zaccheria. - -This noble band of Scottish Archers remained constantly in France, -and were the only military corps in that country, until King Charles -VII. added a few French companies to increase his Guards, still -giving the Scots their old pre-eminence and post of honour next the -royal person. Their leader was styled _Premier Capitaine_ of the -Guards, and as such took precedence of all military officers in -France. When the French sovereign was anointed, he stood beside him; -and when the ceremony was over, obtained the royal robes, with all -their embroidery and jewels, as his perquisite. When a city was to -be stormed, the Scottish Archers led the way; when it surrendered, -the keys were received by their captain from the hands of the king. - -Twenty-five of them, "in testimony of their unspotted fidelity," wore -over their magnificent armour white hoquetons of a peculiar fashion, -richly laced and embossed with silver. Six of them in rotation were -ever beside the royal person--by night as well as by day--at the -reception of foreign ambassadors--in the secret debates of the -cabinet--in the rejoicings of the tournament--the revels of the -banquet--the solemnities of the church--and the glories of the -battle-field. These Scottish hearts formed a zone around the -monarchs of France; and at the close of the scene, the chosen -twenty-five had the privilege of bearing the royal remains to the -regal sepulchre of St. Denis. - -It would require volumes, instead of a chapter, to recount all the -honours paid to the Scottish Guard, and the glory acquired by them in -the wars of five centuries. - -Led by Alexander Earl of Buchan, Great Constable of France, they -performed good service in that great battle at Banje-en-Anjou, where -the English were completely routed; and at Verneuil, where Buchan -died sword in hand, like a brave knight, and covered with renown,--at -the same moment that Swinton, the gallant Laird of Dalswinton, slew -the boasting Clarence with one thrust of his border-spear. - -In 1570 the Guard consisted of a hundred curassiers, or -hommes-des-armes, a hundred archers of the corps, and twenty-five -"keepers of the King's body,"--all Scottish gentlemen of noble -descent and coat-armour. They saved the life of the tyrant Louis XI. -at Liege, and at Pavia fought around the gallant Francis in a circle -until _four_ only were left alive; and then, but not till _then_, the -King fell into the hands of the foe. In gratitude for their -long-tried faith and unmatched valour, they were vested with "all the -honour and confidence the King of France could bestow on his nearest -and dearest friends;" and thus, in a little band of Scottish Archers -originated the fashion of standing armies, and the nucleus of the -great permanent forces of France. - -"By this means," says an old Jacobite author, "our gentry were at -once taught the rules of civility and art of war; and we were -possessed of an inexhaustible stock of brave officers fit to -discipline and to command our armies at home, and ever sure to keep -up that respect, which was deservedly paid to the Scots' name and -nation abroad." - -As Sir James Hepburn's regiment of Pikemen they returned to Scotland -in 1633, being sent over by Louis XIII. to attend the coronation of -Charles I. at Edinburgh. On the commencement of the great and -disastrous civil war eight years after, they loyally adhered to the -King, and were then by the Cavalier army first styled the _Royal -Scots_. On the reverse of Charles's fortune and subversion of all -order, they went back to France; and under Louis of Bourbon, Duc -d'Enghien, shared in all the dangers and glories of that campaign on -the frontiers of Flanders, so famous for ending in the utter -destruction of the Spanish host, the death of the brave Condé de -Fuentes, the fall of Thionville, Philipsburg, Mentz, Worms, and -Oppenheim, till the waters of the Rhine reflected the flash of their -armour; and there fell the veteran Hepburn with his helmet on his -brow, and the flag of St. Andrew over him. - -Returning in 1678, they re-entered the Scottish army as the Earl of -Dunbarton's foot; and eight years after served against the ill-fated -Monmouth, and suffered severely, being attacked at Sedgemoor by his -cavalry in the night, their position being discerned through the -darkness by the glow of their lighted matches. - -At the Union in 1707, on the incorporation of the forces as the -British establishment--and when Scottish blood and Scottish treasure -were more than ever required to further the grasping aims and useless -wars of that age--the Royals, in consequence of their high-standing -in arms and venerable antiquity, were numbered as the _First_, or -Royal Scots Regiment of Foot,--a title they have since maintained -with honour, and on a hundred fields have upborne victoriously, the -same silver cross which the brave Archers of Athole and the spearmen -of Buchan unfurled so gloriously on the plains of Anjou, and at -Verneuil, on the banks of the Aure. - -Proud of themselves and of the honours their predecessors had -sustained untarnished in so many foreign battles, Dunbarton's -musqueteers felt an esprit du corps, to which at that time few other -military bands were entitled; and it was with a bosom glowing with -the highest sentiments of this description, that Walter Fenton for -the first time clasped on the silver gorget and plumed headpiece of -his junior rank, and found himself really a standard-bearer of a -regiment deemed the first in Europe, and whose boasted antiquity had -become a jocular proverb, obtaining for it the name of Pontius -Pilate's Guard. - -When next he paid his devoirs at the residence of the Napiers, Lilian -fairly blushed with pleasure to see him looking so gallant and -handsome; for, to a young girl's eye, a nodding plume, a golden -scarf, and jewelled rapier, were considerable additions to an -exterior otherwise extremely prepossessing. - -The paleness resulting from his confinement had quite passed away; -his olive cheek was suffused with the rich warm glow of health; while -buoyant spirits, new hopes, and high aspirations, lent a lustre to -his eye and a grace to his actions, which was not visible before, -when he felt himself to be the mere object of patronage and -dependence--the poor private gentleman with a brass-hilted whinger -and corslet of black iron. - -Again and again he visited the old turretted house on the Burghmuir, -and drank deeper draughts of that intoxicating passion which, from -its hopelessness, he dared hardly acknowledge to himself. Every day -he became more and more in love, and felt that it would be impossible -(with all his awe of Lady Grisel's fardingale and cane) to keep it -long a secret from the being who inspired it. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -THE GLOVE. - - Distrust me not, but unreserved disclose - The anxious thought that in thy bosom glows; - To impart our griefs is apt to mitigate, - And social sorrows blunt the darts of fate. - EVENING, a Poem. - - -A month had passed away, and the summer came; it was a month of -unalloyed happiness to Walter Fenton, who, at the somewhat solitary -mansion of Bruntisfield, was a frequent and always a welcome guest; -and there he spent every moment he could spare from his military -duties, which chiefly consisted of being on guard at the Palace Porch -or Privy Council Chamber, a review on Leith Links before old Sir -Thomas of Binns practising King James's new mode of exercise by flam -of drum, or 'worrying' various unhappy old women to say 'God save the -King,' pronounce the rising at Bothwell a rebellion, Archbishop -Sharpe a martyr, and Peden an impostor. - -Notwithstanding the early season of the year, the game in the woods -had particularly taken his fancy; so had the herons, eels, teals, and -trout of the Loch; and rabbit-warrens, and foxes that lurked among -the great quarries; and with Finland he generally contrived to finish -the day's loitering at the Hall fire, where Lady Grisel, with the -birr of her silver-mounted wheel, performed a burden to the long and -monotonous tales she inflicted, of the splendours of King Charles's -court, the terrors of the wars of Montrose, and the spells and charms -of sorcerers and witches--warnings, ghosts, and Heaven knows what -more; but all of which proved much more interesting to her hearers in -that age, than it could to my readers in this. - -Walter loved better to hear the wiry tinkling of Lilian's cittern or -virginals after the old lady had fallen fast asleep, and then Annie -Laurie joined her clear merry voice to the deeper notes of Douglas; -and they were ever a happy evening party when the pages of -_Cassandra, or The Banished Virgin_, and other romantic folios of the -day--luxury, music, and conversation, free and untrammelled as any -lover could wish--made the hours fleet past on silken wings. Ever -joyous and ever gay, it was a circle from which Walter departed with -regret, and counted one by one the long and weary hours until he -found himself there again. - -Notwithstanding her violent prejudice against the obscurity of his -birth, Lady Grisel warmly admired the young man for the frankness and -courage he displayed, his general high bearing, and above all, for a -certain strong resemblance which she averred he bore to her youngest -son, Sir Archibald Napier, who was slain in the unfortunate battle of -Inverkeithing, when Cromwell forced the passage of the Forth. - -Lucky it was for Walter that this strong idea took possession of her -mind. From that time forward she loved to see him constantly, to -watch his actions and features, and to listen to the tones of his -voice, until, to her moistened and aged eyes, the very image of her -youngest and best-beloved son seemed to be conjured up before her; -and so strong became her feelings when this fancy possessed her, that -it would have been a relief to have fallen upon his neck and kissed -him. - -To her it was a living dream of other days--a dream that called back -sorrow and joy, and a thousand tender memories from the mists that -envelope the past; and Walter was often surprised to find her eyes -full of tears when, after a long pause, she addressed him. Perhaps -for nothing but this tender and mysterious source of interest, would -she have permitted such an intimacy to spring up between the nameless -soldier and Lilian, the last hope of her race, the heiress of the -honours and possessions of the old barons of Bruntisfield and the -Wrytes. But her mind was now becoming enfeebled by age, and prudence -struggled in vain with her powerful fancies. - -Lilian (but this is a secret known only to ourselves and her gossip -Annie) admired young Fenton too, though with ideas widely differing -from those of her grandaunt, because he was a very handsome lad, with -a cavalier air, and locks curling over a white and haughty brow; keen -dark eyes, that were ever full of fire, but became soft and chastened -when he looked on her. She soon deemed that the curl of his lip -showed a - - "Spirit proud and prompt to ire;" - -but she never observed his moustachioed mouth without thinking what a -very handsome one it was. His soft mellow voice was deep in its -tones, and she loved to listen to his words till her young heart -seemed to vibrate when he spoke. He was generally subdued rather -than melancholy in manner; but the depth of his own thoughts imparted -to all he said an interest, that could not fail to attract a girl of -Lilian's gentle disposition. - -But his enthusiasm and his vehemence startled her at times, when he -spoke of the soldiers of Dunbarton, and of the glory he hoped to win -beneath those banners which Turenne and the Great Condé saw ever in -the van of battle. Gratitude, too, had no small share in her -sentiments towards him, when, reflecting on the risk he had so -generously run to save her dearest and (except one) her only relative -from a humiliating examination by the imperious Privy Council; and -she shuddered to think how narrowly he had escaped the extremity of -their wrath; for every instrument of torture was then judicially used -at the pleasure and caprice of the judicial authorities. - -A month, we have said, had passed away: in that brief time a great -change had gradually stolen over the hearts of Walter and Lilian -Napier. No declaration of love had been made on his part, and there -had been no acceptance on hers; but they were on the footing of -lovers: secret and sincere, each had only acknowledged the passion to -themselves: to her he had never whispered a word of the love that now -animated every thought and action; but she was not ignorant of his -affection, which a thousand little tendernesses revealed--and love -will beget love in others. - -They both felt it, or at least thought so. - -Though his dark eyes might become brighter or more languid, his voice -more insinuating, and his manner more graceful and gentle, when he -addressed her, never had he assumed courage sufficient to reveal the -secret thought that with each succeeding interview was daily and -hourly becoming more and more a part of his existence. Often he -longed to be an earl, a lord, or even a laird like Finland, that then -he might throw himself and his fortune at her feet, and declare the -depth of his passion in those burning expressions, that a thousand -times trembled on his lips, and were there chained by diffidence and -poverty. - -He was very timid, too: what true lover is not? - -A circumstance soon occurred, which, however trivial in itself, was -mighty in its effect on our two young friends; and, by opening up the -secret fountain of hope and pleasure, altered equally the aspect of -their friendship and the even tenor of their way. - -Lilian was fair and beautiful indeed; and (though not one of those -magnificent beings that exist only in the brains of romancers) when -gifted with all the mystic charms and romantic beauty, with which the -glowing fancy of the lover ever invests his mistress, she became in -Walter's imagination something more angelic and enchanting than he -had previously conceived to exist; for a lover sees everything -through the medium of beauty and delight. - -Notwithstanding the real charms of her mind and person, she possessed -a greater and more lasting source of attraction, in a graceful -sweetness of manner which cannot be described. With a voice that was -ever "low and sweet," and with all her girlish frankness and openness -of character, she could at times assume a womanly firmness and high -decision of manner, which every Scottish maid and matron had need to -possess in those days of stout hearts and hard blows, when brawls and -conflicts were of hourly occurrence, as no man ever went abroad -unarmed; and the upper classes, by never permitting an insult to pass -unpunished, became as much accustomed to the use of the sword and -dagger as their plodding descendants to handling the peaceful quill -and useful umbrella. - -On a bright evening in May, when the sun was sinking behind the -wooded ridge of the dark Corstorphine hills, and when the shadows of -the turrets of Bruntisfield and its thick umbrageous oaks were thrown -far across the azure loch, where the long-legged herons were wading -in search of the trout and perch, where the coot fluttered and the -snow-white swan spread its soft plumage to the balmy western wind, -Walter accompanied Lilian Napier and her fair friend, Annie Laurie, -in a ramble by the margin of the beautiful sheet of water, the green -and sloping banks of which were enamelled by summer flowers. - -The purple heath-bell, bowers of the blooming hawthorn, the bright -yellow broom, and a profusion of wild rose-trees, loaded the air with -perfume; for everything was arrayed in the greenness, the sunlight, -the purity, the glory of summer, and the thick dark oaks of -Drumsheugh towered up as darkly and as richly, as when the sainted -King David and his bold thanes hunted the snow-white bull and bristly -boar beneath their sombre shadows. - -The charms of the beautiful Annie Laurie live yet in Scottish song, -though the name and memory of the gallant lover whose muse embalmed -them is all but forgotten. - -Tall and fair, with a face of the most perfect loveliness, she had -eyes of the darkest blue, shaded by long black lashes, cheeks tinged -with red like a peach by the morning sun, and bright auburn hair -rolling in heavy curls over a slender and delicate neck, imparting a -graceful negligence to the dignity of her fine figure. Her whole -features possessed a matchless expression of sweetness and vivacity; -her nose was the slightest approach to aquiline; her lips were short -and full; her profile eminently noble. A broad beaver hat, tied with -coquettish ease, and adorned by one long ostrich feather drooping -over her right shoulder, formed her head-gear; while a dress of -light-blue silk, with the sleeves puffed and slashed with white -satin, and white gloves of Blois fastened by gold bracelets, formed -part of her attire. She carried a pretty heavy riding-switch, which -completed the jaunty, piquant, and saucy character of her air and -beauty. - -The young ladies were walking together, and Lilian hung on the arm of -her taller friend; while her cavalier was alternately by the side of -each. - -Though loving Lilian, he conversed quite as much--perhaps more--with -her gay companion, whose prattle and laughter were incessant; for -Annie invariably made it a rule to talk nonsense when nothing better -occurred to her. Walter treated both with the utmost tenderness, but -Lilian with the greatest respect: he now felt truly what Finland had -often averred, "that the girl one loves is greater than an empress." - -"And so," Mr. Fenton, said Annie, continuing her incessant raillery, -"is it true that a party of Dunbarton's braves were out at the -House-of-Linn yesterday, dragooning the poor cottars to pray for King -James, to ban the Covenant, and all that?" - -"It is but too true, I fear. Indeed, I was on that duty, and at the -Richardson's Barony of Cramond too." - -"Oh, such valour!--to terrify women and children, and drive the poor -millers and fishers away; to stop the mills, break the dams, spoil -the nets, and sink the boats. Fie upon you! Don't come near me, -sir. Alas for the warriors of the great Condé, how sadly they are -degenerating! Oh! Mr. Fenton, we positively blush for you: do we -not, gossip Lilian?" - -"Fair Annie, you are very severe upon me. If I was on such a duty, -could I help it? A soldier must hear and obey." - -"Even to ducking his mother, I suppose. Go to--I have no patience -with such work! And was it by Finland's orders that all the old -cummers of Cramond were sent swimming down the river tied to chairs -and cutty-stools?" - -"But they were very old, and ugly too; besides, the stream was very -shallow. And as they were all caught in the act of singing a psalm -in the wood of Dalmenie, what else could we do but duck them well for -their contumacy? It was rare fun, I assure you, and Finland nearly -burst his corslet with laughing; but I assure you, ladies, we only -ducked the old women of the village." - -"Ay--ay; the young would not get off scatheless, I fear," replied -Annie, giving him a switch with her riding-rod; "I know soldiers of -old. But, marry come up! our Teviotdale lads would have given you a -hot reception had you come among them with such hostile intentions." - -"Then the worse would be their fare," said Walter, in a tone of -pique. "When ordered by our superiors to test the people----" - -"Heigh-day! Now, good Mr. Fenton, suppose you were commanded to -_test_ us in that rough fashion, because we would not pronounce Sharp -a martyr and the Covenant a bond of rebellion, and said just whatever -you wished of us,--what then? For, in sooth, we would say none of -those things: would we, gossip Lilian?" - -"But then we should each be sent voyaging down the loch on a -cutty-stool," said Lilian, joining her friend in a loud burst of -merriment. - -"On my honour, ladies," said Walter very seriously, "these Orders of -Council refer only to the rascal multitude. Who ever heard of a lady -of rank being treated like a cottar-wife?" - -"High and low share alike the vengeance of the Council, and Argyle -lost his head for some such bubble. I cannot forget how, in the -January of '82, six years ago (faith, I am getting quite an old -spinster!), Claver'se and his troop took a fancy to quarter -themselves at our house of Maxwelton, because my youngest sister had -been christened by that poor man Ichabod Bummel, who carries -misfortune wherever he shows his long nose. The cavalier troopers -ate and drank up all they could lay hands on, in cellar, buttery, and -barnyard; and I was terrified to death by the clank of their -jack-boots and long rapiers, as they laughed and swore, and pursued -the servants up one stair and down another. But Claver'se drew his -chair in by the hall-fire, and taking me upon his knee, looked on me -so kindly with his great black eyes, that I forgot the horror my -mother's tales of him had inspired me with; and he kissed me twice, -saying I would be the bonniest lass in all Nithsdale,--and has it not -come true? But Colonel Grahame is so ferocious----" - -"Oh! hush, Annie," whispered Lilian, for the name of Claverhouse was -seldom mentioned but with studied respect and secret hatred, from the -fear of his supernatural powers. - -"Tush, dear Lilian! I am resolved to assert our prerogative to say -whatever we have a mind to. But to return to the raid of yesterday. -Had you heard Finland describing how valiantly his soldiers marched -into the little hamlet, with drums beating, pikes advanced, and -matches lighted, driving wives and weans and cocks and hens before -them, you would (like me) have felt severely that the brave cavaliers -of Dunbarton, les Gardes Ecossais of Arran and Aubigne, the stout -hearts that stormed the towers of Oppenheim, had come to so low a -pass now. If ever Finland goes on another such barns-breaking -errand, I vow he shall never come into my presence again!" - -"Under favour, fair Annie," said Walter laughingly, "your heart would -soon relent; for I know you to be a true cavalier-dame, -notwithstanding all this severe raillery." - -"I have heard her say quite as much to the Earl of Perth--what dost -think of that, Walter?" said Lilian. - -"It is more than the boldest of our Barons dared have done in these -degenerate days; but he would find how impossible it is to be -displeased with you, fair Annie. How is it, Madam Lilian, that you -do not in some way assist me against the raillery of your gossip? -Her waggery is very smarting, I assure you." - -Ere Lilian could speak, the clear voice of Annie interrupted her by -exclaiming-- - -"Aha, Mr. Fenton, you have dropped something from the breast of that -superbly pinked vest of yours--is it a tag, a tassel, or what?" - -"I know not," he muttered hurriedly, putting his hand in the breast -of his coat. - -"It fell among the grass," said Lilian. - -"Oh, I have it! I have it!" added Annie, springing forward and -picking something up. "'Tis here--on my honour a glove!" - -"A lady's--it fell from his breast," said Lilian in a breathless -voice. - -"Of beautiful point lace--one of yours, gossip Lilian? O brave!--ha! -ha!" - -"Mine--mine, said you?" Lilian's voice faltered; she grew pale and -red alternately, while adding, with an air of confusion, "You are -jesting as usual, you daft lassie. Oh, surely 'tis a mistake!" - -"Judge for yourself, love. I saw you mark it: here are your initials -worked in beads of blue and silver." - -"It is but too true--I lost it some weeks ago," faltered Lilian, -whose timid blue eyes stole one furtive glance at the handsome -culprit under their long brown lashes, and were instantly cast down -in the utmost confusion. She was excited almost to tears. - -"Forsooth, there is something immensely curious in all this, Mr. -Fenton," continued the waggish Annie, twirling the little glove aloft -on the point of her riding-switch. "We must have you arraigned -before the High Court of Love, and compelled to confess, under terror -of his bow-string, to a jury of fair ladies, when and wherefore you -obtained this glove." - -"Now, Mr. Fenton, do;" urged Lilian, entering somewhat into the gay -spirit of her friend, though her happy little heart vibrated with -confusion and joy as tumultuously as a moment ago it had beat with -jealousy and fear. "Tell us when you got it, and all about it." - -"The night Ichabod Bummel was arrested," replied Walter, who still -coloured deeply at this unexpected discovery, for he was yet but -young in the art of love. - -"Aha, and Lilian gave it! My pretty little prude, and is it thus -with thee?" - -"Cease, I pray you, Annie Laurie!" said Lilian, in a tone very much -akin to asperity. "I hope Mr. Fenton will resolve this matter -himself." - -"Forgive me, Lilian--forgive me, Madam. I found it on the floor -after your escape, and I kept it as a token of remembrance. You will -pardon my presumption in doing so, when I say, at that time, I -thought never, never to meet you again, and assuredly could not have -foreseen the happiness of an hour like this." He spoke in a brief -and confused manner, for he was concerned at the annoyance Annie's -raillery evidently caused Lilian. "Permit me to restore it," he -added, with increased confusion, "or perhaps you--you will permit -me--" - -"What?" - -"To have the honour of retaining it." - -"O no--no; how could you think of that?" said Lilian hurriedly and -timidly, as she took the glove from the upheld riding-rod, and -concealing it in some part of her dress, continued, "now let us hear -no more of this silly affair. Ah, Mr. Walter, how sadly you have -exposed yourself! To carry one's old glove about you, as Aunt Grisel -does a charm against cramp, or thunder, or luck. 'Tis quite droll! -Ah, good Heavens!" she added, in a whisper, "do not tell her of this -affair, Annie!" - -"Dost think I am so simple? Finland has taught me how one ought to -keep one's own secrets from fathers and mothers, and aunts too." - -"But to-morrow your sedan will be seen trotting over the whole town, -up this close and down that, as you hurry from house to house, -telling the wonderful adventure of the glove, and trussed up quite -into a story in your own peculiar fashion, as long as the _Grand -Scipio_, or any romance of Scuderi." - -"For Lilian's sake, let me hope not, Mistress Laurie," said Walter, -imploringly, to the gay beauty. - -"Trust me for once, dear Lilian," said Annie, patting her cheek with -her riding-switch, "I know when to prattle and when to be silent. -Dost really think, my sweet little gossip, that I would jest with thy -name, as I do with those of my Lady Jean Gordon, Mary of Charteris, -the Countess of Dunbarton, or any of our wild belles who care not a -rush how many fall in love with them, but bestow glances and -kerchiefs, and rings and love-knots of ribbon, on all and sundry? I -trow not. Apropos of that! I know three gentlemen of Claver'se -Guards who wear Mary's favours in their hats, and if these ribbons -are dyed in brave blood some grey morning, she alone will be to -blame, for her coquetry is very dangerous. Young Holsterlee will be -at the Countess of Dunbarton's ball _à la Française_ next week; -observe him narrowly, and you will see a true-love knot of white -ribbons at his breast; and if the young Lords Maddertie and Fawsyde -are there, you will see each with the same gift from the same fond -and liberal hand. Ah, she is a wild romp! It was the Duchess Mary's -late suppers, and Monsieur Minuette's Bretagne that quite spoiled -her, for once upon a time she was as grave, discreet, and silent -as--as myself." - -"O you wag--such a recluse she must have been!" - -"Quite a little nun!" added Annie, and both the charming girls -laughed with all the gaiety of their sex and the thoughtlessness of -their rank. - -Lilian was both vexed and pleased at the discovery that Fenton had -for so many weeks borne her glove in his bosom; but from that time -forward she became more reserved in his presence, and walked little -with him in the garden, and still less in the lawn or by the banks of -the loch. - -She did not avoid his presence, but gave him fewer opportunities of -being alone with her. Did she think of him less? - -Ah, surely not. - -A lover is the pole-star of a young girl's thoughts by day and night, -and never was Walter's image absent a moment from the mind of Lilian; -for like himself she numbered and recounted the hours until they met -again. Their meetings were marked by diffidence and embarrassment, -and their parting with secret regret. - -Walter, too, was somewhat changed, from the knowledge that Lilian had -discovered his passion. His voice, which seemed the same to other -ears, became softer and more insinuating when he addressed her. He -was, if possible, more respectful, and more timid, and more tender. -His imagination--what a plague it was! and how very fertile in -raising ideal annoyances! One hour his heart was joyous with delight -at the memory of some little incident--a word or a smile; and the the -next he nursed himself into a state of utter wretchedness, with the -idea that Lilian had looked rather coldly upon him, or had spoken far -too kindly of her cousin the captain of the Scots' Brigade. - -Though the latter was a bugbear in his way, Walter did not seriously -fear a rival; for he wore a sword, and after the fashion of the time -feared no man. He dreaded most the loss of Lilian's esteem, for he -dared not think that yet she linked love and his name together in her -mind. Could he have read her heart and known her secret thoughts, he -would have found a passion as deep as his own concealed under the -bland purity and innocence of her smile, which revealed only -well-bred pleasure at his approach. - -Many days of anxious hoping and fearing, &c. passed, after the affair -of the glove, but he saw Lilian thrice only. She kept close by the -side of her grand-aunt Grisel, and the old lady seldom left her wheel -and well-cushioned chair in the chamber-of-dais. - -"Why did she not permit me to retain the glove?" he would at times -say to himself. "Then I would have no cause for all my present -doubts and fears. Had we been alone, perhaps she would have done -so----" - -Walter was right in that conjecture. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -A BALL IN THE OLDEN TIME. - - Shades of my fathers, in your pasteboard skirts, - Your broidered waistcoats and your plaited shirts, - Your formal bag-wigs--wide extended cuffs, - Your five-inch chitterlings and nine-inch ruffs; - I see you move the solemn minuet o'er, - The modest foot scarce rising from the floor. - SALMAGUNDI. - - -On the south side of the city where the old Liberton road branching -off enters it by two diverging routes, one by the narrow and ancient -Potter Row, and the other by the street of the Bristo Port, a -formidable gate in the re-entering angle of the city-wall, which -bristled with cannon and overlooked the way that descended to the -Grass-market, there stood in 1688 (and yet stands) an antique mansion -of very picturesque aspect. It is furnished with numerous outshots -and projections, broad, dark, and bulky stacks of chimnies reared up -in unusual places, and having over the upper windows circular -pediments enriched with initials and devices, but now blackened by -age and encrusted with the smoky vapour of centuries. - -It is still known as the "General's House," from its having been -anciently the residence appropriated to the Commander-in-chief of the -Scottish forces. A narrow passage leads to it from that ancient -suburban Burgh of Barony, the Potter's Row, where doubtless many a -psalm-singing puritan of Monk's Regiment, many a scarred trooper of -Leven's Iron Brigade, and many a stern veteran of the Covenant have -kept watch and ward, in the pathway which is still, as of old, -styled, _par excellence_, THE General's Entry. - -Its garden has now become a lumber-yard, and is otherwise encroached -upon; its stables have long since vanished, and mean dwellings -surround and overtop it; the windows are stuffed with old hats and -bundles of straw or rags; brown paper flaps dismally in the broken -glasses, and its once gay chambers, where the "cunning George Monk," -the grave and stern Leven, Dalyel of the iron-heart, and the gallant -Dunbarton feasted royally, and held wassail with their comrades, -have, like all the surrounding mansions of the great and noble of the -other days, been long since abandoned to citizens of the poorest and -humblest class. - -In 1688 its aspect was very different. - -Standing then on the very verge of the city, it was deemed in the -country, though now the gas lamps extend two miles beyond it, and -dense and populous streets occupy the sites of two straggling and -unpretending suburbs of thatched cottages and "sclaited lands." To -the southward of the road, a narrow rugged horseway, passed through -fields and thickets towards the great Loch of the Burgh, and -ascending its opposite bank, passed the straggling suburb named the -Causeway-side, where there were many noble old villas, the residences -of Sir Patrick Johnstone, of the Laird of Westerhall, and others, and -sweeping past the ruined convent of St. Catherine of Sienna, wound -over the hill (near a gibbet that was seldom unoccupied by sweltering -corpses and screaming ravens), towards the Barony of Liberton, a -lonely hamlet with a little stone spire, and the tall square tower of -the Winrams, in older days the patrimony of a lesser Baron named -Macbeth. - -To the westward of the General's House were fertile fields that -extended close up to the defences of the city, then a long line of -lofty and embattled walls built of reddish-coloured sandstone, -strengthened at intervals by towers alternately of a round or square -form, which defended its various ports or barrier-gates. Within this -stony zone rose the dark and massive city, which for ages had been -increasing in denseness; for, in consequence of the nature of the -times, and the dubious relations of the country with its southern -neighbour, the citizens seldom dared to build beyond the narrow -compass of the walls. - -From these causes, and in imitation of those bad allies the French, -Edinburgh, like ancient Paris, became deeper and closer, taller and -yet more tall; house arose upon house, street was piled upon street, -bartizan, gable, and tower shot up to an amazing height, and were -wedged within the walls, till the thoroughfares like those of Venice -were only three feet broad, and in some places exhibited fourteen -tiers of windows. - -An Act of the Scottish Legislature was found absolutely necessary to -curb the rage for stupendous houses, and in 1698 it was enacted, that -none should be erected within the liberties of the city exceeding -five stories in height. Prior to the middle of the seventeenth -century Edinburgh could not boast of one court or square save that of -White Horse Hostel, if indeed it could be termed either. - -The access to these vast and imperishable piles was by turnpike -stairs, steep, narrow, dark, and mysterious. The population of the -city was then about 50,000; but as it increased, so did the denseness -of the houses; even the buttresses of the great cathedral were all -occupied by little dwellings, till the venerable church resembled a -hen with a brood under her wings. Year by year for seven centuries -the alleys had become higher and narrower, till Edinburgh looked like -a vast city crowded in close column on the steep faces of a hill, -until the building of a bridge to the north, when it burst from the -embattled girdle that for ages had pent it up, and more like another -Babylon than a "modern Athens" spread picturesquely over every steep -rock and deep defile in its vicinity. But to return: - -On a dusky evening Walter Fenton and Douglas of Finland, muffled in -their ample scarlet rocquelaures, which completely hid their rich -dresses, came stumbling along the dark and narrow Potter's Row, -towards the gate of the General's House, where a mounted guard of the -Grey Dragoons sat motionless as twenty statues, the conical fur cap -of each trooper forming the apex of a pyramid, which his wide cloak -made, when spread over the crupper of his horse. Still and firm as -if cast in bronze, were every horse and man. Each trooper rested his -short musquetoon on his thigh, with the long dagger screwed on its -muzzle. This guard of honour was under arms to receive the General's -military guests, and the fanfare of the trumpets and a ruffle on the -kettle-drum announced that Sir Thomas Dalyel of Binns had just -arrived. - -In the entry stood a foot soldier muffled in his sentinel's coat. - -"One of ours, I think," said Douglas; "Art one of the old Die-hards, -good fellow?" - -"Hab Elshender, at your service, Laird." - -"Hah! hath the Lady Bruntisfield arrived?" asked Walter. - -"Ay, Sir," replied Hab, with a knowing Scots' grin; for he understood -the drift of the question: "Ay, Sir--and Madam Lilian too--looking -for a' the world like the queen of the fairies." - -Within the gate the court was filled with light and bustle. -Carriages of ancient fashion and clumsy construction profusely -decorated with painting and gilding, with coats armorial on the -polished pannels and waving hammer-cloths, rolled up successively to -the doorway; sedans gaudy with brass nails, red silk blinds, and -scarlet poles, military chargers, and servants on foot and horseback -in gorgeous liveries, all glittering in the light of the flaring -links which usually preceded every person of note when threading the -gloomy and narrow thoroughfares of Edinburgh after nightfall. - -Impatient at every moment which detained him from the side of Lilian, -now, when he could appear before her to the utmost advantage, Walter, -heedless of preceding his friend, sprang up the handsome staircase of -carved oak, the walls of which were covered with painted panels and -trophies of arms, conspicuous among which was the standard of the -unfortunate Argyle taken in the conflict of Muirdykes three years -before. Here they threw their broad hats and red mantles to the -servants, and were immediately ushered into a long suite of -apartments, which were redolent of perfume and brilliant with light -and gaiety. - -Douglas, whose extremely handsome features were of a dark and olive -hue, like all those of his surname generally, wore the heavy cavalier -wig falling over his collar of point d'Espagne and gold-studded -breastplate. Walter had his own natural hair hanging in dark curls -on a cuirass of silver, polished so bright that the fair dancers who -flitted past every moment saw their flushed faces reflected in its -glassy surface. - -Their coats and breeches were of scarlet, pinked with blue silk and -laced with gold; their sashes were of yellow silk, but had massive -tassels of gold; and their formidable bowl-hilted rapiers were slung -in shoulder-belts of velvet embroidered with silver. Their long -military gloves almost met the cuffs of their coats, which were -looped up to display the shirt-sleeves--a new fashion of James VII.; -and everything about them was perfumed to excess. Such was the -attire of the military of that day, as regulated by the "Royal -Orders" of the King. - -Threading their way through a crowd of dancers, whose magnificent -dresses of bright-hued satins and velvets laced with silver or gold, -and blazing with jewels, sparkled and shone as they glided from hand -to hand to the music of an orchestra perched in a recessed gallery of -echoing oak, they passed into an inner apartment to pay their devoirs -to the Countess, who for a time had relinquished the dance to -overlook the tea-board--a solemn, arduous, and highly-important duty, -which was executed by her lady-in-waiting, a starched demoiselle of -very doubtful age. - -Though rather diminutive in person, the Countess of Dunbarton was a -very beautiful woman, and possessed all that dazzling fairness of -complexion which is so characteristic of her country-women. She was -English, and a sister of the then Duchess of Northumberland. Her -eyes were of a bright and merry blue; her hair of the richest auburn; -her small face was quite enchanting in expression, and very piquant -in its beauty; while her fine figure was decidedly inclined to -_embonpoint_. - -She was one of the fashionable mirrors of the day, and the standard -by whom the stately belles of Craig's Close and the Blackfriars Wynd -regulated the depth of their stomachers and the length of their -trains--the star of Mary d'Este's balls at Holyrood, where, in the -splendour of her jewels, she had nearly rivalled the famous Duchess -of Lauderdale; and though an Englishwoman, notwithstanding the -jealousy and dislike which from time immemorial had existed between -the two kingdoms, she was, from the suavity of her manner, the -brilliancy of her wit, and the amiability of her disposition, both -admired and beloved in Edinburgh. - -With a pretty and affected air, she held her silver pouncet-box in an -ungloved and beautifully-formed hand, which was whiter than the -bracelet of pearls that encircled it. Close by, upon a satin -cushion, reposed a pursy, pug-nosed, and silky little lap-dog, of his -late Majesty's favourite and long-eared breed. It had been a present -from himself, and bore the royal cypher on its silver collar. Near -her on a little tripod table of ebony stood the tea-board, with its -rich equipage and a multitude of little china cups glittering with -blue and gold. - -The tea, dark, fragrant, and priceless beyond any now in use, was -served by the prim gentlewoman before mentioned (the daughter of some -decayed family), who acted as her useful friend and companion; and -slowly it was poured out like physic from a little silver pot of -curious workmanship, a gift from Mary Stuart (then Princess of -Orange), and the same from which she was wont to regale the ladies of -Holyrood. - -Tea was unknown in London at the time of the Restoration; and when -introduced a few years afterwards by the Lords Arlington and Ossory, -was valued at sixty shillings the pound; but the beautiful Mary -d'Este of Modena was the first who made it known in the Scottish -capital in 1681. This new and costly beverage was still one of the -wonders and innovations of the age, and was only within the reach of -the great and wealthy until about 1750; but the royal tea-parties, -masks and entertainments of the Duchess Mary and her affable -daughters, were long the theme of many a tall great-grandmother, and -remembered with veneration and regret among other vanished glories, -when, by the cold blight that fell upon her, poor Scotland felt too -surely that "a stranger" filled the throne of the Stuarts. - -Lady Grisel of Bruntisfield, and other venerable dowagers and ancient -maiden gentlewomen (a species in which some old Scottish families are -still very prolific), all as stiff as pride, brocade, starch, and -buckram could make them, were sitting very primly and uprightly in -their high-backed chairs, clustered round the Countess's little -tripod table, like pearls about a diamond, when the cavaliers -advanced to pay their respects. - -"Welcome! Finland," said the Countess, addressing Douglas according -to the etiquette of the country. "My old friend Walter, your most -obedient servant. How fortunate!--we have just been disputing about -romances, and drawing comparisons between that lumbering folio _The -Banished Virgin_ and the _Cassandra_. You will act our umpire. My -dear boy, let me look at you; how well you look, and so handsome, in -all this bravery; doth he not, Mistress Lilian?" - -Lilian, who, in all the splendour of diamonds and full dress, was -leaning on Aunt Grisel's chair, blushed too perceptibly at this very -pointed question, but was spared attempting a reply, for the gay -Countess continued: - -"Remember, Walter, that the great Middleton, who became an earl, and -lieutenant-general of the Scots' Horse, began his career like -yourself, by trailing a partisan in the old Royals--then Hepburn's -pikemen in the French service; and who knoweth, my dear child, where -yours may end? Heigho! These perilous times are the making and -unmaking of many a brave man. So, Mr. Douglas, we were disputing -about----(Madam Ruth, assist the gentlemen to dishes of -tea)----about--what was it?--O, a passage in the _Cassandra_." - -"I shall be happy to be of any service to your Ladyship," began -Finland, with his blandest smile, while raising to his -well-moustachioed lip a little thimbleful of the new-fashioned -beverage, which he cordially detested, but took for form's sake. - -"We are in great doubts whether Lysimachus was justified in running -his falchion through poor Oleander, for merely desiring the -charioteer of the beautiful princesses to drive faster. You will -remember the passage. We all think it very cruel, and that no lover -is entitled to be so outrageous." - -Douglas knew the pages of his muster-roll better than those of the -romance in question, but he answered promptly: - -"I think Master Oleander was an impudent rascal, and well deserving a -few inches of cold iron, or a sound truncheoning at the hands of the -provost-marshal. I remember doing something of that kind myself -about the time that old Mareschal de Crecqui was blocked up and taken -in Treves." - -"Ay, Douglas, that was when we were with the column of the Moselle," -said the Earl, who now approached and leaned on the back of the -Countess's chair. "It was shortly after the brave Turenne had been -killed by that unlucky cannonball that deprived France of her best -chevalier. We were in full retreat across the river. Some ladies of -the army were with us in a handsome calêche, as gay a one as ever -rolled along the Parisian Boulevards. There was a devil of a press -at the barrier gate of Montroyale, and an officer of the Regiment de -Picardie was urging the horses of the vehicle to full speed by -goading them with his half-pike, regardless of the cries of the -ladies, when Finland, by one blow of his baton, unhorsed him, and -some say he never marched more." - -"O! Mr. Douglas!" said the Countess, holding up her hands. - -"There was an old feud between us and the chevaliers de Picardie," -continued the Earl; "but the worst of this malheur was, that the poor -officer was the husband of one of the demoiselles in question; and as -she was extremely handsome, and Finland, by becoming her very devoted -serviteur, endeavoured, during the remainder of the campaign, to make -every amends for the loss he had occasioned her; the gallants of the -army said----" - -"Marry, come up! My Lord, dost take my boudoir for a tavern or a -sutler's tent? Fie! Laird of Finland, you are worse than the -Lysimachus of the romance. But what think you, Walter, of that hero -becoming enamoured of the fair prisoner committed to his care, the -Princess Parisatis? It would seem that in ancient times, as well as -modern, that beauty must be a dangerous trust for a young soldier." - -The Earl laughed till he shook the perfume from his wig; Walter -smiled, and stole one glance at Lilian. She, too, was smiling, and -playing with her fan; but her long lashes were cast down, and her -cheek was burning with blushes. - -"So dangerous, indeed, is beauty," said the Earl, "that had I any -fair prisoners, I would entrust them only to old fellows with leather -visages and tough hearts, ancient routiers, like Will Wemyss, or, if -they were remarkably handsome, why, I might keep them in my own -immediate charge." - -"Indeed, my Lord--quotha?" said the Countess, pouting. - -"Believe me, dear Lætitia," said the handsome noble, patting her -white shoulder, "they could not be in safer keeping than the wardship -of your husband. He can never see beauty in others." - -She smiled at the Earl's compliment, and turning to the blushing -Lilian, said: - -"In sooth, madam, Walter Fenton was always somewhat addicted to -gallantry, though Mistress Ruth and he were ever at drawn daggers -while he was about me. While a boy, he was quite a little cavaliero; -and when obeying my orders, always preferred a kiss to any other -reward. But by my honour, little Walter was so pretty a boy, that I -gave him enough to have made my Lord the Earl quite jealous. Even -Anne of Monmouth and Buccleugh, never had a page so handsome and so -gay; and I doubt not, boy, thou prove a true Scottish cavalier in -those sad wars which all men say are fast approaching." - -Walter's only reply was pressing to his lips the white hand of the -beautiful English woman; for his heart was too full to speak. - -"And now, Walter," she continued, "as a mark of my favour you shall -dance with me, while Lord Dunbarton leads out the young lady of -Bruntisfield. I have not been on the floor since the first cotillon -with Claverhouse. Madam Ruth, you will please preside at the -tea-board. Mr. Douglas--Finland, as you Scots name him, where is he?" - -"Gone to look for the Lily of Maxwelton, I warrant," said the Earl. - -"Then he may even spare himself the trouble, poor man! she has been -coquetting for this hour past with the Laird of Craigdarroch, a -gentleman of the Life Guards. On, on, or we shall be late for the -cotillon. Ah, Walter, you are still looking after that fair girl -Napier. She is very pretty; but are you really in love with her? -You blush! Bless you, my poor boy, she is immensely rich they -say--and--but you shall dance with her next." - -As they advanced among the dancers, a tall lady in scarlet brocade, -with a stomacher blazing with diamonds, swept past. She was led by a -gentleman gorgeously attired in a coat of pink velvet, lined and -slashed with yellow satin, and looped and buttoned with gold. Like -all the rest, his voluminous wig was of the most glossy black. His -dark stern eyes glared for a moment upon Walter, as he bowed -profoundly to the Countess and passed on. - -"'Tis Mary of Charteris, and that fearful man Lord Clermistonlee," -said she. "We cannot omit him here though we detest him. How -handsome, how noble he looks; and yet, how repulsive!" - -A crash of music burst from the arched gallery, and after a few -preliminary flourishes, a cotillon commenced. This graceful dance -was then the universal favourite, but has long been superseded or -merged in the modern quadrille, where some of its figures are still -retained. Though stately in measure and elaborate in step, the -cotillon had none of that grave solemnity which characterises the -latter. When our forefathers danced, they did so in good earnest, -and the whole ballroom became instinct with life, action, and agile -grace, as the dancers swept to the right and to the left, the tall -ladies with their high plumage floating, trains sweeping, and -red-heeled slippers pattering, while their pendants and lappets, -flounces and frills, and pompoons and puffs were flashing, glinting, -and waving among the curled wigs and laced coats, diamond hilted -swords and brocade-vests of the gentlemen. In what might (now) be -deemed odd contrast with the richness of their attire, and the -starched dignity of their demeanour, familiar and homely expressions -were heard from time to time, such as,-- - -"My Leddy Becky, your hand--Drumdryan, you're a' gaun agee, -man!--Pardon, my Lord Spynie, your rapier's tirled wi' mine--Haud ye -a', my Leddy Pituchar has drappit her pouncet-box!--Hoots, Laird -Holster, are you daft?--Pilrig, set to her Leddyship," and so forth. - -Meanwhile Douglas wandered through the glittering throng in quest of -his beautiful Anne, nodding briefly on all hands; for Dick, the Laird -of Finland, was one of those gay fellows whom every body knew; but -his fair one was nowhere visible. He began to wax fearfully wroth, -and resolving to dance with no one else, continued his search until -he found himself at the end of the suite of apartments, in a handsome -little room wainscotted with gilt panels, and having a large sun -gilded over the mantel-piece, from the centre of which, as from a -reflector, a blaze of yellow light was thrown by an alabaster lamp. - -Lord Mersington, accurately attired in black velvet, plainly laced -with silver, Dalyel, with his long white beard and mail-rusted buff -coat, looking as ferocious as ever, with his enormous toledo, and -Swedish jingle-spurs, which in lieu of rowels had each four metal -balls in a bell, and consequently made a great noise when he walked; -the unfortunate President Lockhart, the "bluidy Advocate," Mackenzie, -the two ancient maiden dames of Pheesgil, Lady Grisel Napier, and -Madam Drumsturdy, a tall and raw-boned dowager in black taffeta with -pearls, plumes and heartbreakers (or false ringlets) were all -intently playing at the old-fashioned game of Primero. - -"Hee, hee, my Lady Drumsturdy," said Mersington, simpering like an -ape at his partner in his attempts to be pleasing, "the general is a -kittle opponent. A spade led." - -"Your Lordship will not turn my flank gif I can help it--'tis a -knave;" replied the old cavalier, sorting his suite. "I ken Primero -weel. Mony a time and oft, d--n me! I have played a round game at -it, and Ombre, Knave-out-o'-doors, Post-and-pair on the head o' a -kettle-drum, and mony a score o' roubles I have swept off the same -gude table: but troth, Mersington, ye are waur to warsle wi' then a -Don Cossack--(play, Sir George)--o' whom God wot, I have had some -experience in my time." - -"Ay, ay--hee, hee--a diamond was played," said Mersington, as the -card party exchanged glances of impatience, confidently foreseeing -the infliction of some of Sir Thomas's Russian reminiscences. - -"Speaking o' Don Cossacks," said he, starting off without further -preamble, and clanking his enormous spurs; "it was just this time -thirty years ago that we sacked Smolensko and Kiow, after storming -them from the Polanders. Dags and pistols! but my squadron of -Cossacks shewed themselves born deevils that day. Sabre and spear -was the cry. Some braw pickings we got, your ladyships, in that same -province of Lithuania, which to an industrious cavalier, who knoweth -the fashion of war, is as fine a place for free inquartering as the -Garden of Eden would have been, d--n me!" - -"Oh! Sir Thomas," said Lady Grisel deprecatingly. "But is it true -that in Muscovy no man will either beck, bow, or veil bonnet to a -woman in the streets?" - -"I hope no true-born Russ would undervalue himsel' so far," replied -Sir Thomas, stroking his silver beard. "He would as soon put his -head in the fire as bend it to any woman, his ain mother even; and as -for adoring beauty--udsdaggers! a Muscovite would sooner think of -adoring his horse's tail. I assure you, ladies, that the great Duke -of Muscovy himsel' would not permit his mother, wife, or daughter to -eat at the same buird wi' him, even if it were to save their lives. -'Tis the law o' the land, and a very gude ane too." - -Here the old ladies held up their hands and eyes, but the General -continued. - -"They are fine cheilds those same Russians though, and I will at one -sliver cut the throat of any loon that gainsayeth it. Had your -ladyships seen Salcroff's Black Cuirassiers sweeping ten thousand -wild Tartars before them, and driving them with levelled lances into -the foaming waters of the Vistula, it would have been a sight to mind -o'. Udsdaggers! that was different work from riding owre a band o' -puir psalm-singing deevils o' Covenanters, just as ane would trot -owre a corn-rig. Ay, _those_ were the days, and _that_ was the -service, for a pretty man! My Lord President, play if it please you." - -"You are an awfu' man, Binns," said Mersington; "a perfect auld -deil's buckie, and weel kent to be a most unrelenting tulzier, that -caresna whether a man crieth _quarter_ in our decent Scots' tongue, -or in that o' an Englishman, Tartar, or other unco body, death being -the doom o' all alike." - -"And what for no, my lord?" rejoined this ferocious commander, -knitting his formidable brows. "Are these times in whilk to shew -mercy to low-born rapscallions? A bonny spot o' work this is in the -north: these deevils the Clandonald o' Keppoch and the Fusileer Guard -hae been at it ding-dong wi' pike and broadsword every day for this -week past. But I have heard that Captain Crichton is off on the spur -wi' some horse and dragoons, to tak' a turn against the Hielandmen; -and if he sends a pockfu' o' heads now and then to the Council, he -will not be riding aboon the King's commission." - -"Oh, Sir Thomas!" ejaculated Lady Grisel again, "the brave are ever -merciful." - -"So, please your ladyship, I have often ridden by the side of a -certain cavalier, Sir Archibald Napier of Bruntisfield, whom Montrose -esteemed as brave a man as put foot in stirrup; and, like mysel', -_he_ shewed but small favour to the canting, crop-luggit, covenanting -rapscallions o' his time. Puir Paton o' Meadowhead and Wallace o' -Auchans, whom thrice at Pentland I had this very blade upraised to -smite, were the only honest men that followed their banner. God sain -them baith! for they were pretty men, and knew the wars like -mysel'.--Lady Drumsturdy, a spade if you please." - -"Sir Thomas," said the soft voice of Lady Grisel, "no marvel it is -that the poor nonjurors shrink before you, even as from--from----" - -"Our gude friend wi' the forkit tail," added Mersington, closing the -sentence, while Dalyel's bushy beard shook with his laughter as he -replied-- - -"Ou ay; and like Claver'se, Glenæ, Lag, and a few mair o' our leal -royal commanders, I am proof to lead and steel--ha! ha! Weel may -these sniveling loons, who sold their King for a groat, and -sacrificed their country for its d--n'd Kirk, quail before the eye of -a leal man and true. I am an auld gentleman trooper, and trailed a -pike under the Muscovite eagle owre lang to hae mony remains o' -tenderness, whilk is a failing I believe few folk will accuse me o'. -Uds-daggers, Finland, I see you listening, my braw man. Your beard -may grow white like mine (though, after the fashion o' these -degenerate days, your chin is as smooth as a Christmas apple), but -never will ye ride owre the spur-leathers in Tartar gore as I have -done. Braw gallants as ye are, in your plate corslets and pinkit -doublets, laced and perfumed, tasselled and tagged, and jagged and -bedeevilled like state trumpeters, ye would be but puir hands at -resisting a charge o' mailed horse or heavy dragoons." - -"Under favour, General Dalyel," replied the handsome lieutenant -laughing, "I hope not; and Monmouth's cavaliers found lately, that a -stand of Scottish pikes are still as firm as when levelled on the -fields of Sark or Otterburn. By my faith, their spurred horses -recoiled from our solid squares like water from a rock." - -"Awa'," replied Sir Thomas sternly; "it beseemeth not a laddie like -you to venture an opinion on that fray at Sedgemoor. Had ye seen the -field of Smolensko on the day that great battle was fought and won, -then might ye speak o' sic matters. There, mair than a hundred -thousand matchlocks and petronels rung like thunder in the frosty -sky; bombs were bursting, cannon-shot and barbed arrow fleein' thick -as hail; while helmet and corslet rang like siller bells to the clink -o' cimitar and mace. Oh! for a deep wassail bowl to drink to the -brave that fought there, for my auld heart warms to their memory. -Like the wind o' their snowy deserts, the squadrons of horse swept -with uplifted lances to the heidlong charge. Alexis on the -right--Sinboirs on the left, and myself the leal Laird o' Binns, in -the centre wi' the eagle--whoop! then came a crash, and all gave way -before us, like a Dutchman's dyke when the dam breaks. Loud aboon a' -the din o' war thundered the great battle-drum of the Muscovite host, -carried on four horses, and having aucht loons loundering on't wi' -wooden mells. Sedgemoor!--It was bairns' play to such a field as -Smolensko; and gif mortal man gainsayeth it, there is the hand that -will right the matter! I mind the fray as if 'twere yesterday; and I -assure you, Lady Grisel, that I had a braw supper that night on the -field, cooked from a horse's flank by some of the Tartar women I kept -about me." - -Tired of this conversation, Douglas left the old beaux to do the -agreeable to the brocaded dowagers of the Canongate, and lounged -through the glittering rooms, continuing his search for Annie Laurie. -Leaning on the arm of the handsome Claverhouse, who over a coat of -white velvet, richly laced and slashed, wore a sash and gorget of -burnished gold, with the collar of the Thistle, the Countess of -Dunbarton slowly promenaded past. - -"Ah, laird of Finland," said she archly, "I know for whom you are -still looking so anxiously." - -"In sooth, madam, I scarcely know myself." - -"All the better is such philosophy, for she has been coquetting all -night with the young laird of Craigdarroch." - -They parted. At that moment a flourish of music swept along the -painted ceilings, and the dancers began to arrange themselves for a -new cotillon. Douglas, now seriously angry, cast a rapid and -impatient glance round the bright throng, and caught a glimpse of his -fair one in all the glory of white satin, white lace and white -pearls, her eyes sparkling with pleasure, and the braids of her -auburn hair with diamonds and spangles. She was chatting gaily with -Lady Mary Charteris, one of those beautiful romps who flourished in -ancient Edina, notwithstanding the starched demureness of the time. -Fearful of being anticipated, he advanced at once, and requested her -hand for the next dance. - -"And now, Finland," said she, placing her soft hand in his, "What -have you to say for yourself?" - -"How, fair Annie?" - -"That until this moment you have never approached me; and I have been -forced to endure the vanity of Craigdarroch, who, like all Claver'se -gentlemen-troopers, thinks he is quite a Palladin, because he guards -the High Commissioner, rides with the Parliament, and (like yourself) -terrifies the old cummers of the Kailmarket, or some poor -cock-lairdie, to abjure the Covenant, or hang on the next tree. Is -it not so?" - -Douglas laughed as his merry mistress spoke; for Craigdarroch was the -only man in Edinburgh of whom he felt a little jealous, or whose -influence he valued a rush. Tall and handsome, an accomplished -gentleman, an expert horseman and fencer, and a brave and -good-hearted fellow to boot, young Fergusson was altogether a rival -quite calculated to create some uneasiness; and his whole regiment -were a source of dread to the beaux and dandies of the capital. - -There was a certain dashing and indescribable bearing attached to all -the cavalier troopers of the Scottish Life Guard, which, with the -unusual splendour of their garb and armour, their rank in society, -courage in the field, and that high _esprit-du-corps_ which -necessarily pervaded a band so very exclusive and prætorian, made -every one a formidable rival. Thus, notwithstanding his own rank, -figure, and bearing, Douglas felt considerable anxiety whenever -Craigdarroch approached his mistress; nor could he at times repress a -sigh of anger and regret at her gaiety and volatility, which charmed -him one moment and provoked him the next. - -The cotillon commenced. Happy Walter and his beautiful Lilian were -their vis-à-vis. They were chatting very gaily on the trivial -matters of the day--De Scuderi's last, but ponderous romance--the new -comedy performed by his Majesty's servants at the little theatre in -the Tennis-court--new-fashioned suits of Genoa velvet laced with -Bruxelles--gloves of Blois--perfumes and balls of pomme d'ambre--a -witch that was to be burned next day on the Castlehill, by the -economical provost and baillies, in the same bonfire lit in honour of -the victory at Bothwell, on its eighth anniversary. - -The whole city was agog "anent the worrying" (as the term was) of -this famous sorceress, who had been unanimously condemned by a pious -and intelligent jury (principally composed of Kirk-elders) for -sailing across to Fife in a sieve instead of the Kinghorn cutter; for -causing a neighbour's calf to have two heads; for raising a storm to -sink the good ship _Charles the Second_ of Leith, by performing -certain diabolical cantrips over a kail-blade full of water; and -various other enormities, which made every hair in the wigs of the -fifteen Lords of Session and Justiciary stand on end with horror and -amazement. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -TWO LOVES FOR ONE HEART. - -Oriana sighed as if her heart were breaking, and said to herself, -dear friend, in a woful hour the boon was granted. - -AMADIS OF GAUL. - - -Notwithstanding the graces of her person and richness of her attire, -there were many bright and beautiful beings present who attracted -more attention than the timid and retiring Lilian Napier; but in her -whole air and manner it is not easy to imagine a girl more -exquisitely lady-like. Her long eyelashes were drooped upon her soft -and changing cheek, veiling her soft glances, and imparting to her -eyes an expression of timidity and modesty, which lent additional -charms to the fine features of her adorable little face. The ball -delighted, the music exhilarated her; and she soon raised her head, -like a flower when the dew is past. Her blue eyes were full of -animation; her cheek was flushed; the most enchanting grace was in -all her motions. She was glorious; and Walter felt that he adored -her. - -Her friend, gay Annie, outshone her in showy and dazzling beauty; but -to those who knew and loved the winning manner of Lilian, and beheld -how her cheek mantled with the emotions of her heart, while her eyes -beamed with the purest good-nature and vivacity, she was indeed one -without a peer (as the King said of her mailed ancestor), and one -fair star that charms us thus, is worth a thousand of those brighter -planets that shine alike on all. - -But nothing could be more brilliant than the loveliness of Annie. -Tall, full, and graceful, in all the bloom of twenty, and radiant -with health, white satin, and diamonds, she excited the admiration of -her companions, while little Lilian touched their hearts. There were -many fair girls present, who, like mistress Laurie, had in their -manners a considerable dash of Parisian coquetry, which is always -excessively attractive to beaux, though a timid and retiring girl, -like Lilian, is sure, in the end, to prove the most loveable and -devoted. - -At that time, the _tone_ of society in Edinburgh was very different -from what it had been during the rampant reign of Presbyterianism, -and equally so from that which characterized it twenty years -afterwards, when the gloom, depression, and humiliation of the -country, and the empty desolation of the capital "communicated to the -manners and fashions of society a stiff reserve, precise moral -carriage, and a species of decorum amounting to moroseness." At the -period of our narrative, it was very different. The recent residence -of foreign ambassadors and influence of a court, the existence of a -parliament--(for _centralization_, that grand curse of Scotland, was -then unknown)--the long intercourse with France, in the armies of -which all younger sons and cavaliers of good family took a turn of -service, had communicated a lightness to the manners of the -aristocracy, very different indeed from the "moroseness" which -succeeded the Revolution, and still more so that great national -paralysis, the Union, which was so long a source of regret to our -grandfathers. - -Walter longed to change the commonplace tenor of the conversation, -mentioned in the last chapter, and endeavoured gradually to broach -the sentiments that lay nearest his heart; but he either wanted tact, -or the figures of the dance put him out, or a crowded room was not -quite the place for it. The young lady too was somewhat reserved; -she remembered the affair of the glove, and thought it quite -necessary to be so. - -"So you will not go with me to-morrow to see this old witch burned?" -said he. - -Lilian shuddered. - -"Ah, how could you think of it?" - -"Lady Mary of Charteris is going--all the Earl of Dumfries' windows -are occupied, but I think I could procure you a seat somewhere, -overlooking the Castle-hill." - -"I would not go for the wealth of the Indies. Oh, is it not said -that she confessed some horrible things?" - -"As you would have done, fair Lilian, if questioned in the same -manner." - -"And what did she reveal?" - -"That she was kissed and christened anew by the devil, whom she met -at the Gallowlee one mirk midnight, when he imprinted his mark -between her shoulders; and though the minister of St. Giles and my -Lord Mersington ran a long needle thrice through the infernal signet, -she neither winced nor betrayed the least uneasiness." - -"Betouch us too! The wicked woman deserves to die--but her -death--how horrible! And she really sold her soul? Oh, what -appearance had the devil--and what said he?" - -"If all be true that appears in the _Mercurius Caledonius_, which I -saw to-day in Blair's Coffee-house, Satan is a very well-bred and -gentlemanlike man," replied Walter, laughing. "He wore a lowland -bonnet, and had his nether foot in a buff boot to conceal its -deformity. He was somewhat rough, and had a beard of iron wire. He -kissed the witch whose spells had conjured him up, and said in husky -French, 'Permittez moi, Madame,' adding thereafter in our kindly -Scottish, 'What's your will, cummer?' - -"And so Monsieur Le Diable kissed her? He has long been proverbial -for very bad taste. His witches are always so old, so ugly, so -hideous!" - -"After giving her all the power she required, Master Mahoud vanished -in a whirlwind." - -With all the credulity incident to the time, and though deeply imbued -with a sense of the ridiculous, Lilian shuddered; but be it -remembered, that the grave and learned senators of the College of -Justice had that very morning trembled at the same appalling recital. - -"And the power," she faltered. - -"Ample it was indeed. She could brew hell-kail, and wherever it was -sprinkled the soil was scorched, the herbs were blasted, and whoever -trod thereon died. Water would not drown, nor hemp hang her. She -could bewitch cattle that were without St. Mungo's knot on their -tail." - -"Mungo--poh! he was a papist." - -"And blight children, and bring sickness on her enemies by roasting -waxen images, and in short do more mischief than was contained in -wise King James's Dæmonology, or the box of Pandora." - -"Pandora--was she a papist too?--Away with this witch! she must -indeed be an ill woman. But now, Mr. Fenton, do you really believe -in all the charms of these old enchantresses?" - -"No, but I do devoutly in those of the young," he added gaily, as he -led her down the dance, resigned her to Douglas, and turned to Annie -Laurie, who whispered, - -"Saw ye who overheard your tête-à-tête?" - -"No," he replied, laughing; "but perhaps it was the great subject -thereof." - -"One not much better, certes. He is behind you now." - -Walter turned and beheld the large dark eyes of Lord Clermistonlee, -fixedly regarding him with an expression too hostile to be -misunderstood. He replied by a glance as haughty and as stern; but a -cold and inexplicable smile curled the proud lip of the handsome -roué, as he turned slowly away, and addressed himself to Lady -Charteris, the beautiful blonde, who rustled in a ponderous suit of -brocade, and stood five feet seven inches independent of "cork-heeled -shoon," being in every sense of the word what the Scotch were wont to -consider a "fine" woman, one of those stately and patagonian -beauties, of whom once in a time Edinburgh could always boast a large -stock, but who appear to have vanished with the hoops and -fardingales, the bobwigs and laced coats, the gentlemanly spirit and -the sterling worth of the "last century." - -In the middle of the cotillon, Fergusson of Craigdarroch, who had -been looking unutterable things for some time, now approached, and -twisting his moustachios, said with cold hauteur, - -"Your humble servant, Mr. Douglas." - -"Craigdarroch, yours," rejoined Finland, quite as coldly, and they -surveyed each other from head to foot. - -"I requested the honour of Mistress Laurie's hand for this cotillon." - -"Indeed!" replied Finland, in the same cavalier tone, and raising his -eyebrows with a well-bred stare of surprise. "You have forfeited it -by being too late, however." - -"You will not resign in my favour?" - -"Zounds!" said Finland, frowning. Fergusson's cheek glowed with -passion. - -"You have your rapier with you?" - -"Here, at your service," replied Douglas, in the same low tone, and -bit his glove. - -"Good. When the cotillon closes I will be in the garden, where the -moonlight is bright enough to enable us to come to a proper -understanding." Douglas nodded significantly, and his rival -withdrew. Annie, who had been gaily chatting for a minute with some -passer, had not heard what passed--Lilian Napier did, or at least, -she saw enough to alarm her. Douglas went through the cotillon with -his usual gaiety and grace; and after a short promenade, handed his -unconscious partner to a seat; but instead of posting himself behind -it as usual, to Annie's great surprise and indignation, he beckoned -Walter Fenton, and they left the room together. - -At that moment Lilian, with a pale lip and agitated eye, glided to -the side of her friend, and whispered: - -"Where has the Laird of Finland gone?" - -"I know not, and I care not," replied Annie, pettishly, flirting her -large fan; "but the varlet left me abruptly enough, and 'tis not his -wont. This comes of loving soldiers--fie!" - -"O! Annie," said Lilian, in a breathless voice, "they have followed -Craigdarroch to the garden. There has been a feud about your dancing -with one when engaged to the other; and something terrible will -assuredly come of it." - -"Preserve me, Heaven! O! in my heedlessness I did so, and they will -be fighting about it--blood ever comes of a Scotsman's quarrel. My -God! Lilian--where is the Earl--the Countess--to whom shall I speak? -Stay--let us not spoil the merriment around us. The garden, said -you? I know the way, and if the cavaliers are there, I will soon -make them sheath their rapiers, I warrant you." - -Lilian took her arm; and though it was not easy for two such bright -stars to leave their orbit unseen, they contrived, to elude -observation, to glide down stairs, and reach the old-fashioned -garden, on the rich flower-beds, leaden nymphs and corydons, -box-edged walks and thick green holly hedges of which, several flakes -of strong light fell in long ruddy lines from the grated windows of -the mansion. - -The full round moon was sailing in summer radiance through clouds of -fleecy whiteness, and threw her slanting beams in showers of silver -on the shrubbery and terraces of the garden. All was still and -silent; the agitated girls could not perceive any one; but, -trembling, they listened fearfully for the clash of swords or the -jingle of spurs. - -"Oh! if they should have gone to the fields, where we cannot follow -them!" murmured Annie, in great agitation. "God guide me!" she -added, pressing her hands upon her temples, and displaying, as she -did so, two beautiful and braceleted arms, that shone like alabaster -in the moonlight. "O! if blood is shed for me, I will never smile -more. Ah! surely they will not fight about such a trifle as my -preference in a cotillon." - -"Dear Annie, think you your love is a trifle to spirits as these? -They will fight, and desperately too. Douglas bit his glove, and -that, Aunt Grisel says, is an old border sign of deadly feud; -Craigdarroch will never forgive it; and I saw his black eyes flash -fire, as he bit his gauntlet in reply, and turned sharply away on his -heel." - -At that moment they heard the voice of Douglas. He was close by, but -one of those dark holly hedges, so common in ancient gardens, -interposed its thick impervious screen between them. - -"'Tis well!" he exclaimed; "but ere we come to slash the doublets we -were born in, Walter, unclasp this iron shell of mine: Craigdarroch -is minus a corslet, and we must fight on equal terms. A merry -moonlight, gentlemen, for a camisadoe. A clear field, and no favour. -Shall we fight with our buff gloves on?" - -"That is as you please," replied another guardsman, the young Laird -of Holsterlee, who was Craigdarroch's second. "But speak softly, or -Dunbarton's guard of Dragoons may overhear us. Ah! gentlemen, this -cometh of the sin of promiscuous dancing--men mingling with women, -whilk is ane abomination in the sight of the Lord!" he added in a -sing-song voice. "Ha! ha! so say the dogs of the Covenant. Are ye -ready, sirs!" - -"All ready," replied Craigdarroch, unsheathing his long troop-sword. - -"Be brief, gallants," said Holsterlee, "and sink points on the first -blood drawn. I hope the the Earl's guests will not disturb us; but -ere ye tilt at each other's throats, Finland, as a dear friend to -both, I ask thee to apologise to Craigdarroch." - -"Apologise to the devil!" rejoined Douglas, as he threw away his -corslet and plumed hat, drew his rapier, and stood on the defensive, -while his antagonist confronted him in the same manner. Handsome, -richly garbed, graceful, and athletic, they would have formed a noble -study for an artist, as they remained steadily watching each other, -their eyes sparkling, and their long keen blades gleaming like blue -fire in the moonlight. Such was the aspect they presented when the -terrified girls hurried by a circuitous path towards them. - -"Oh! Finland--Finland!" muttered Annie. - -A well-bred man of the present day, on seeing a lady, whose hand he -had engaged, dancing with another, would not take any unpleasant -notice of it, however mortifying the preference might be; but not so -the bold cavalier of the seventeenth century. To fight or be -dishonoured were the only alternatives. Craigdarroch was infuriated, -and Finland rapidly found his blood boiling up in turn; but ere a -blow could be struck, his beautiful Annie, like a fairy or angel of -peace, glided between them, and the menacing points of the rapiers -were lowered at her approach. - -"Sheath your swords this instant, sirs!" said she, with a -half-playful, half-earnest imperiousness, which the gentlemen showed -no disposition to resist. "Up with them! and remember it was an -ancient rule of chivalry that knights combatants became friends at a -woman's approach. Come hither, Mr. Holster, and tell me what these -gay rufflers have quarrelled about." - -"Yourself, fair madam," replied Holsterlee, a tall athletic young -man, whose fair complexion consorted ill with a sable wig, and in -whose sporting air there was a certain jaunty swagger, bordering on -the vulgar, but acquired chiefly by frequenting Blair's Coffee-house -at the Pillars, the Race-course at Leith, and every tavern and stew -wherever he happened to be quartered--Clermistonlee's furious -dinner-parties, and the company of all the horsemongers, bucks, -bullies, and courtezans in the city;--"yourself, fair madam; and on -my honour, I know no prize in all broad Scotland so well worth -tempting buff under bilboa for." - -"Prize, sir!" retorted Annie. "Do you talk of me as if I were your -famous roan horse, or the city purse you expect it to win at Easter? -Go to, sir! Certes, gentlemen, you honour me greatly by accounting -me merely a sword-player's prize--the guerdon of a duello between two -cut-throats! I am infinitely obliged to you," she added curtseying -low. "But if you are determined to fight, O do so, good sirs," she -continued, with a merry laugh; "but I am not for you, Finland, at all -events." - -"Indeed! madam," rejoined Finland, as he bit his nether lip, and -grasped his sword. "Craigdarroch, then, I presume is the -favoured----" - -"Nor he either, quotha!" - -"Ha, ha!--ho, ho!" shouted Holsterlee. "May the great diabulus roast -me in my own ribs if this isn't good! Who then, fair Annie?" - -"What is it to such as thee, sirrah?" she replied, stamping her -pretty foot scornfully; but the beautiful rogue laughed as she added -slowly, "I have not yet made up my mind whether to accept Sir Thomas -Dalyel of the Binns, or that very accomplished cavalier----" - -"Who? who?" they all asked. - -"Lord Mersington." - -"Zounds!" laughed Holsterlee; "but that old cock hath a roost-hen -already--a brave girl--a bouncer that can coquette and ruffle it, -without snaffle or martingale; a thorough-pacer, by the Lord--ho, ho!" - -"As this is her choice," said Douglas, who perfectly understood the -humour of his waggish mistress, "I think, Craigdarroch, we had better -shake hands on't, as neither will be a winner in this affair." - -"Yes, yes--shake hands like whipped schoolboys, and quarrel no more. -So, up with your rapiers!--or, as the comedy says, the dew will rust -them. But as a penance on you, Mr. Douglas, for fighting without my -express permission, I shall dance with the Laird of Craigdarroch, and -no one else, while you lead out old Dame Drumsturdy, or some such -witch, whose most devoted you must be for the remainder of the night." - -"How droll! O! I shall die with laughing," cried Lilian, clasping -her hands with delight at this happy conclusion. - -"Nay--fair Annie," said Douglas, "under favour--I must implore----" - -"Not a word, sir, of extenuation or excuse. You shall walk a minuet -with old Lady Drumsturdy, who is as charming as patches, puffs, and -rouge can make her." - -Holsterlee laughed till the braces of his corslet started. - -"Tush! Annie--O by all the devils, I shall be the laughing-stock of -the whole city." - -"I care not." - -"Gadzooks! I'll have a duel with old Dalyel next." - -"I care not. And, ah! Mr. Fenton, I must find a way to punish you -too. But come, Lilian, love--Craigdarroch, your hand." - -Douglas joined in the laugh against himself, as Annie was led off by -his rival, while Walter gave his hand to Lilian, and they hastened -back to the ball-room in the happiest mood. Douglas, while loitering -a little behind to clasp the braces of his cuirass, was attracted by -the voice of Lord Clermistonlee, a man whom, of all others in -Edinburgh, he disliked, in consequence of an old grudge between them, -when they exchanged blows in a brawl at Blair's Coffee-house. Though -he scorned being a spy upon his Lordship, the fact of his overhearing -the name of Lilian Napier pronounced in a very audible whisper--his -knowledge of the speaker's passion, and of what he was -capable--formed a sufficient whet to his curiosity, and were, he -deemed, quite a warrant for assuming the unpleasant part of -eavesdropper. - -Clermistonlee was standing near a gate, which afforded communication -between the crowded courtyard and the quiet gardens, and through its -iron bars the bright moonlight streamed upon the rich embroidery of -his gay attire, on the brilliants of his hat-band, buckles, and -silver-hilted rapier. Near him stood a stout and thickset old man in -green livery, having a massive crest and coronet worked on each -sleeve. A broad belt encircled his waist, and sustained a heavy -basket-hilted sword. He was a little intoxicated, and balancing -himself on one leg, snapped his fingers while chaunting the merry old -catch,-- - - "Though I go bare, take ye no care - I nothing am acolde; - I stuff my skinne so full within, - With jollie gude ale and old. - - Back and side go bare, go bare, - Both foot and hand go colde; - But bellie, God give thee gude ale enough, - Whether it be newe or olde. - - I love no roste, but a nut-brown toste----" - - -"God's curse, rascal!" said his master angrily, "in this mood you -will never arrange the matter satisfactorily." - -"Trust me, my Lord, trust me," stammered Juden, rubbing his bald pate -with a sudden air of perplexity, which showed that the _matter_ -referred to had quite escaped him; "but ane needs a lang spoon to sup -kail wi' the deil, and you are kittler than the great serpent himsel." - -"Gadzooks! old limb of Beelzebub, thou art drunk already; but hear -me, Juden, if you fail in this service to-night, old though ye be, by -the Heaven that hears us, I will handle my whip in such wise that a -coffin will be your next resting place." - -The eyes of the fierce Lord gleamed as he spoke, though his face was -pale with that white fury which is ever the index of a bad and bitter -heart, and is much more to be dreaded than the red flush of passion -that suffuses a generous brow. - -"How many followers hath the dame of Bruntisfield in her train -to-night?" - -"Four, my Lord--her chairmen." - -"Armed, of course?" - -"Like myself, ilk ane wi' a gude basket-hilted whinger. They are a' -in Lucky Tippeny's Changehouse outbye, birling the ale cogue like sae -many lords or troopers." - -"All the better. Here is money--join them, and spare not to push the -jorum till they become like blind puppies; but, peril of thy life, -Juden, keep sober, though ale, usquebaugh, and even wine flow like -water, if the knaves will it. When Lady Grisel summons them, if they -are able to stand, by the head of the King I will truncheon thee in -famous fashion. Dost comprehend, jolt-head?" - -"The upshot, my Lord, the upshot?" - -"When Lady Bruntisfield's people are summoned--but who is with you -to-night?" - -"The hail household--just Jock, my sister's son. Wha else would -there be?" - -"The devil! that fellow is a born gomeral, like his uncle, and will -spoil all." - -"Jock's gey gleg at the uptak', and mair kens-peckle than ye think. -My certie, my Lord, there are mair fules in the world than Jock, puir -man--fules that canna keep their fingers out of the fire." - -"Silence, or I will certainly beat thee. When the Napiers' chairs -are summoned, you will immediately bear off that containing the young -lady Lilian, without the delay of a moment." - -"No to Bruntisfield, I warrant!" rejoined Juden, with a bright leer -of intelligence. - -"'Sdeath no--to the Place of Drumsheugh." - -"Ha! ha! ha! My certie, gif this plot succeeds, there will be a braw -clamjamfray in the toun the morn! But I hope the business will be -owre in time to let me be at the tar-barrelling. 'Twill be a braw -sight. O that it were Lucky Elshender's! then I might ride up Meg, -puir beastie, to see hersel revenged for that weary fit o' the -wheez-lock----" - -"Silence, addlepate. I go to Beatrix Gilruth. Wo to thee, if one -tittle of my injunctions be forgotten." - -Juden bowed with a tipsy air of respect, and withdrew, while Lord -Clermistonlee rolled his furred rocquelaure about him, and, stepping -through the postern gate, issued into the Potter's Row, and hurried -away at a quick pace. - -"Good even, my Lord," said Douglas, looking scornfully after him. -"If I mar not your precious plot to-night, may I never march more!" - -He sprang up the stair, and, forgetful of the penance his playful -mistress had assigned him, sought an opportunity of communicating to -Lady Grisel or to Walter Fenton this new plot of Clermistonlee, but -none occurred. The former was too deeply engaged with General Dalyel -in the intricacies of ombre or primero, and the mode of impaling -among the Tartars, and the latter in the more delightful occupation -of squiring Lilian from room to room, or exchanging the hand-in-hand -mazes of the merry couranto for a moonlight promenade on the flowery -terraces of the garden. - -Douglas became deeply anxious; the night wore apace, and the hour -rapidly approached when the guests would be departing, for already -had the roll of the ten o'clock drum rung through the thoroughfares -of the city, and these late balls and suppers were but a new -innovation of the time, an introduction by Mary of Modena. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -BEATRIX GILRUTH. - - Her heart was full - Of passions which had found no natural scope. - She hated men because they loved not her, - And hated women because they were beloved, - And thus in wrath, in hatred and despair, - She tempted hell.---- - THE CURSE OF KEHAMA. - - -Clermistonlee walked hurriedly forward, with his mantle rolled about -him, his hat flapped over his eyes, and his sword-hilt ready at hand, -for his amorous quarrels and politics had, through life, created him -innumerable enemies. He muttered as he went, and his cheek flushed -at times, though his nether lip was pale as marble, and under the -broad shadow of his Spanish beaver his fierce dark eyes burned like -two sparks of fire. - -Inflamed by wine and the beauty of Lilian, who had never appeared so -enchanting as in her ball-dress, he had determined that very night to -make another desperate attempt to obtain possession of her person, at -whatever ultimate danger and odium. It was curious how strongly the -sentiments of pride, avarice, and revenge, mingled with his -love-musings;--his matchless pride was fired by the idea of the woman -he loved being given to another--he had revenge to be gratified -because, with ill-disguised loathing, she had shrunk from his -addresses, and avarice crowned all, as he doubted not if by fair -means or foul he obtained her hand, the entail of Bruntisfield and -the Wrytes would soon become a dead letter. In effect, it was so -already. But once a prisoner in his power, even for a single night, -he knew that shame and her injured reputation would compel her to -become his wife. - -Full of these thoughts, which crowded and chased each other in rapid -succession through his unsettled brain, he strode forward at a quick -pace, impatient for the triumphant consummation of his projects. The -city was silent and dark, for the moon had now become obscured, and -there were no lamps to light the narrow ways through which he -hurried. In the High Street a few oil lanterns had been suspended -about four years before by the Provost, Sir George Drummond, of -Milnab, and these at long intervals shed a pale and sickly light; but -all the numerous alleys diverging from this great thoroughfare were -still involved in Cimmerian darkness. Deserted as they were, the -cogitations of Clermistonlee were often interrupted by scraps of -conversation from belated passengers, or stair-head gossips, who were -making all secure for the night, and maintained at the top of their -voices a colloquy with their neighbours opposite. - -"Ken ye cummer, at what hour the morn that vile witch is to be -worrit?" screamed one. - -"When the Tron Kirk bell rings aucht. My Lord Provost, the Baillies -and the Captain of the Guard are to eat the deid-chack at Hughie -Blair's twa hours thereafter. Fie upon the greedy gleds that meet to -revel and roister oure a puir sinner's departure, and to drink -Gascony and Rhenish like spring water, though they be eight-pence the -quart, and at this time when a puir man's four hours' draught----" - -"But gif a' be true, nane hae sae well deservit bridle and faggot, -since that monster o' iniquity, Weir, was burnt wi' his staff, whilk -my ain faither, as honest a body as ever wore the blue ribbon at his -lug, often met stoting down the Bow, for a plack's worth o' snuff for -its hellicate master. And mair, cummer----" - -But Clermistonlee hurried on, and passing the Porte of the Potter's -Row, hurried down the steep College Wynd, where picturesque edifices -of vast strength and unknown antiquity towered up on each side of the -way, and excluded the pale light of the stars. A single ray from a -window revealed the rich dresses of two gentlemen who were slowly -ascending. - -"I insist upon giving you a Kelso convoy, my Lord," said one. - -"A devil of a dark night, Laird, especially for a summer one--but I -vow to ye, Libberton, that my Lord Perth's claret has cast a glamour -oure me." - -"Hold up, Balcarris, or ye'll measure your length in the gutter; and -that would be a braw place for the Lord High Treasurer to be found in -the morning. Thank God, the gate is no a broad ane. I mind when -Cromwell, that's now roasting in a pretty hot place--ahoa! who goes -there? Draw, Balcarris--it's some spy o' the States-General--a -keeper o' conventicles contrary to proclamation. Stand, ye deil's -buckie--for King or Covenant?" - -"For the King!" cried Clermistonlee; and, irritated by their stopping -the narrow way, he unceremoniously tumbled the inebriated laird of -Libberton to the right and the Treasurer to the left, as he broke -past and hurried into the Cowgate (the ancient _comunis via_), then -the residence of aristocratic exclusives. An old author,* who wrote -in the sixteenth century, informs us "that the nobility and chief -senators of the city dwell in the Cowgate--_via vaccarum in qua -habitant patricii et senatores urbis;_" and that "the palaces of the -chief men of the nation are also there; that none of the houses are -mean or vulgar, but, on the contrary, all magnificent--_sed omnia -magnified_." - - -* Munster Cosmograph, p, 52. - - -The troubles of Clermistonlee were not yet over. On issuing into the -High Street a crowd of tipsy roisterers, young bucks, students, and -Life Guards, burst out of Hugh Blair's tavern, with shouts of -laughter and drawn swords, ripe for mischief. They beat back the -axes of the watch, and joining hands in one long line, danced down -the broad street, vociferously chaunting the merry old ditty-- - - "Now let us drinke, - Till we nod and winke, - Even as good fellows should do; - We shall not misse - To have the blisse - Good wine doth bring men to!" - - -"Hold fast, my brethren," cried one whom his lordship recognised to -be the Reverend Mr. Joram, the famous cavalier chaplain of -Dunbarton's Foot. "Hold fast--and every lass we meet must kiss us -all from right to left--ay, d--me! or drink a pint of hot sack at one -gulp." - -"Bravo!" shouted the rest. "Once, twice, thrice, and away!"--and -onward they came, hand in hand, dancing and singing with stentorian -voices that made the whole street ring. Clermistonlee drew his -rapier, and shrunk under the carved arches of those stone arcades -which supported the houses on both sides of the way; and, without -perceiving him, this crowd of merry fellows passed on to beat the -watch and terrify the sleepy denizens of other quarters. Glad of his -escape--for he had confidently expected a dangerous -brawl--Clermistonlee hurried down Mary King's Close. - -Debauched and roué as he was, he felt an involuntary shudder on -descending into the gloomy precincts of that deserted street, a -locality shunned by all since the plague had swept off its entire -inhabitants. For a hundred years its houses remained closed, and -gradually it became a place of mystery and horror, the abode of a -thousand spectres and nameless terrors. Superstition peopled it with -inhabitants, whom all feared, and none cared to succeed. - -Those who had been foolhardy enough to peep through the windows after -nightfall, saw within the spectres of the long-departed denizens -engaged in their wonted occupations--headless forms danced through -the moonlit apartments, and on one occasion a godly minister and two -pious elders were scared out of their senses, by the terrible vision -of a raw head and blood-dripping arm, which protruded from the wall -in this terrible street, and flourished a sword above their heads, -and many other terrors which are duly chronicled in that old calender -of diablerie, _Satan's Invisible World_. - -Scarcely a foot's space from his elbows on either hand, the tall -mansions rose up to a great height, empty, dark, and desolate, with -their iron-barred and shadowy windows decaying and rattling in the -gusts that swept through the mouldering chambers. Who Mary King was, -is now unknown; but though the alley is roofless and ruined, with -weeds, wallflowers, and grass, and even little trees, flourishing -luxuriantly among the falling walls, her name may still be seen -painted on the street corner. Clermistonlee was not without a strong -share of the superstition incident to the time and country, and he -certainly quickened his pace as he turned down the steep alley -towards the dark loch, the waters of which rippled in little wavelets -against the bank, then named Warriston Brae. The eastern sluice was -shut, for there was a whisper abroad of coming strife, in which the -city might require all the strength of its fortifications; and thus -in a few weeks the loch had risen many feet above its usual margin. -The ferry boat was chained to a stake, against which it jarred -heavily, as the west wind swept over the darkened water. - -It was down this steep bank that the Earl of Arran and his son -rushed, after being defeated in their famous feudal battle in the -High Street; and finding a collier's horse at the edge of the loch, -leaped upon its back, and though both were sheathed in complete -armour, forced it to swim them over to the opposite bank. And down -the same place, the wild young master of Gray dragged the fair -mistress Carnegie, whom, sword in hand, he had torn from her fathers -house, and boated over the loch, attended by twelve men-at-arms. - -Lustily the impatient Lord thundered at the door of the ferryman's -cottage; but it was long ere the unwilling Charon of the passage -attended his summons. - -"Hallo, boatmen! Harkee, fellow, truss your points and come forth," -he cried in his usual overbearing manner. All cavaliers of the time -spoke thus towards inferiors; but Clermistonlee carried it to an -outrageous extent. "Come forth, rascal, or I will chastise thee so -tremendously, that thou wilt never pull paddle again, in this world -at least." - -"Awa, ye impudent limmer, awa!" replied a voice from the profundity -of a box-bed. "Is that the way to ding at a douce man's yett? Awa, -ye misleared loon, or I tak' my dag frae the brace, and send a bullet -through your cracked harnpan." - -A terrible oath burst from Clermistonlee, for he was frenzied by -wine, passion, and delay. "Insolent runnion! attend me, or by ---- I -will beat down the door, and twist thy whaisling hause! Beware thee, -fool," he added in a low tone; "I am the Lord Clermistonlee!" - -On hearing that terrible name the affrighted boatman sprang from bed; -an exclamation of fear and much anxious whispering followed. The -door was immediately opened by a lean and withered old man, whose -face was a mass of wrinkles. Scarcely daring to raise his grey -twinkling eyes, he stood lamp in hand, cringing and bowing his bald -head with the most abject humility before Clermistonlee, who cut -short his muttered apologies by saying, - -"Unmoor, dyvour loon, and pull me across the loch, if you would be -spared the beating I owe you." - -The old ferryman hurriedly dragged his leather galligaskins over his -hodden grey breeches, donned his skyblue coat and broad bonnet, and -bowing at every step of the way, though inwardly cursing the summons -from his cosy nest and gudewife's side, led the proud Baron towards -the little boat, for the use of which he paid a yearly rental to the -city. They stepped on board; he unlocked the mooring-chain and -shoved off. - -Fed by the springs of the castle-rock and the rivulets that gurgled -down its northern bank, the loch had of late become considerably -swollen, and now rose high upon the bastions of the Well-house-tower. -It was without current, and, save the ripple raised by the soft west -wind, was still and motionless as a lake of ink. - -Clermistonlee, with his rocquelaure rolled around him, and his broad -beaver with its heavy plumage shading his face, lounged silently in -the stern, watching the gigantic features of the city as they rose in -sable outline behind him, towering up from the lake like a vast array -of castles, or a barrier of splintered rock, a forest of gables and -chimnies, whose summits shot upwards in a thousand fantastic shapes. - -To the westward, from a cliff of perpendicular rock, three hundred -feet in height, rose the towers of the castle. Beneath the gloomy -shadow of this basaltic mass the loch vanished away into obscurity; -but from under its impending brow there gleamed a light that -tremulously shed one long red ray across the dark bosom of the water. -It shone from the guard-fire in the Well-house-tower. Save the -measured dash of the oars, and the creaking of the boat, all was so -still that Clermistonlee heard the pulsations of his own evil heart. - -Suddenly the moon gushed forth a glorious blaze of light between the -flying clouds. Magnificent was the effect of that silver splendour, -and wondrous was the beauty it lent to that romantic scene. High -over the jagged outline of the tall city it streamed aslant, and its -thousand points and pinnacles became tipped with instant light. The -great stone turrets, the massive towers and angular bastions of the -Castle and its perpendicular cliffs were thrown forward, some in -silver light, while others remained in sombre shadow. To its base -the still loch rolled like a silver mirror, while the dewy alders, -the waving osiers and bending willows that fringed its northern bank, -shone like fairy trees of gleaming crystal. - -Even the old boatman paused for a moment and looked around him. -City, rock, wood, and water, all shone in the magnificent moonlight, -but once more the gathering vapours obscured the shining source, and -the whole faded like a vision. The varied masses of the city and its -stupendous fortress sank again into darkness, and once more the sheet -of water rolled to their base a black and foetid lake. At that -moment the boat grounded, the passenger sprang ashore, and addressed -the boatmen in his usual style:-- - -"Peril of thy life, knave, tarry till my return, or thy fee will -contain more cudgel-blows than bonnet-pieces." - -"Yes, my Lord, yes," stammered the poor man, whose teeth chattered -with cold and fear: meanwhile his imperious employer sprang up the -bank, and hurried on, till, reaching the Lang Dykes, a road which led -westward, and which he traversed until he gained the Kirk-brae-head, -where on one hand the road branched off towards the castle rock, and -on the other plunged down between thick copsewood towards the -secluded village of the Dean, which lay at the bottom of a deep dell -overhung by the richest foliage. - -By the margin of the Loch, and surrounded by an ample churchyard, -where the long grass waved and the yew-trees cast their solemn -shadows on many an ancient grave, where the moss-grown headstones, -half sunk in earth and obliterated by time, marked the resting-place -of the dead of other days, the old cross kirk of St. Cuthbert reared -up its dark façade with a gloomy square tower and pointed spire -surmounting its nave and transept. There slept all the ancestors of -Clermistonlee; he cast but a glance at its vast outline and hurried -on. The occasional stars alone gleamed through its mullioned -windows, for the tapers of the midnight votary had long since been -quenched on the altars of Cuthbert and St. Anne the mother of the -Virgin. - -Under a mouldering gateway, where two stone wyverns with forked tails -and outspread wings, reared up on their mossy columns, Clermistonlee -paused for a moment--for a host of strange fancies and burning -thoughts, the memories of other days, crowded fast upon his mind as -he surveyed the long gloomy vista beyond. - -It led to his mansion of Drumsheugh. - -The avenue was long and dark; thick oaks and beeches, clothed with -the most luxuriant foliage of summer, formed a leafy arcade, which -seemed dark and impervious as if hewn through the bowels of a -mountain. - -"Long, long it is," thought he, "since the hoof of the trooper's -horse, or the blast of the hunter's horn, the voice of mirth, or the -merry voice of a woman awoke these lonely echoes. -Alison--Alison--pshaw! I am another man now," he added aloud, and -endeavoured to whistle a fashionable couranto, as he walked up the -grass-grown avenue, at a pace which soon brought him to the door of -the house, where again he made a brief pause. - -The mansion was a high and narrow edifice, built on the very verge of -a cliff overhanging the water of Leith, that struggled through a deep -and wooded gorge a hundred feet below, and the rock was so abrupt -that a plumb-line could have reached without impediment from one of -the turrets to the rocky bed of the river. - -The house had the usual Scottish gablets, turrets at the angles and -machecoulis between. Its windows were all thickly barred, dark, -silent, and in many places broken. The vanes creaked mournfully in -concert with the rooks and the wind that sighed through the ancient -oaks. All else was silent as the grave. There came no sound from -the mansion; none from the empty stalls of the stable court, and none -from the tenantless perches of the Falconry. - -On the door-lintel, notwithstanding the darkness, Clermistonlee could -decypher _I fear God onlye_, 1506, a legend placed there by his pious -forefathers to exclude witches and evil spirits, on whom it was -supposed that the name of the Deity would act as a spell of potence. -The present Lord was as evil a spirit as the city contained; but the -legend neither affected him or his purpose, and he furiously tirled -at the risp and kicked at the door till the whole house rang to the -noise. A ray of light streamed through the key-hole, and vizzying -slit of the door, on the green leaves and dewy grass, and the -approach of a slip-shod female was heard. - -"Who knocks so late?" asked a shrill voice. "A proper hour and a -pleasant to disturb folk. Marry, Deil stick the visitor," she added, -withdrawing the ponderous bolts, and opening the door. - -"As of old, good Beatrix, you are still without fear," said -Clermistonlee. - -"Why? because I am without hope," she rejoined in a fierce tone. -"Fear! what should I fear? Did I not know it was thee? But what -fool's errand or knavish purpose brings thee here now?" - -"Silence, Mistress Malapert!" - -There was a momentary pause, and a terrible glance--one at least of -intense expression passed between these two. A sentence will explain -it. - -When Clermistonlee was but a youth, Beatrix though ten years his -senior, was among the first of his loves, and by her own futile -endeavours to ensnare the heir of a powerful Baron, became one of the -first victims of his gallantry; she was then a beautiful and artful -woman; but gradually her beauty faded, her arts failed, and her -spirits sank: abandoned by her friends, and despised by her betrayer, -she had long, long since lost sight of every hope of marriage, or of -regaining an honourable position in life, and now she had sunk so low -as to be a mere abject dependant, a vile panderer to the amours of -her early lover--an entrapper of others; and when the old mansion was -abandoned to the crows and spiders, she had remained there, a -half-forgotten pensioner on his bounty--a creature only to be -remembered when her vile services were required. Now she was old, -wrinkled, and hideous; but Clermistonlee in his fortieth year seemed -as gay and as young, as in the days when first he pressed her to his -bosom. Beatrix was now fifty! - -These ten years made a world of difference between them. - -He felt all her eagle glance conveyed, but uttering a very -cavalier-like malediction, strode along the passage or ambulatory -with his bright spurs clanking, and his white plumes waving as -gallantly as they had done twenty years before. How different was -the aspect of Beatrix! Crime, mental misery, and a life of disease -and dissipation made her seem many years older than she was. She -stooped much at times, and was poorly clad in garments that like -herself had seen better days. Her head was covered by a dirty -long-eared linen cap, beneath which a few grizzled hairs escaped to -wander over a face that, like her hands and neck, had by the use of -lotions and essences become a mass of saffron wrinkles. Her eyes -were grey, hollow, keen, and unpleasant in expression; her lips thin -and colourless, and grey hairs were appearing on her chin. - -"Zounds!" thought Clermistonlee, as he loathingly gazed upon her; -"can this old kite be the creature I once loved?" - -By the course of time and desertion, the house seemed as much -dilapidated as its occupant; but an air of desolate grandeur pervaded -its lofty chambers and echoing corridors. Masses of the frescoed -ceiling had in many places fallen down; in others the wainscoting had -given way, revealing the rough masonry behind. The once gaudy -tapestry hung mouldering on its tenter-hooks, and a dreary air of -dusky dampness was everywhere apparent. A thousand spiders spun -their nets undisturbed across the unopened windows and unentered -doorways; and through the rattling casements the hurrying clouds were -seen afar off chasing each other in masses across the pale-faced moon -and paler stars, that twinkled through the tossing trees. - -Traversing an ambulatory, on the discolored walls of which old -pictures and older trophies hung decaying, Clermistonlee was about to -enter the hall; but its vast space rang so hollowly to his tread, and -its gloom so much resembled that of a church at midnight, that he -drew back overpowered by some superstitious feeling, and entered a -small apartment which adjoined it, and had in earlier days been named -the Lady's Bower. - -A fire burned cheerily on the hearth; the furniture and the tapestry -were fresh; the gilding and scarlet marquise of the high-backed -chairs unfaded; a large mirror gleamed over the carved buffet, which -two grotesque imps sustained on their heads; and several old -portraits in the warm glow looked complacently out of their round oak -frames. - -"And 'tis here you have made your lair!" said Clermistonlee, throwing -himself into a chair. - -"Yea: it was her boudoir--her bower. Hast thou forgotten that too?" -responded the woman, setting down her lamp, and surveying him with a -malicious eye. - -"Well! old dame, and what recks it thee?" asked the Lord, -impatiently. "Art alone--of course--eh?" - -"Alone!" reiterated the woman, bitterly--"when am I ever otherwise? -Alone--and why! Because I am old and hideous now. Yet there was a -time when it was otherwise. Yea--I am ever alone, save when the -knave and the fool (on whose scanty bounty I am too often dependant), -prompted by the devil, come hither to visit me." - -"Dependant? have I not given thee a fee of four hundred pounds Scots -per year, and what the devil more?" - -"Between your own necessities and your butler's villany, not a plack -of it have I seen since Lammas-tide." - -"This shall be seen to. Come, come, Beatrix, my merry old lass, thou -art as petulant as when I led you into this chamber twenty years ago. -You want gold, I know; but, faith! I have devilish little of that." -He spread a few French crowns on the table. - -"'Tis but white money," said the hag, her eyes sparkling as, with -clutching hands, she swept the coins into her lap. - -"Greedy Gled! if thou art faithful, the gold will come in bushels -anon." - -"On what ill errand come ye now? Is there any one to be -poisoned--hah! any poor flower to be torn from its stem, and trod -under foot when its perfume is gone?" - -"Harkee! Lucky Gilruth," said the Lord, striking his clenched hand -on the table; "thou knowest me well, I think." - -"O would to Heaven I had never, never known thee!" said Beatrix, with -a tearless sob. "I know little of thee that is good." - -"What know ye that is bad?" - -She gave him a glance of scorn and fear. - -"Say forth, old Barebones--I care not. I am one----" - -"Who never spared a man in his hatred or a woman in his lust! A -renegade covenanter!--a relentless persecutor of the pious and the -holy!--a perjured lover!--a faithless husband!--a false friend!--one -to whom Lord Solis of old, and the Marquis de Laval, were as saints -in comparison. Randal Clermont, thou art a fiend in the form of a -man!" - -"With a heigh lillilu and a how lo lan! ha! ha!" laughed -Clermistonlee, shaking back his feathers and long cavalier locks, -while regarding Beatrix with a sardonic glance, for her words stung -him deeply. "And I know thee for one whom the tar-barrels and -thumb-screws await, if ye prove false to me. Ay, woman, I doubt not -my learned gossip Mersington would soon find the devil's mark on that -poor hide of thine. But I came to arrange, not to quarrel with -thee--ha! ha! I want my fortune read." - -Beatrix gave him a long steady glance; her bleared eyes were glaring -with insanity, and a certain degree of intoxication; but she quailed -before the dark basilisk eye of her former lover, for the ferocity of -her expression relaxed, and she burst into a horrid laugh. - -"Thy fortune? ho! ho! I tell thee, Randal, that the blade is forged -and tempered that will drink thy heart's blood!" - -"Gadzooks! likely enough; for I do not expect to die in bed," replied -Clermistonlee, calmly, yet nevertheless exasperated by her reply, as -he knew from old experience the value of her prophecies. "But I -trifle. I know, good Beatrix, you can be faithful, and will serve me -as of old. Here is my hand--shall I be fortunate in love?" - -"How often these twenty years hath that question been asked of me; -and where now are those anent whom ye asked it? Fortunate? I doubt -not ye will be more so than she whose portrait is there;" and -suddenly withdrawing a veil from a panel, she displayed the portrait -of a pale young lady, in a rich dress and high ruff. Her features -were soft and beautiful; her hair fair and in great profusion; and -her parted lips appeared to smile with inexpressible sweetness. -Clermistonlee turned pale, and averted his face, for the portrait -seemed full of life and expression. - -"Cover it!" said he, in a husky voice; "Cover it!--dost hear me? or -must I blow the panel to pieces with my pistols, that these -upbraiding eyes may look on me no more?" - -"Wretch--ye dare not!" said Beatrix, scornfully, while gazing with -something like pity on the fair face the pencil of Vandyke had traced -in other times. "Yes, Lady Alison, I hated thee in life, but in -death I can respect thee. Oh! Randal, she shared thy wedded love; -but was it more fortunate than mine? It was--it was; for she is at -rest in her grave, while I still linger here." - -"Pity you are not there too! Enough! I am tired of these eternal -complaints; and were ye fair as Venus----but look to my hand--what -say its lines to-night?" - -In her long, lean, and wrinkled fingers she took his ungloved hand, -and he half withdrew it, with ill-concealed disgust. - -"Ha!" screamed Beatrix, in a terrible voice; "you shrink from my -touch now! Oh! Randal, Randal!" she added, in a tone of intense -bitterness, "to kiss these faded hands was once a boon of love to -thee. Oh! Randal Clermont, have you so quite forgotten these days -as to feel no pity for the being you once loved so well?" - -"Hum!" muttered the Lord, impatiently. - -"How different was I then from what I am now!" she exclaimed, -pressing her hands upon her breast, as if it would burst. - -"The deuce!" Clermistonlee whistled. - -"Yes, base and ungrateful! the hand that now ye loathe was then white -as the new fallen snow, and these grey locks were like the dewy wing -of the raven. My eyes could then look love to thine, that flashed -with the youth, the joy, and the brightness of twenty summers. Who -that saw us then, would dream that we are the same? I am no longer -young, no longer lovely, and thou--art still a man." - -"Crush me if this is not ridiculous! art nearly done, old lady?" - -"No--there is a rival in thy way!" - -"S'Death, I know that too well. 'Tis that spawn of the Covenant, -young Fenton of Dunbarton's Foot. But I am still trifling. Listen, -Beldame, and lay my words to heart. A brisk young damsel will be -here in an hour hence. See that the turret that overhangs the rocks -is prepared for her reception, for I swear by all that is holy! she -shall never leave this roof until she is mine--yea, as much as----" - -"As I once was, and many more have been, hah!" - -Clermistonlee laughed loudly. "I have arled thee, Beatrix, and woe -if thou failest or playest me false, for the hemp is twisted that -shall strangle, and the faggots oiled that shall consume thee. Yet -more. The eyes of the Council have long been on thee for suspected -sorcery, and dealing in love potions and medicinal charms--the red -hand of Rosehaugh is over thee, wretched Beatrix, and ere long thou -mayest know the full value of the protection I afford thee. Enough! -we know each other, I think." - -"Not quite," replied Beatrix, with an air that startled her proud -tormentor: "Vain fool! ye know not that by a word I could crush thee -to nothing--yea, to the dust beneath my feet. Randal Clermont, I -could reveal that, would smite thee like the scorching lightning. -But no! my lips shall remain sealed, until----" - -"When?" - -"When the measure of my wrongs and my vengeance _is full_!" - -"Pshaw! thou art but a woman--a fool," replied Clermistonlee, jerking -on his buff gloves carelessly, but feeling somewhat surprised by her -manner. - -"When will this new victim be here?" asked Beatrix, with a ghastly -grin. - -"I have said in an hour, if all goes well. Prepare the old turret -for her--that cage hath held a wilder bird ere now; nay, nay, none of -that kind of work," said he, changing colour as Beatrix took a -poniard from the mantelpiece; "nothing of that sort will be -required--once in a life-time--tush! I will be back anon--till then, -adieu." He hurried away with evident confusion, and rushing down the -avenue without looking once behind him, leaped into the boat and was -pulled over to the city. - -"Will your Lordship be crossing the water again this nicht?" asked -the boatman, with the utmost humility. - -"That is as may be--what recks it to such as thee, fellow?" rejoined -the passenger haughtily, as he tossed a few coins into the extended -bonnet of the ferryman, sprang up Mary King's Close, and hurried -towards Bristo. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -THE SEDAN. - - ADURNI. I will stand - The roughness of the encounter, like a gentleman, - And wait ye to your homes, whate'er befal me. - THE LADY'S TRIAL. - - -Lord Clermistonlee, as he anticipated, reached the Earl of -Dunbarton's house just when the company were separating. The guard -of horse was drawn up in the court-yard in courtesy to the guests. -Lumbering old-fashioned carriages were rolling solemnly away; sedans, -borne by liveried chairmen, and having lighted links flaring in the -night-wind before and behind them, were carried off at a trot through -the dark and devious windings of the city. The court on the north -side of the mansion was becoming comparatively still and empty, and -Clermistonlee, with no small anxiety for the success of his plot, -looked on all sides for his faithful Juden; but that pink of butlers -and factotum of his household was nowhere visible, and he searched in -vain for the green livery of Clermont faced with scarlet. - -At this crisis a sedan approached bearing the blazon of Napier in a -widow's lozenge. It was borne by two men, in whom, though attired as -public chairmen, Clermistonlee recognised Juden and his nephew Jock, -a strong, lank-bodied fellow, who acted as valet, groom, errand-boy, -turnspit, &c., at his Lordship's lodging. He had coarse pimply -features, high cheek-bones, and a shock head of red hair waving under -a broad bonnet, piggish eyes, and a mouth of vast circumference. His -whole vocabulary consisted of a deep gutteral _ay_, with which he -replied to everything and everybody. Half knave, half idiot, he was -just the kind of ally required by Clermistonlee, to whom he was -intensely devoted, and to whom he looked up as something more than a -demigod. - -"I am glad you have doffed the green and scarlet," said the lord. -"You have been a thought beyond me to-night, Juden. Have her -ladyship's sedans been summoned?" - -"Half-an-hour syne, my lord." - -"Indeed!" rejoined the other, in a breathless voice, and letting fall -the rocquelaure which muffled his face. "Mistress Lilian is not -departed! Rascal, if she has----" - -"Hooly and fairly: we have just come for her, by her ladyship's -orders," grinned Juden. "A weary tramp we had to Bruntisfield wi' -the auld dame (devil tak' her!); but we coupit her at Dalryburn--ha! -ha!" - -"How, sirrah? where were her chairmen?" - -"Where they are even now--in the water-hole of the town-guard--a -dungeon vaulted wi' stane, dark as pitch, and half fu' o' water. Gif -your lordship does na ken sic a place, owre weel do I, for there I -passed fifteen weary days and eerie nights, after Bothwellbrig, -shivering like a rat in an ice-house." - -"Gomeral! is this a place for thy pestilent reminiscences of -Bothwell? Ye obeyed my orders?" - -"To the letter o' the law, as my lord Mersington says. I have made -Lady Grisel's servitors as fu' as strong October, reeking usquebaugh, -ay, and a three gallon runlet of gude red Rhenish, at sixpence the -quart, could make them. But then, by way o' repaying my hospitality, -they began misnaming your Lordship." - -"What said the knaves?" - -"That ye were but a cock-laird o' Cramond, for a' your baron's -coronet, and a fause whig and misleared covenanter at heart." - -"Foh! it matters not," replied Clermistonlee. "I will have all those -varlets under my thumb ere long, and then I will teach them the -respect that is due to my coronet. A cock-laird! By all the devils, -they shall have their tongues bodkinned, and their ears nailed to the -Tron, as a terror to all such plebeian rascals. But what didst thou, -and this great baboon thy nephew, when these rascals made so free -with our family?" - -"We sweeped the house wi' the hair o' their heads--eh, Jock?" - -"Ay," gaped the personage appealed to. - -"My birse rose at the first word, and drawing my whinger, I fell on -like a Stenton. Jock threw owre the buird and settles, and laid -about him wi' a three-leggit stule. The gudewife o' the change-house -scraighed like a howlet, and a' gaed to wreck. Shelves o' dishes and -tin flagons, caups and luggies, Leith crystal and Delft ware, iron -pots and pewter trenchers, a' flew like a hailstorm, and we laid -about us like naething that I mind o', but the tulzie at Bothwell, -when Dalyel's troopers broke the brig-ward, and fell on us sword in -hand." - -"Bothwell again! Rascal, how often must I tell thee to recur to -those days no more?" - -"In burst the toun-guard, wi' axe and pike, and carried them a' to -the water-hole, as disturbers o' the peace." - -"And how did you escape?" - -"At the very sight o' the red wyvern on my sleeve, the loons let me -go, as if my gude braid claith had been iron in a white heat: and sae -I am here." - -"Excellent! for this night her people are safe. Thou art a priceless -fellow, Juden." - -"When Lady Grisel's men were summoned, we changed our coats, and in -their places came as ye see. We bore her awa to the Place o' -Bruntisfield, and are now, by her orders, returned for Madam Lilian." - -"Heaven is propitious to me to-night. But I fear me, thy dullard of -a nephew may spoil all." - -At that moment the voice of the earl's chamberlain was heard -summoning "Mistress Napier's chair," and with much pretended bustle, -Juden and his cunning nephew, in their assumed character of -hack-chairmen, carried it up the broad flight of steps into the -brilliantly-lighted lobby, while, with a beating heart, Clermistonlee -withdrew a little, to observe the issue of his plans. - -He waited what appeared to be an age; for Juden and his nephew had -been desired to remain in the court without for a time; and when -again they were summoned, Lilian Napier was in the chair, and when it -was brought forth, the little blinds of scarlet silk were so closely -drawn that Clermistonlee could not discern the least part of that -fairy form, over the beauties of which he revelled in fancy; and his -swart cheek glowed, his pulses quickened, as his unscrupulous -serving-men approached at a slow trot, carrying with ease the sedan, -though it was ponderous with black leather, gilded nails, and -armorial bosses. - -Equally pleased and surprised that Walter Fenton was not escorting -it, Clermistonlee (who had pre-arranged to leave him dead among the -fields) silently opened the gate of the court which led to the -westward, and shrinking behind the shadow of a wall, almost held his -breath as the vehicle passed which contained that fair being for -whose possession he was risking so much odium and danger; but neither -were new to him. Regardless of the feelings of others, and dead to -every sense of honour, save that bull-headed valour which made the -cavaliers of his day fight to the death for matters of less value -than a soap-bubble, he had long been accustomed to gratify without a -scruple his strong and unruly passions. - -He breathed more freely as his followers traversed the deserted road -that led to the barrier of Bristo, and thence striking westward, -proceeded by a narrow horseway leading to the thatched hamlet and -manor-house of Lauriston, a suburb a few hundred yards from the city -wall, which, with its row of embattled bastelhouses, rose on the -right hand. - -It was a long and monotonous line of crenelated wall, the outline of -which was broken only by the spire of the old Greyfriars' Kirk (which -was accidentally blown-up in 1718 by powder stored therein by the -thrifty bailies of Edinburgh), the turrets of Heriot's Hospital, and -at intervals a fantastic stack of great black chimnies studded with -oyster-shells. On the left were fields of waving grain, and rows of -foliaged trees, that spread over the gradual slope to the sandy -margin of the beautiful lake. The little village was buried in -silence and sleep; all was hushed under the green thatch of its -humble cots. Scarcely a star was visible; it was nearly midnight, -and utter solitude surrounded them. - -Poor Lilian! Her daring abductor had not as yet formed any defined -plan of ultimate procedure. His first object was to have Lilian -completely at his mercy, and nowhere could she be more so, than in -the strong and solitary house of Drumsheugh, watched by the infamous -being introduced to the reader in the preceding chapter. - -Within the grated chambers of that house, which he had made the scene -of a thousand enormities, Clermistonlee hoped soon by terror, -persuasion, or force, to overcome the repugnance Lilian had so long -expressed for his addresses. The cold, but decided refusal, of old -Lady Grisel, the startled dismay and ill-concealed hauteur of Lilian, -when but a few months before he had made a somewhat abrupt and -unexpected proposal for her hand, now rose vividly to his mind, and -spurred him on to triumph and revenge. - -He contemplated with a malicious satisfaction, that even if -to-morrow, or a week hence, he should free Lilian from durance, she -would go forth with a stain upon her reputation, and imputations upon -her honour, worse than death to a girl of her delicacy and -spirit--imputations which ultimately might force the proud little -beauty into his arms, when the web of his machinations was stronger, -and when even her lover would shrink from her as from one -contaminated. - -Then would be his hour of triumph! and--but here his cogitations were -interrupted by the yelling of a great wolf-dog, which thrust its -black nose through the barbican-gate of the Highriggs, and barked -furiously. - -Clermistonlee had hoped that, fatigued with dancing and the lateness -of the hour, sleep had overpowered Lilian, and now he trembled lest -she should awake, and by her cries summon aid to her rescue from this -old baronial mansion, which terminated the Portsburgh. In wrath, he -thrust with his long rapier at the dog; but its baying redoubled, -and, in great consternation, Juden and Jock hurried northward down -the slope at their utmost speed. To the joy of Clermistonlee, his -fair captive expressed no alarm, and the curtains of the sedan -remained undrawn. Her voice was unheard, and no sound broke the -stillness of the place, save the wind sweeping over the fields, and -the tramp of the chairmen's feet, as they ascended by a narrow bridle -path to the ancient gate of Drumsheugh. - -"She is mine at last!" exclaimed the triumphant roué, through his -clenched teeth, as they entered the damp gloomy avenue. "Ha, Master -Fenton, I have the odds of thee! Ha, ha! Not all hell itself could -save her from me now." - -At the base of a tower where a small doorway gave entrance to the -house, Juden, who was in front, to his great tribulation, saw Beatrix -Gilruth with a long pikestaff in one hand, and an iron cresset in the -other. She held it aloft at the full stretch of her meagre arm, and -fitfully the flame streamed in the night-wind, casting a bright but -uncertain glare on her pinched unearthly features, her sunken eyes, -matted hair, and tattered attire, on the mossgreen walls, the grated -windows, and striking façade of the ancient mansion, and the thick -trees that grew around it, revealing the dewy leaves and threads of -silver gossamer that spread from branch to branch--but Beatrix was -the most striking object, for the wildness of her air imparted to her -the aspect of an antique Pythoness, a sorceress, or maniac. Juden -fearfully eyed her askance. - -"Gude e'en to ye, cummer," said he breathlessly. - -"Evening? ye feared gowk!" retorted Beatrix. "'Tis the dead hour of -midnight, as ye may know by putting your neb oure the kirkyard dyke, -where mair may be seen than ye reckon on. Behold the light that -dances in yonder hollow." - -Juden looked down the long avenue, which the dense foliage caused to -resemble a leafy tunnel, and saw far off a lambent and uncertain -light playing in the distance. - -"'Tis a corpse candle!" screamed Beatrix. "It glints above the grave -of an unchristened wean. Hah, fool! frightened as ye are for it, the -day is not far off when the same deidlicht will be dancing among the -grass that covers your own." - -Perspiration burst over Juden's brow, while the woman enjoying the -terror she created, uttered a wild laugh. - -"My Lord--Jock--I tak ye to witness she foretells my wierd--a clear -case o' malice and sorcery as ever came before the Fifteen. But I -defy ye, Lucky Gilruth, for the barrels are tarred that shall send -thee to the fires o' eternity, ye shameless limmer." Juden trembled -between pious confidence and deadly fear--like one who in a dream -defies a fiend. - -"Hark to St. Cuthbert's bell?" continued Beatrix, who appeared to -find a satisfaction in the fear and aversion she created. "Now shall -ye behold the spirits of the dead, that many a time and oft on this -returning night, I have seen rush forth from yonder woods,--Sir -Patrick of Blackadder, and his slayers, Douglas, Hume, and -Clermistonlee. Like the driven cloud, they fly without a sound along -the gloomy avenue--pursuers and pursued, their swords flashing and -their hell-forged harness glinting, as they sweep like shadows oure -the dewy grass, with the stars shining through the ribs of their -skeleton horses, till the spirit of Blackadder plunges into the loch, -as it did on his dying day--then red flash their petronels, and the -pure water sparkles around them like diamonds in the moonlight--an -eldritch yell arises from its shining bosom, and all is over!" - -"What mummery is this, thou eternal babbler?" said Clermistonlee, in -a voice of suppressed passion. "Woman, Beatrix, silence, lest I -strangle thee!" - -The sedan was now within the vaulted ambulatory of the mansion; and -the door was securely bolted by Juden, while his master, who had -begun to feel no little surprise and anxiety at the silence -maintained by Lilian, advanced hurriedly to the chair; but first -whispered to his old paramour: - -"A word, Beatrix,--is the wainscoted room in the turret prepared for -the reception of this little one?" Beatrix nodded. "Peril of thy -head, woman, if it were not," he added scornfully, and raised the top -of the sedan, while his assistants respectfully withdrew. "Fair -Lilian," said he, commencing one of his made-up fine speeches, but -not without apparent confusion, "fair Lilian, and not less beloved -than fair, pardon this duplicity, for which the excess of my love can -be my only, my best excuse. My love--alas! my dear girl, you have -known it long, and too long have you slighted it. But on bended -knee, behold!--I beseech you to pardon me--Lilian--dearest Lilian----" - -"Ha, ha! ho, ho!" laughed a deep and sonorous voice within the sedan. -"Horns of Mahoud! if this is not exquisite!" and, instead of -beholding Lilian's fair face, shaded by silken ringlets--lo! the -exasperated lover was confronted by the bushy perriwig, swart visage, -and black moustachios of Dick Douglas of Finland. "Ho, ho! your -Lordship has been prodigiously outwitted;" and the cavalier laughed -as if he would die. - -"A thousand furies! draw! Finland, draw!--your life shall pay for -this!" exclaimed Clermistonlee, recoiling and laying hand on his -sword. - -"As you please, Right Honourable; but I hope, most noble Lord, your -rascals mean to carry me back to the city--ha, ha!" - -"Not unless it be cold and stark upon a bier. Zounds! Sir, I -believe you know I am one who will not brook being trifled with." - -"Your Lordship must know me for the same," replied Finland, gravely. -"I care not a straw what view you may take of this night's adventure, -and will now, or at any time, render due satisfaction for it, with my -sword, body to body. I am generally to be found either at my -quarters in the White Horse Cellar, or in Hugh Blair's Coffeehouse." - -"Or the Laird of Maxwelton's--ha!" - -"Where your Lordship had better not present yourself; and so, -gadzooks! your most obedient. Harkee! Mother Gilruth, undo the -barrier; you know me, I think, old one, eh?" and he threw a few coins -in her apron, saying, "I can be as free of my flesh and gold as -either lord or loon." - -Beatrix, whose grey eyes gleamed with malice and avarice, clutched -the money with one hand, and shook a poniard at the donor with the -other; while Clermistonlee, who was boiling with passion and -mortification, again approached him. Douglas started, and half -unsheathed his glittering rapier; while Juden, who considered his -Lord's affront as one offered to himself, snatched an old partisan -from the wall, and prepared to fall on. - -"Hold! Juden--back!--not now--not now!" said his master, waving his -hand. - -"'Tis well, my Lord," said Douglas; "delay so long as you please. We -expect to march southward shortly, and I would regret to be left -behind with a slashed skin, when Dunbarton's drums were beating the -point of war in the face of an enemy. Yes--by all the devils, I -would wish rather to fall _à la coup de mousquet_, than by the rapier -of Randal Clermont." - -"Your wish may be frustrated if you speak thus insolently," replied -Clermistonlee, who admired the cavalier's bearing, though exasperated -by the trick he had played him. "But be it so, Finland. Were not -this hand fettered by a longing for revenge--a longing which beyond -the morrow I cannot control, and which compels me to retain my sword -for the heart of another enemy, God wot, I would slay you where you -stand. As a swordsman, you are aware I am unmatched in the three -Lothians." - -"Pshaw!--on the ramparts of Lisle, after three passes, I disarmed -Monsieur de Martinet, of the Regiment du Roi; and he was the first -swordsman in France and Flanders. I believe we are pretty equal. -But, my Lord, he for whom you reserve your skill and fury is my -friend--my friend is my second self; and I tell thee, Randal -Clermont, Lord and Baron though ye be, that when I think of what -might have been the fate of Lilian Napier under this accursed roof, -and in the hands of thee and thy hell-doomed harridan, I am sorely -tempted to have at thy throat." - -"'Sdeath! these are words rarely addressed to Clermistonlee. Begone! -sirrah, ere from high words we come to hard blows. Away! and -remember that the time is not far distant when this night's prank -shall be dearly atoned for." - -"When that hour comes, Finland will never fail," replied the -cavalier, throwing his broad beaver jauntily on one side, as with one -hand on his rapier, and the other twirling his moustache, he strode -away, singing-- - - "She is all the world to me, - And for my blue-eyed Annie Laurie, - I would lay me down and die." - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -ADVENTURES OF THE NIGHT CONCLUDED. - -COUNT. What an unaccountable being! But it won't do. Steinfort, we -will take the ladies home, and then you will try once again to see -him. You can talk to these oddities better than I can. - -THE STRANGER. - - -Rage, mortification, and love (if so his passion can be named), -possessed by turns the proud heart of Clermistonlee; but every idea -soon became absorbed in one deep and concentrated longing for -revenge--revenge upon Douglas of Finland and Walter Fenton, -especially the latter, as being the most dangerous and hated--his -rival. - -He considered and re-considered every charge upon which he could -possibly subject their conduct to the scrutiny of the council, and -their persons to its torture and dungeons. It was in vain. The high -character of Finland on one hand, and the influence of Dunbarton on -the other, rendered all such attempts utterly futile; and with a -savage exultation, the baffled Lord resolved to trust to his own -unerring hand for disabling, maiming, and perhaps slaying the young -Ensign: and he resolved, on the first opportunity, to put in practice -a species of outrage, which was far from being uncommon in those -unsettled times, when our bold forefathers fought to the last gasp, -rather than yield one inch of the causeway to a man of a family or a -faction whom they held at feud. - -While the _dénouement_ (recorded in the preceding chapter) was taking -place at the desolate old mansion of Drumsheugh, gay Annie Laurie, -with her usual vivacity and wit, was relating to the Earl and his -beautiful Countess, and to Lilian, who, with Walter Fenton, had -tarried in the bower or boudoir after all the other guests had -departed, the plot of the famous roué; and how, by her contrivance, -Douglas had been carried off in the sedan to mortify and disappoint -him. - -Poor Lilian trembled and changed colour as she felt alternately fear -and indignation at the lure that had been laid for her; but Walter -kindled up into a red-hot passion; the Countess became agitated; and -the Earl hurriedly buckled on his walking sword, saying,-- - -"This must be looked to. My fair but thoughtless Laurie, mischief -will come of this, Douglas is a brave spark, and somewhat too prompt -in the use of his hands; while Clermistonlee is wary as a wolf, and -blood will be drawn. Fenton, order the household guard to horse: we -will ride round and arrest them, ere worse come of it." - -"Yes, yes," exclaimed the little Countess, clasping her white hands; -"away, away--but oh, will it not make both your deadly enemies? -Heavens! what a land is this for blows and outrage!" - -"Fear not, dear Lady Dunbarton," said Annie. "When Douglas left me, -he pledged his sacred word of honour not to fight Clermistonlee until -I gave permission. That promise ties his sword to its sheath, unless -his honour requires it should be drawn, and then ill would it become -a Laurie of Maxwelton to fetter the hand of any brave cavalier." - -"You are a perfect enchantress, fair Annie," said the Earl, pressing -one of her silken ringlets to his lips; "one that can rule our -wildest gallants, and bend them to your will like the Urganda of -Amadis." - -"Nay, my Lord, if you talk much thus, I shall be deemed a witch in -earnest. You Lords of Council deem suspicion equal to guilt. Is not -the poor creature who is to be burned to-morrow merely _suspected_ of -sorcery?" - -"On application of the boot, she confessed all the Lord Advocate -asked her; but let us not canvass the decrees of the High Court or -Privy Council. In these our days, the decisions of such tribunals -will not brook much scrutiny. But Clermistonlee shall answer to me -for this attempt. S'death! to abduct my guest, and the fairest that -ever graced our roof-tree: but say, Madam Lilian, what punishment -doth he deserve?" - -"Good, my Lord, leave him to the reproaches of his own evil -conscience." - -"The answer beseems your artless gentleness, fair Napier; but you -know not the infamy he intended for you. 'Tis horrid! 'tis damnable." - -"And, belted Baron though he be," began Walter, handling his rapier, -for his wrath increased while the Earl spoke, "a day shall come----" - -"Tush, my boy. Art beginning to ruffle it already. His Lordship is -the best hand either with rapier or dagger, single or double -falchion, in all broad Scotland, while you are but a new-fledged -soldier, whose burganet is bright as a new carolus. When you have -followed the drum as long as I, you will learn to view everything -with more coolness; though I ever loved a young gallant that was -ready witted and quick-handed in defence of his mistress and honour. -Clermistonlee is a thorough-paced rascal, and, though invited here -for State purposes, God wot he is the only unwelcome guest under the -roof-tree of Dunbarton. When I bethink me how he treated his wife, -and kinswoman Alison Gifford, my blood bubbles up to boiling heat. -Poor Alison! I used to love thee in my boyish days; but--hah! 'tis -past like a tale that is told." - -Twelve o' clock had rung from all the city bells, and the time was -waxing outrageously late according to the punctilious ideas of the -age. Lilian, in great anxiety to be gone, accepted the Countess's -chair, while Walter, muffled in his rocquelaure, and having his sword -girt close, followed as her escort, and bade adieu to their noble -friends whose suite of apartments now seemed deserted, sad, and -desolate, after the departure of all the gay and beautiful forms that -had thronged them but an hour before; and the only traces of whom -were here and there a faded or forgotten bouquet; a stray glove, a -scarf, a ribbon, or a fontange. The lights waxed dim and few, for, -like the joyous spirit of the fête, their lustre had passed away. -Walter had too much of the continental gallantry that then -distinguished the Scottish gentles, to act the mere part of escort. -He threw the chairman's slings over his own shoulders, and fairly -carried his lady-love home. - -Dismissing the sedan at the barbican gate, he led Lilian up the steps -to the door of the house, lingering at each; for there was something -on his lips which he longed, but dared not to utter. Ere he pulled -the ring of the risp, he softly pressed her hand and said, in a very -gentle voice,-- - -"Lilian--dear Lilian--restore the glove of which you deprived me." - -"Glove--glove?" reiterated Lilian in a great flutter. - -"Forgive me, dear Madam--oh, you cannot have forgotten, when last we -walked by the loch yonder." - -"Foh! what a droll request, Mr. Fenton." - -"All night you have called me Walter. Alas, I shall be very wretched -if you refuse this little boon." - -"I am sorry for that; but you must learn that Aunt Grisel's marmoset -carried it off from my toilet-table and quite tore it to pieces." - -"Ah, the provoking ape! But, dear Lilian, do not be so cruel as to -cloud this dream of joy by dismissing me without a token of--of your -favour to-night. I will not see you often now--we leave Scotland -very soon, 'tis said." - -Walter's voice trembled, for a first love (while it lasts) is always -a timid and a true one. His passion was rapidly mastering him. -Lilian soon began to tremble too, but had sufficient tact to answer -with a tone of raillery,-- - -"I owe you something for your chairman's fee--ah, rogue Walter, you -are pulling my glove off! Come, Sir! tirl the risp, or must I stand -here all night." - -The risp rang; but first she permitted him to untie and remove a -glove from her hand, which he immediately pressed to his lips. His -heart glowed within him, his feelings became tumultuous and -impetuous--at all risks he would have pressed her to his heart and -transferred to her soft cheek that burning kiss--but unluckily the -door was opened at that instant by a sleepy old servant (who still -carried the pewter flagon which he had drained in the spence an hour -before), and Meinie Elshender, who appeared very coyly in a very -becoming dishabille, with all her fine hair gathered up, _en -papillotes_. - -Pleased with all the passages of the night, Walter retired, and -preserved in his gauntlet the little blonde glove which his braced -corslet of steel prevented him from consigning to his bosom--the -romancer's grand emporium for all tokens of love and friendship, -save,--cash. - -Happy Walter walked briskly forward between fields and hedges, shaded -by trees that were now clothed in the heaviest foliage of summer, and -skirted the western rhinns of the lake, where the scared coots -squattered among the sedges at his approach. The vast expanse of -water lay still as death; its dark unruffled bosom reflecting only -the occasional stars and the masses of flying cloud which by turns -revealed and obscured them. - -The deep bark of a watchdog in some lonely cot made him start at -times, as it echoed among the copsewood; so did every distant sound, -and every peculiar shadow attracted his scrutiny. He kept his -sword-hilt ever at hand. Perilous to all, the times were especially -so to the soldiery, whose duties, dictated by the tyranny of the -Council, and the mistaken bigotry of James VII., made them obnoxious -to all--but more so to the oppressed Covenanters, whose vengeance and -hatred had been terribly evinced on several occasions. - -It was the patrician regiment of Claverhouse they more particularly -reviled and abhorred; and several of his reckless cavaliers had -perished by the most villanous assassination. One was actually shot -dead in open day in the streets of Edinburgh; and soldiers were often -barbarously murdered in their solitary billets in the country. The -indiscriminate ferocity with which the guilty districts were -invariably scourged for those outrages, served but to make matters -worse. It has been remarked by some one, that though there were laws -for everything in Scotland, even to the shape of a woman's hood, -still it remained the most lawless kingdom in Europe. - -Walter knew that his only personal enemy was Lord Clermistonlee, yet -every sound kept him on the qui vive, and interrupted the gayer -visions of his fancy, and his happy anticipations of the morrow, when -he had made an appointment to escort Lilian to the Castlehill and -Luckenbooths, then the favourite promenades of the loungers of the -time. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -THE FENCING LESSON. - -HOST. What say you to young Master Fenton? he capers, he dances, he -hath the eye of youth, he writes verses, he smells April and May; he -will carry't, he will carry't; 'tis in his buttons; he will carry't. - -PAGE. Not by my consent, I promise you! - -MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. - - -With the fumes of a late debauch still obscuring his faculties, -Clermistonlee sat next morning with his head reclined on his hand, -and breakfast before him, but untasted. His lordship was in a -decidedly bad humour. It was the 22nd of June, and he had been early -aroused by the cannon of the castle and the citadel of Leith saluting -in honour of the anniversary of the victory at Bothwell; and the deep -boom of the artillery, as they pealed over the city, drew many a -groan from the burning hearts of the subdued faction. - -The morning was beautiful; a thin gauzy mist was curling up from the -loch, and rolling round the green foliage of the Trinity Park, and -the sable rocks of the Calton. - -In vain the fragrant coffee, new manchets hot from the oven, the -fragment of a collared pig, a great silver flagon of spiced ale, a -trencher of kippered salmon, and other viands sent up their odours, -or were displayed before him in tempting array. Juden, napkin in -hand, bustled nervously about the room; one moment dusting the -buffet, which already shone like a mirror, or repolishing the row of -plate tankards that glittered upon it; and the next, turning to his -pettish master, whose attention he endeavoured yet half dreaded to -attract. - -The fierce dark eyes of Clermistonlee were red and bloodshot; his -face was pale, and a stern smile of sinister import curled his proud -yet handsome lip; his rich bobin vest was awry and unbuttoned, the -lace cuffs and broad collar of his shirt crumpled and soiled; his -overlay of point d'Espagne tied carelessly. One hand was thrust into -the wide pocket of his rich dressing-gown, the other supported his -unshaven chin; one foot exhibited a maroquin slipper, the other was -cased in a handsome funnel boot of white buff, garnished with a gold -spur and scarlet spur-leather. His lordship was regularly -blue-devilled; and, though he sat motionless, a storm of fiery -passions were smouldering in his haughty bosom. - -In the grate, among torn billets, faded bouquets, love-knots, stray -gloves, and innumerable corks, lay his glossy black wig, just where -he had flung it the preceding night; his broad hat, with its cavalier -plume, lay crushed under the buffet, where a favourite sky terrier -had for an hour past been engaged in a vain attempt to masticate the -quills of the ostrich feathers. The arrangement of the chairs on one -side of the room showed that the roué had reposed there during the -night, or morning rather, after the failure of his attempt upon -Lilian. A book lay near him: it was Sir William Hope of Hopetoun's -"Complete Fencing Master;" and he glanced at it from time to time. - -"What hour is it?" he asked suddenly. - -"It will be ten gin the time," replied Juden, dusting the buffet -again; "but I think, my Lord, a drap coffee, or spiced October, a -crail capon, or a slice o' the kipper, would do ye mair gude than -graning and glooming for a' the world like your grandfather in the -painted chalmer. Here are eggs fresh frae Moutriehill owerbye. Had -ye been up in the braw cauler air like me this morning, ye would hae -the appetite o' a hawk or a lang famished bratch." - -"Like thee, fool!--And where the devil didst bestow thyself this -morning?" - -"Just awa' up at the tounheid, to see that auld witch tar-barrelled. -It was a braw sight! Every place was crowded wi' folk--every window -crammed wi' faces, and every lumheid and bartisan loaded wi' skirling -weans and shouting laddies. And there was auld Magnus the provost, -the baillies and the councillors, a' majoring up the causeway in -their scarlet gowns, wigs, and cocked beavers, with the city sword, -mace and banner borne before them, wi' drums beating and halberts -glinting. Dunmore's dragoons lined the street. - -"Certes, it was grand, my lord, and a bleeze weel worth riding to -Birgham to see. She maun hae been a horrid witch, that auld carlin, -for gude kens was a dooms ugly ane. She was trussed wi' a tow, like -a chicken for the spit; and a devilish black beetle, her familiar -spirit, tied round her neck in a crystal vial. 'Twas na brunt wi' -her, but, God sain us! when the flames touched it, gaed up into the -sky, wi' a flaff o' sparks and a clap like a thunder. She scraighed -for a tass o' water before the fire was lighted. 'Gie her nane,' -quoth my Lord Mersington, 'Gie her nane, ye loons; gin the auld -jaud's dry, she'll burn better.' Then a' body leugh and threw up -their bannets, as if they had been making a Robin Hude. - -"Auld Sir Thomas o' Binns was there, and he leugh too, till the tears -came rowing owre his beard; for there is naething that born deil -likes better than a tar-barrelling, unless it be a back-handed slash -at the hill-folk. And ken ye, Clermistonlee, that a' body said she -would hae slippit the claws o' the Council and the Fifteen to boot, -but for the notable speech o' my worthy Lord Mersington, who laid -down the law and quoted the acts o' Estate in a way whilk was most -edifying to hear." - -"What is all this cursed cataract of words about?--Of what are you -prating?" - -"Prating?" reiterated Juden, a little put out. "Ou, just that if -your lordship would condescend to break your fast----" - -"To eat!--no, the first morsel would choke me like a burning coal. -No, Juden; away with the table, and bring me the quilted gloves and a -bundle of foils." - -Clermistonlee impatiently pushed aside the table, and in doing so, -overturned the great ale tankard. - -"What are ye aboot, laddie?--are ye daft?" exclaimed Juden, wiping up -the streaming liquor in a state of high excitement. "The best damask -buirdclaith--he's gane clean wud! The last o' four dizzen o' my -lady's Flanders plenishing--he's daft--keepit for high days. O -Randal! hae some respect for yoursel', if you have nane for her whose -bonnie hands worked your cypher in the corner o' this very -buirdclaith." - -"Silence, pest!" cried his master in a voice of thunder; but the -destruction of the table-cloth was a matter of no small importance to -the thrifty old butler, who continued to wipe and mutter, - -"The damask buirdclaith--the best in the aik napery-kist--sae braw -wi' its champit figures, the very ane that His Highness the Duke -(James VII. that is now) dined off wi' Lag, Lauderdale, and the auld -Laird. Fie upon ye, Clermistonlee! sic wickedness and waste would -hae driven your faither daft--wae's me!" - -"Art done with this cursed gabble?" - -"Indeed I'm no, my Lord." - -"When you are, fool, go and bring the foils." - -"Is that a' the breakfast you are for?" - -"Rascal, begone! or by----" Juden trotted off, napkin in hand, ere -his passionate Lord could finish. He returned in a few minutes with -foils, masks, and gloves. Clermistonlee then threw off his -dressing-gown; and as he grasped one of the long heavy foils, his -cheek reddened and his eye sparkled in anticipation of successful -revenge and signal triumph. - -"Now, Juden, my trusty knave," he began, in a milder tone; "you know -that in my affair with this young minx, Lilian Napier--though I have -been foiled in divers ways--that it would ill become me to draw -bridle when such game is in view." - -"Ay, my Lord; many a shy bird we have flown our hawks at, but never -saw I ane that cost the trouble this pretty paroquet hath done." - -"She loves a young spark of Dunbarton's Musqueteers--a nameless and -beggarly varlet, who in infancy was found among the covenanting -rabble in the Greyfriars kirkyard----" - -"Aboot the time o' Bothwell--o'd I mind it weel." - -"And, forsooth," continued the Lord, stamping with impatience, -"Dunbarton's baby-faced Countess, in imitation of proud old Anne of -Monmouth, would needs have a pretty page to hold up her train when -she walked, sit by her knee in coach and boudoir, carry her lap-dog -to church when the Bishop preached; to kiss her dainty hand at all -times, and God knows what more. - -"This fair lady's toy hath now become a man with a beard on his chin, -and a sword at his side; and after trailing a pike for these three -years past beneath our Scottish pennon, hath obtained a pair of -colours in his patron's band, and presumes to ruffle it in scarlet, -and lace among the best gentlemen in Scotland; and cocks his beaver -_à la cavalier_ in the faces of the boldest and the best. But these -are trifles. This misbegotten minion hath become my rival--_mine_. -Ha, ha! Juden--and to be crossed in purpose by a cur like this! -Zounds! I shall burst..... This very noon he will be flaunting his -feathers with other triflers; and if it is in the power of mortal man -to dash his rapier in a thousand pieces--to nail him to the pavement -through steel and bone, and to drench his sark in his heart's best -blood before her very face, by Jove! this right hand will do it. But -ere venturing on so public a trial of my skill, I would fain have a -bout with thee; so come on, my old boar-at-bay--have at thee." - -Entering at once into the spirit of the anticipated conflict, he -attacked Juden with as much ferocity as if he had actually been his -foe and rival. He thrust and lunged forward with such fury and -rapidity, that Juden, being stout, pursy, less agile, and older by -twenty years, was sorely pressed; but being perfect master of the -broad-sword, back-sword, and dagger, he stood his ground like a -thoroughbred sword-player; and for a time nothing was heard but their -suppressed breathing and the clash of the foils. - -The cheek of Clermistonlee was crimsoned with passion, and his dark -eyes flashed with the energy of every cut and thrust; for, in the -excitement of the lesson, he seemed to forget that he was not engaged -with Walter, waxing wroth when his most able thrusts were parried -with such force that his sword-arm tingled up to the very shoulder. -Under old General Lesly and the Duke of Hamilton, Juden had often -hewn a passage, sword in hand; through the solid ranks of the English -pikemen; and, though somewhat blown, he remained perfectly cool, and -when he had breath to spare, assumed the part of an instructor. - -"My Lord, my Lord--hoots, laddie! this will never do. You forget -yoursel, and show owre mickle front." - -"S'death! how so?" - -"Mind ye--hand and arm, body and sword, should be dressed in one -line; and inclining forward, ye should lunge _so_." - -"Pest! fellow--dost take my bobin vest, for buff coat, or pyne -doublet?" - -Juden laughed as his master spoke. - -"Rough lessons are suited to rough work. It was just sae at Dunbar; -my whinger whistled through a fat Southron's brisket. Touts! my -Lord--what na way was that to fient forward? I ken a wile worth twa -o' it. Lurch forward sae--making an opening and pawkily inviting a -lunge; when giving a _riporte_ at him, ye may _lock in_, as the -masters of fence say; that is, seize his sword-arm by twining your -left round it--close your parade shell to shell, in order to disarm -him, whilk ye sall do just so;" and suiting the action to the word, -Juden suddenly closed up and wrenched away his Lordship's foil. - -"God confound thee, fellow!" exclaimed the fiery Lord, exasperated to -find himself so adroitly disarmed; while his bluff old butler, -delighted with his own skill and vigour, laughed till his eyes swam. - -"My Lord," said he, presenting the hilt of the foil, "ye will find -yoursel mickle the better o' this rough lesson when crossing blades -with our young spark; for my mind sairly misgies me, that Dunbarton's -cavaliers are kittle callants to warsle wi'. But ye ken, -Clermistonlee, there is no a man in the three Lowdens that could hae -dune what I did now. Hech! I am ane o' auld Balgonie's troopers, -and mony an ell o' gude English bone and braidcloth I've cloven in my -time." - -"Well--enough of this, Juden. Bring me a tass of hocheim dashed with -brandy--the last runlet--and then I will go abroad. Get me my -walking boots and short wig, a buff under-coat, and my scarlet suit -bobbed with the white ribbons; my hat--ah, thou damnable cur!--the -terrier has torn to shreds a feather, which, with its gold drop, cost -me six silver pounds at Lucky Diaper's booth. But it matters not--I -may never don another, I will wear my white beaver with the yellow -feathers; and get thee thy bonnet and whinger, and follow me. Be -brisk, for the morning wears apace." - -In five minutes the embossed cup of hock had been brought and -drained, and his lordship attired. With his noble features, shaded -by his broad hat and its waving feathers, his black wig curling over -the shoulders of his scarlet satin coat, which was stiff with silver -lace and white ribbons, Clermistonlee had quite the air of a finished -gallant. A perfumed handkerchief fluttered from one pocket, a gold -snuff-box, with a lady's picture on the lid, glittered in the depth -of the other. His long bowl-hilted rapier, with a grasp of embossed -silver and a sheath of crimson velvet, hung behind from an -embroidered shoulder-belt: one hand dangled a gold-headed and -tasselled cane--the other carried the long buff glove, and was bare, -according to the vanity of the time, for displaying the sparkle of a -splendid diamond ring. - -Juden buttoned his green coat close up, buckled on a heavy -basket-hilted spada, and drawing his broad blue bonnet over his red -burly visage with the air of a man intent on something desperate, -followed his master, respectfully keeping a few paces behind on their -gaining the crowded street, which was to be the grand arena of their -operations. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -THE LUCKENBOOTHS. - - He comes not on a wassail rout, - Of revel, sport, and play; - Our sword's gart fame proclaim us men - Long ere this ruefu' day. - OLD BALLAD. - - -The bell tolling eleven in the clock-tower of the Netherbow Porte, -made Clermistonlee quicken his pace in issuing from the gloomy alley -of his house into the broad and magnificent High Street, along the -far extending vista of which, and on its thronging crowds and -infinity of shining windows, the summer sun poured down its morning -glory. Round the Fountainwell there was the same bustle that may be -seen at the present day; thrifty and noisy housewives quarrelling -with the watercarriers, whose shining barrels upborne on leather -slings, were then the only means by which water was conveyed to the -houses; and a few old men, the last remnant of another age and more -primitive state of society, yet linger around the old fountain, and -climb to the loftiest mansions of the ancient Wynds, supplying the -water which the Reservoir cannot force to so great a height. - -Carved and gilded coaches rumbled slowly over the rough causeway, and -sedans borne by liveried chairmen were bearing the owners to morning -visits. The street was crowded with passengers and loungers dressed -in all the colours of the rainbow. The heads of the ladies were -covered by hoods of silk and velvet, while the wives of citizens were -forced to content themselves with a plaid muffler pinned under the -chin. - -Gentlemen still wore the plain Scottish bonnet, or the vast cavalier -hat, looped up and plumed; snug burgesses and staring countrymen -thronged past, attired (conform to Act of the Estates) in -linsey-woolsey, hodden-grey, tartan, coarse blue bonnets, and ribbed -galligaskins, a style of dress which formed a strong contrast to the -splendid vestments of their superiors, whose silks and velvets, -slashed and laced, were glittering everywhere in the sun. - -A few officers of the Fusilier Guards in their gilt breast-plates, -scarlet coats, and white scarfs, cavaliers of Claver'se regiment, and -other "bucks of the first fashion," in all the magnificence of laced -taffeta, long rapiers, perfumed scarfs, and tall feathers, were -lounging about the pillars of the Venetian arcade, in front of -Blair's Coffee House, or jested and flirted with those passing fair -ones who flaunted their long trains under the cool shade of the -Mahogany-lands, as certain old balconied edifices that have long -since disappeared were named. - -Jangling in mid air under the gothic crown of the old cathedral, the -musical bells rang merrily, mingling with the busy hum that floated -upward from the dense population below. The gift of Thomas Moodie, a -citizen, these bells had been hung there in 1681. In one of the -recesses formed by the buttresses of the church, a man was reading to -a crowd, that listened intently, around the barrel on which he had -perched himself. It was the _Caledonius Mercurius_, from the columns -of which he was detailing some of Louis XIVths religious persecutions -under the intolerant Mazarine, which now and then brought a muttered -execration from the listeners. - -Paunchy and gorbellied citizens, whose shops were in the gloomy -recesses of the Luckenbooths, the cruicks of the Bow, or cellars of -the Lawnmarket, were grouped about the city cross, which, with its -tall octagon spire and unicorn, was for ages one of the chief -beauties of the city. On one side of it stood the Dyvours-stane, -whereon sat a row of those unfortunates, who for misfortune or -roguery were, by act of the council, compelled to appear there each -market day at noon, in the bankrupt's garb--a yellow bonnet, and -coat, one half yellow, the other brown, under pain of three months' -imprisonment. - -On the other side groaned a wretched woman, who, for the heinous -enormity of drinking the devil's health had just undergone the triple -punishment of having her tongue bored, her cheek branded, and her -back scourged. - -The cross was the 'Change of the city, and on the spot where it -stood, every Wednesday our traders yet meet to buy and sell, and to -consult with sharp Clerks to the Signet, and more sharping -Solicitors, where bargains are daily made as of old, but requiring -ratifications more binding than merely standing on "our lady's steps" -at the east end of St. Giles, or the pressure of wetted thumbs on a -certain mysterious stone which was there kept for that purpose. - -With a velvet mantle floating from his left shoulder, a long yellow -feather waving over the right, and having in his carriage all that -indefinable air which the consciousness of rank and spirit seldom -fail to impart, Clermistonlee walked hastily up the street, poking -his nose into the hood of every woman that passed. He kissed his -hand to fair Annie Laurie, as she sailed out of Peebles Wynd with her -fan spread before, and her vast fardingale behind her: he made a long -step to cross the grave of Merlin, (whose stone coffin for ages -marked the street he had been the first to pave), he roundly cursed -the sooty Tronmen who did not make sufficient way for him, kicked a -water barrel ten yards off, and laid his cane across the shoulders of -the aquarius, its owner, bowed to the gay fellows under Blair's -pillars, and with the air of a man who knew he was pretty well -observed, made a pirouette near the cathedral, surveying all around -him, but without seeing the person of whom he was in quest. - -"Juden," said he to that respectable personage, who stuck close to -his skirts, "I see not this knave, with whom I would fain come to -blows while my spirit is in its bitterest mood." - -"Right, my lord; but I warrant they will be cooing and billing on the -Castle-hill yet." - -"They--whom? Dost mean to tell me that Lilian Napier hath appeared -there with her spark?" - -"Hath she no? By my faith, 'tis the toun gossip," said Juden, who, -notwithstanding his devotion to his master, thought there could be no -harm in rousing his fierce spirit to the utmost. "Mony a summer even -in the balmy gloaming have they been seen in the King's Park, where -none but lovers gang, as your lordship kens, for there yoursel and -bonny Lady Alison----" - -"Silence!" said Clermistonlee, through his clenched teeth; "always -these memories--ever reminding me of her whom I would wish to forget -for ever, as the dead should be forgotten. But the park and the -hill!--Gadzooks, varlet! I believe thou liest, for Fenton hath not -known her many months, I believe. I hope, too, the girl is -over-modest thus to exhibit herself. Come on; by all the devils, -come on!" and, giddy from passion and the fumes of his last night's -wine, he turned abruptly, and made a circuit of the Parliament -Square. Though it was false that Lilian had ever appeared on those -solitary promenades, which then were the usual resort of avowed -lovers (for such was the custom of the time), and though -Clermistonlee could scarcely believe the tidings of Juden, they -served the end that worthy aimed at, and became an additional gall to -his spirit, and whet to his ferocity. - -The idea of a young lady of family and fashion appearing with her -lover in such a place as the King's Park, may excite a smile; now it -is the resort of the artisan, the student, and the sewing-girl; but -in those days it was the common place for afternoon promenades and -assignations, ere the phases of society among the middle and upper -classes of the Scottish capital underwent so complete a change. - -"My lord," whispered Juden, approaching his master sidelong, "what -think ye o' keeping the croon o' the causeway this morning?" - -"Much as you love me, sirrah, you are ever prompting me to blows and -danger, and then seem wretched until I am safe again. Gadso! dost -think, thou gomeral, that I am in humour to indulge the quarrelsome -mood of every fool who deems the length of his rapier and pedigree, -entitle him to maintain it for himself? Besides, the fashion went -out with our fathers, and he who would now march down the street in -defiance of all mankind, would be deemed a blustering swashbuckler, -and pitiful fanfaron, worthy only of a sound cudgelling. No, no; for -one alone must I keep my rapier bright, and by Jove! yonder he -comes--she is with him, too--she leans on his arm--he talks, and she -smiles--D----nation! How happy they seem!--and this is the minx who -rejected my love, and despised my coronet. Follow me, Juden, for now -I will show thee a brawl such as this street hath not witnessed, -since old Crauford and the covenanting major fought with sword and -dasher from the Bowhead to the Tronbeam!" - -Swelling with fury, he advanced to the entrance of the Luckenbooths, -and Juden, like a true Scottish retainer, felt his wrath rising in -proportion with that of his leader. The narrow pile of buildings -they traversed extended the whole length of the cathedral and the -Tolbooth which adjoined it; dividing that part of the high-street -into two narrow alleys. Expedience, the increasing population, and -the political relations of the country with England, which required -every citizen to be within the walls, can alone account for this -singular erection of one street in the centre of another. - -Some of its tall ghostly edifices were very old and picturesque, -having modern outshoots supported by grotesque oak pillars forming -arcades below; under these were the Laigh cellars (_i.e._, low -shops), where the merchants exhibited their goods, and called public -attention to them as noisily and importunately as the shopmen of the -Bridges did until 1818, and those of St. Mary's Wynd do at the -present day. Between the deep gothic buttresses of the cathedral -were clustered a multitude of little shops called the Craimes, -similar to those which still disfigure the magnificent façades of -Antwerp and other great continental churches. This was the centre of -the city, the place of bustle, crowd, and business, dust in summer, -mud in winter, and noise at all times. - -Quite unconscious of the fiery spirit that followed him, Walter -Fenton led Lilian slowly through this narrow and crowded street, -where they stopped often to survey the various things displayed under -the piazza, and laughed and chatted gaily, for the young lady was -very well pleased with her cavalier officer, who, she thought, never -looked so handsome in his rich military dress and tall ostrich -feather. - -There was something very pretty, racy, and piquant in the beauty and -attire of Lilian, whose hood of purple velvet, tied with a string of -little Scots' pearls, permitted her fair hair to fall in front, -dressed _à la negligence_. Her ruff was starched as stiff as Bristol -board, and her long rustling skirt of crimson silk stuck out like a -pyramid all round, from the velvet boddice which was laced round a -little bust, to Walter's eyes, the most charming in the world. Her -gloves were highly perfumed, and so was all her dress; altogether the -young lady of Bruntisfield was very charming; everybody knew her, -smiled on her, and made way with that native politeness which, alas! -is no longer characteristic of the Lowland Scots. A lame old -liveryman who had ridden in Sir Archibald's troop, limped behind as -their esquire and attendant. - -"What are ye boune for buying the day, my winsome lady?" said a -buirdly vender of groceries; "what are ye buying? Plumedames -sixpence the pound--the new herb wise folk ca' tea, and fules ca' -poison, only fifty English shillings the pound--oranges, nutmegs, and -lemons frae the land o' the idolatrous Portugales--Gascony, Muscadel, -and Margaux, the wines o' the neer-do-weel French--aughteen pence the -Scots quart--what are ye for buying, madam?" - -"Or if you lacked a sharp rapier, Sir," cried a bare-armed -swordslipper, leaning over his half door, and taking up the chaunt; -"a corslet o' Milan that would turn a cannon-ball. I have spurs o' -Rippon steel, dirks of Parma, pikes of Culross, blades of Toledo, -pistols of Glasgow, and gude Kilmaurs whittles, the best of a'." - -"O what a Babel it is!" said Lilian. - -"Or a warm roquelaure to wear in the camp, my handsome gentleman?" -cried Lucky Diaper, a brisk and comely haberdasher in a quilted gown, -high-heeled shoes and lace-edged coif. "What are ye buying my Lady -Lilian? You will be setting up house I warrant, and are come to seek -for the plenishing. Walk in, sir--walk in, madam. I have cushions -o' velvet for hall-settles and window-seats stuffed with Orkney -down--buird-claiths of worsted and silk, servants (or napkins, as the -Southrons ca' them) o' Dornick and Flanders' damask, some sewit, and -others plain--crammasie codwairs, and sheets just without number. -What want ye my bonny leddy, and when does the bridal come off?" - -"Malediction on her chatter!" muttered Clermistonlee, who lounged at -the door. Walter smiled, Lilian blushed and trembled between -diffidence and anger; but her reply was interrupted by the entrance -of a customer, who, lifting his bonnet respectfully to her, tendered -his order to Lucky Diaper, who immediately reddened up with -indignation, and eyeing him askance, said sharply, - -"Set ye up, indeed, wi' a coleur-du-roi coat of three pile taffeta; -its like the impudence that makes ye speir before your betters are -served. My certie! what is this world coming to when a loon o' a -baxter, comes spiering for the like o' that? Awa wi' ye, man, awa! -Galloway-white, drab-de-frieze, or buckram conform to the Act o' -Apparel are gude enough for one of your degree!" - -The unfortunate baker was forced to retreat, for the draper of 1688 -thought very differently from one of the present day. - -"Ay, Madam Lilian, there was that ill-faured wife o' Baillie Jaffray, -who bydes up the Stinking Style (just aboon the Knight o' Coates' -lodging), gaed down the gate not an hour ago, wi' a hood o' silken -crammassie wi' champit figures as red as her ain neb, and a mantle -wi' passments sevvit round the craig o't. What think ye o' that for -a wabster's wife in the Lawnmarket? I mind the time when sic -presumption would have found her a cauld lodging in the Water Hole. -That was in 1672, when the Apparel Act was strictly enforced, and -nane but gentlefolk daured to ruffle it on the plainstanes in silk, -taffeta, lace or furring, broidery or miniver; but the times are -changing fast. I am getting auld now; and neighbours say, am far -behind the world. - -"Bonny Florentine blue that is, my lady; and weel would it become -your sweet face, if pinkit out wi' red satin à-la-mode. Lack ye a -sword-knot, young gentleman, blue and white, our auld Scottish -cockade? In what can I serve ye? A' the cavaliers of my Lord -Dunbarton ken me; for I had a fair laddie once, that fell in their -ranks at Tangier (rest him, God!), far, far awa' among the -black-avised unco's." - -When a pause in the bustling dealer's garrulity permitted her to -speak, Lilian requested so much of the finest blue velvet as would -make a scarf for the shoulder, with fringe and embroidery thread, and -spangles of gold and silver. - -"I see, madam--I ken," resumed Lucky Diaper with a smirk of -intelligence; "'tis a scarf for this winsome gentleman. Oh, hinny, -ye needna blush; I mind the time when your lady mother came here to -order a braw plenishing for her bridal and bedecking for her -chamber-of-dais; and a blythe woman I was to serve her! Blue -taffeta?--you'll be taking the very best Genoa, I warrant. It is a -pleasure to serve gentlefolk; but it gars my heart grieve when loons -like that baxter body think o' decking their ill-faured heads and -hoghs in my fine Florence silk and Sheffield claith. Come, bustle, -lassies, and show my Lady Lilian our velvets." - -Two spruce and buxom shop-girls, in short overgowns, with snooded -hair and bare arms, laid several rolls of velvet before Lilian, who -immediately made her selection, and, anxious to escape the infliction -of any more observations from Lucky, desired her to give it to the -lame serving-man, and note it in the books of the steward, Syme of -the Hill. All the shopwomen curtsied profoundly, as Lilian took the -arm of Walter, and swept again into the morning bustle of the -Luckenbooths. - -Chafing at their delay, Clermistonlee had been looking with imaginary -interest into the window of a bookseller's booth (the sign of which -was "Jonah"); but he heard not the chatter of the proprietor, whose -tongue supplied the place of newspaper puff, review, and publishing -list. His lordship's thoughts were elsewhere than among the -red-lettered and quaintly illustrated tomes before him. - -"What are you for buying, this braw day, my noble lord? There is the -Knight of Rowallan's 'Trve Crvcifix,' the 'Banished Virgin'--a folio -that will please you better;--the three volumes of 'Astrsea;' the -'Illustrious Bassa,' imprinted by Mosely, the Englishman in St. -Paul's Churchyard, fresh frae London by the last waggon, only three -weeks ago; the last poem o' bluidy ----, my noble Lord Advocate, Sir -George o' Rosehaugh, 'Clelias Country House and Closet,' whilk, as -the Lady Drumsturdy said in this very buith yesterday, is the most -delichtfu' book since the days o' Gawain Douglas or Dunbar----" - -"Sirrah, I want neither your books nor your babble; when I lack -either, I will know where to come," said the haughty lounger, -suddenly remembering where he was, and whence came the cataract of -words that poured on his ear. Turning, he saw those for whom he was -in wait entering the Lawnmarket, the loftiest and most spacious part -of the street, and where at that early part of the forenoon the -thronged pavement was almost impassable. The moment for action had -come! The heart of Clermistonlee beat like lightning. He beckoned -Juden (who had condescendingly been tasting the vaunted usquebaugh of -various dealers), and hurried after them into the denser crowd and -full glare of the noonday sun. - -Quite unconscious of what was about to ensue, Walter and his fair -companion, with the lame servant limping behind them, wended slowly -up the busy street, chatting and laughing with low and subdued -voices, till the blow of a heavy rapier ringing on Walter's backplate -of steel, and the words-- - -"Turn, villain, and draw or die!" thundered in his ear, making him -start round with his hand on his sword, and Lilian uttered a low -breathless exclamation of dismay on beholding Clermistonlee,--the -dreaded and terrible Lord Clermistonlee, tall, strong, and -fierce-eyed, standing on his defence; while a dense crowd, whose -attention the wanton insult immediately attracted, closed round on -every hand. - -All was clamour and uproar in a moment, and cries of "A fray, a -fray!--the Guard, the Guard!--redd them!" burst from a hundred -tongues. Walter's wrath was boundless on finding himself -anticipated, insulted, and defied by the very man he had resolved to -call to account on the first opportunity. - -"Strike, rascal!" cried Clermistonlee. - -"Thou double-villain! why molest me thus in the public street?" - -"That the public may the more readily behold thy cowardice. Wilt -strike, man, or shall I spit upon thee as a cream-faced coistral?" - -"For these words all the blood in your body could never atone. You -will have it then? Come on, proud Lord!" replied Walter, while with -his sword he waved back the people, whose applause seemed in favour -of Clermistonlee, as a townsman and peer, and late events had made -the army in bad odour with the populace. - -"O good people, part them--stay them for the love of God!" urged the -plaintive voice of Lilian, and it thrilled through Walter's heart. - -"Place, gentlemen! fall back, fellows--clear the causeway!" cried -Douglas of Finland, pushing through the crowd. - -"Give the gentlemen room," added Jack Holster, coming up at the same -moment. "Now, gallants, to it blade and shell. Gentlemen of the -Royal Guards, draw, that we may see fair play to the King's -commission;" and he unsheathed his sword. - -"Mistress Lilian, permit me--you must--intreaties are unavailing," -said Finland, leading away the pale and sinking girl, in whose ears -the clash of the rapiers rang terribly, and she saw them flashing in -the sunlight above the heads of the dense and shouting mob, till -reaching the booth of Lucky Diaper, where she burst into a passion of -tears, and here we will leave her for the present. - -Drawing his rapier, Douglas rushed back to separate the combatants, -or take part in the brawl if necessary. Clermistonlee pressed -forward with the greatest fury, determined to slay his antagonist, -who, knowing how much _he_ had to dread, if a man so high in rank, a -Lord of the Parliament, Privy Councillor, and head of a feudal -family, perished by his hand, fought only to defend himself, or, if -possible, to disarm or disable his furious enemy. At times their -long keen rapiers were visible for a moment; but a moment only. Like -blue fire, the bright blades flashed around them; but the skill of -both was so admirable, that as yet not a wound had been given. - -The people laughed when the tall plumes of Clermistonlee were shred -from his hat by a back-stroke, and floated away over their heads; and -in turn they applauded, as Walter (still fighting strictly on the -defensive) was driven by the impetuosity of his enemy backward to the -wall of the Tolbooth, and cries of-- - -"Weel dune the gudeman o' Drumsheugh--up wi' the Red Wyvern--the auld -leaven o' the Covenant for ever!" rang on every hand, and Juden -exerted his lungs like a Stentor. - -With a glowing heart and cheek, Walter found the conflict going -against him, and that his adversary was becoming exhausted, on which -he pressed vigorously in turn, and gaining more than the ground he -had lost, drove Lord Clermistonlee towards the arch of Byre's Close, -and then the rabble waved their bonnets and shouted-- - -"Hurrah for the Cavalier! Weel done, my brave buckie! doon wi' the -persecuting Lord!" and so forth; but Walter despised their praise, -and continued pressing forward till the fury of his antagonist on -finding himself driven back, step by step, amounted almost to -madness. Just at this successful crisis, Walter found his arms -violently seized by some one behind, and pinioned in such a manner -that he was placed completely at the mercy of his antagonist. - -Jealous for the honour of his Lord, Juden, who had worked himself -into a very becoming fit of passion, had watched with kindling eyes -and half-drawn sword, the various turns of the combat, and now, on -beholding the master whom he loved as though he had been his own and -only son, driven backward, breathless and exhausted, and in danger of -being compelled to yield or die, he could no longer restrain himself, -but rushed upon Walter, and pinioned his arms, exclaiming,-- - -"Now, my Lord, now! put your bilbo through his brisket. Devil's -murrain on you, Randal, strike for Clermont, or never strike again!" - -Surprise, for an instant, kept mute the shout of shame which rose to -every lip; and Walter struggled furiously with the stout old butler. -The eyes of Clermistonlee glared malignantly, and twice he raised his -long sharp rapier for a deadly thrust, and twice he lowered its -point. Walter's life seemed to hang by a hair, and how the fray -might have ended, it is impossible to say; but just when Jack -Holster, by a blow of his hunting whip, levelled Juden on the -pavement, Lord Mersington came running with a remarkably unsteady -gait, out of Blair's coffee-house, with his senatorial robes gathered -about his waist, his wig awry, in one hand a roll of interlocutors, -in the other a wine-flagon, which, in the hurry, he had forgotten to -leave behind him. - -"Haud, ye loons! haud, in the sacred name of the King!" he exclaimed, -throwing him self boldly between them. "This is breaking the peace -o' the burgh--clean contrary to the act saxteenth James Sext, whilk -ordains that nae man shall fight, or provoke another to the combat, -under pain of death, and escheat o' moveable gudes and gear. What, -is it you, Clermistonlee--hee, hee, hee! ye born gomeral, to be -brawling like a wild Redshank on the plainstanes in open day? Come, -come, gossip, this will never do. Stand back, I charge ye baith in -the sacred name of his Majesty the King!" - -"My lord of Mersington, I am the best judge of my own conduct," -replied his friend, fiercely. - -"But one far owre lenient--hee, hee! I am legally constituted judge -and justiciar baith o' the haill country; or up wi' your rapiers, -gallants, or I shall commit you, Randal, to the iron room of the -Tolbooth, and this braw spark o' Dunbarton's to the water-hole, whilk -being fifteen feet below the causeway, is a fine place for cooling -hot spirits." - -Mersington's efforts were unavailing, for he was a man whom few -respected. Jack Holster and Craigdarroch pulled him back very -unceremoniously by his scarlet robes; for which he thrust his roll of -papers into the face of one, and hurled the wine-pot at the head of -the other. - -Again the rapiers clashed together; but at that juncture Baillie -Jaffroy, a portly magistrate, the curve of whose round paunch was -finely delineated by his braided coat of purple broadcloth, and its -front row of vast horn buttons, displaying his gold chain (the badge -of civic power), rushed with a party of the Lord High Constable's -guard from the lobby of the Parliament House, and bearing back the -crowd with levelled partisans, separated the combatants. - -Neither of them were arrested. - -Clermistonlee, followed by Juden (who had acquired a black eye and -broken head), retired suddenly into the lower council chamber, where -the baillie, in dread of such a formidable personage, could not -follow, and therefore turned the whole torrent of his magisterial -wrath and indignation upon Walter Fenton, as being, he well knew, -less able to withstand them. But Douglas of Finland, Gavin of Gavin, -Holsterlee, and other military gallants, with drawn swords, carried -him off triumphantly to Hugh Blair's famous establishment at the -pillars, from whence, on the dispersion of the crowd, he rejoined -Lilian: and so ended the last single combat witnessed in the -high-street of Edinburgh. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -THE WHITE HORSE CELLAR. - - To eat cran, pertick, swan, and pliver, - And everie fisch that swyms in river; - To drink with us the newe fresch wyne, - That grew vpon the River Ryne; - Fresch fragrant Clarets of France, - Of Angiers, and of Orliance, - With comforts of grit daintie. - DUMBAR TO JAMES V. - - -It was now the autumn of 1688. - -The evil genius of James VII., and the influence of his advisers, -were fast hastening him and his House to destruction. His measures -for the re-establishment of the Catholic faith, in all its pristine -power and ancient grandeur, exasperated the whole nation, and the -Episcopalians in the south, and the sourer Presbyterians in the -north, joined in one united voice against him. - -Many powerful nobles of both kingdoms were in exile. With these, and -with the intermeddling Prince of Orange, a close correspondence was -maintained by the friends of the intended Revolution. Even the -Scottish and English forces, on whose valour and fidelity the unhappy -King too much relied, were foes to his religion; and certain -obnoxious measures, in his military administration, tended to -alienate from his cause all but the most romantic and devoted of his -subjects. - -It was evident that a great crisis was at hand. The King, in the -month of September, sent an express to the Privy Council, requiring -them to place the country on the war establishment. The standing -army was increased, the militia embodied, the garrisons put in a -state of defence, the Highland clans, ever loyal and ever true, were -ordered to assemble in arms, and beacons were erected on Arthur's -Seat and other mountains, to alarm the country. Similar preparations -to repel William of Orange were made by the English government, whose -forces, thirty thousand strong, under the Earl of Feversham, were -concentrated about London. But James's measures in the south ruined -his influence everywhere, and the cheers of the English troops, on -the acquittal of the Bishops being known in the camp at Hounslow, -proved that he had lost their sympathy for ever, and could rely on -their support no more. - -The regular forces of Scotland were cantoned in and around the -capital, ready at an hour's notice to march for England, a measure -which was vigorously and wisely opposed in council by Colin, Earl of -Balcarris, the Lord High Treasurer. Malcontents were secretly -flocking to Edinburgh from all quarters; and Master Magnus Prince, -the sycophantic Provost, with his bench of baillies, sent a dutiful -letter to James VII., assuring him "of their most hearty devotion to -his service, and being ready with their lives and fortunes to stand -by his sacred person upon all occasions, and praying for the -continuation of his princely goodness and love towards his ancient -city." - -The presbyterians conducted themselves with more than their ordinary -boldness, and in the streets openly chanted Psalms and _Lillibulero -bullen a la_; the Government and its friends were full of anxiety, -and remained on the alert. The whigs spoke boldly, and the cavaliers -with somewhat less confidence, of the great preparations of the Dutch -for the invasion of Great Britain--of the frigates, fireships, -transports, horse, foot, and artillery assembled at Nimguen, and of -the Scottish and English noblesse who in exile crowded beneath the -unfurled banner of the Stadtholder. Thus, - - "While great events were on the gale, - And each hour brought a varying tale;" - -none were more loyal in drinking His Majesty's health in Hugh Blair's -best Burgundy, and the Hocheim of the White Horse, than Walter Fenton -and his cavalier comrades of the Scots' Musqueteers; none squeezed -the orange more emphatically, and none handled so roughly those -luckless wights whom they found chaunting _Lillibulero_, and none -drained their vast bumpers more earnestly to the undamning and double -damning of the pumpkin-headed and twenty-breeched Dutch. - -It was the afternoon of a September day; the last detachment of -Dunbarton's Foot had marched into Edinburgh, from the famous -expedition against the Macdonalds of Keppoch, in attacking whom they -had been co-operating with a battalion of the Guards, and the -horsemen of the celebrated Captain Crichton, whose memoirs were -edited by Dean Swift; and now to enjoy a complete military re-union, -all the cavalier officers of the ancient corps sat down to a banquet -in the great dining hall of the White Horse Cellar. - -The long apartment was lighted by several windows that faced the -Calton hill, which towered away to the north and westward, covered -with whin and broom, where the fox, the hare, and the weazel yet made -their lairs unheeded and unhunted. The hall was spacious, elegant, -and hung with arras, and a great painting by Jameson, our Scottish -Vandyke, the pupil of Rubens, hung over the yawning fire-place. It -was a fanciful representation of the fair Mary, on that favourite -white palfrey, which a hundred and fifty years before had given a -name to the hostel, when the range of stabling below it had been -occupied as a mews of the Scottish kings. Beneath this, hung the -battered headpiece and Jedwood axe which Gibbie Runlet had -wielded--and wielded well as the king's rebels knew to their cost--in -the wars of the glorious Montrose. - -The sturdy legs of the old oak beauffet appeared to bend under the -load of glittering crystal, shining plate, and various good things -piled upon its shelves, while underneath in columns dark and close, -were ranged in deep array the flasks of good old wine, from the cool -vaults of the White Horse cellar, and covered with the undisturbed -dust and cobwebs of years of long repose. - -Clad in their rich military dresses, bright steel, and spotless -scarlet, glittering with jewels and gold lace, the row of cavalier -guests on each side of that long and festive board, presented a very -gay and striking appearance, as the setting sun shone full upon them, -and caused the whole vista of the dinner table to glitter with -sparkling objects, and the curling steam of the smoking banquet. - -In a great chair, with high back and stuffed arms, rough with carving -and rich with nails and scarlet leather sat the portly master, -Gilbert Runlet (that host of immortal memory), with a vast red face, -that seemed like the harvest-moon rising at one end of the table; -while the great rotund form spreading out below it, a yard in -diameter, loomed like a mountain, closing the long perspective of the -board. - -Gibbie had been for twenty years the most substantial burgess of the -Canongate; and as a stanch and irascible Royalist, had long "ruled -the roast" at the council board of that ancient burgh. The beau -ideal of a jovial host, he laughed and talked, and helped on all -sides incessantly, yet never appeared to be behind any one in -emptying his own plate or tankard, which were replenished and emptied -with wonderful celerity. - -But the dinner! A flourish of trumpets announced it; and well it -deserved the compliment of such a preliminary. A huge sirloin, which -balanced a baron of beef, was undergoing a rapid process of -diminution under Gibbie's long carving whinger; six collared pigs, -bristling with cloves, and having flowers stuck in their nostrils, -stood erect on great platters. Around them were hares, turkies, -geese, ducks, and chickens, roasted, stewed, fricasseed, and boiled. -There was a vast silver salt-foot at each end, two grand epergnes of -flowers and peacocks' feathers, two great salads, two hundred little -manchets, venison, hams, salmon, flounders, crabs, and Crail -capons,--all placed pell-mell without order of courses, among tarts, -trifles, confections, pyramids of jelly and plumbdames, puddings and -fruit of every description, disposed in ornamental figures of trees, -birds, &c. - -But, far above all this wilderness of viands towered a great edifice, -representing a fortress; the towers were of pie-crust, with ramparts -of wax; the cannon and sentinels were sugar-paste; the bullets were -little bon-bons; the moat was filled with wine, and from the keep -hung a flag with St. Andrew's silver saltire. This erection elicited -great admiration from the guests, by whom it was unanimously named -the Castle of Tangier, beneath the towers of which so many of their -brave comrades had found a soldier's grave. - -The feast proceeded in gallant style, amid unrestrained hilarity and -bursts of military merriment. All did justice to the good things -before them; while the servants, or ecuyers trenchant, were kept on -the alert pouring forth Rhenish, Gascony, Muscadel, port and sherry, -and the rich and luscious wine of Frontiniac, as if there had been a -conflagration in the stomach of every guest. - -On the right of the host sat the regimental minister, the Reverend -Doctor Jonadab Joram (who by the courtesy of the Scottish service had -the rank of Major), a bluff and jovial personage, whose merry eyes -twinkled on each side of a bottle-nose, and who could stride and -swagger, drink and play with any man--one who winked knowingly at -landladies, kissed their daughters, and, if he chose, could have -out-bullied a Mohock. He was brimful of jocularity, which had cost -him a duel or two in Flanders, and was known to be "up to" a great -many things not very consonant to the dignity of his cloth. - -On the left of the host sat the Chevalier Laird of Drumquhasel, a -tall, stark, and sunburned soldier, on whose breast sparkled several -French orders; and near him was the chirurgeon, who was the very -counterpart of the divine, a laughing, bullet-headed, merry-faced -little man, about sixty years of age. Like his clerical brother, he -was in the habit of averring that he had been broiled at Tangier, -half-drowned at Bergen-op-zoom, and wholly frozen in the Zuider Zee; -blown up in Flanders, and trod down in Alsace, for he always charged -in the line-of-battle, and consequently neglected his professional -duties; or, like many sons of the healing god, was wont to introduce -its topics at unseasonable times; and he was then, in the style of a -lecturer of the old College of Physic at the Cowgate Port, employed -in tracing the spinal marrow of a hare, for his own amusement and the -edification of Jerry Smith, a gay fellow, with a curly perriwig and -thick mustache, the same who afterwards entered the English service -and became so famous for his gallantries at Halifax in Yorkshire. - -There were present many handsome young sparks, whose first fields had -been Sedgemoor in the south, or Muirdykes in the north; and their -smooth chins and fair faces contrasted well with those war-worn -cavaliers, whose service included the Scottish battles of Dunbar and -Inverkeithing, the sack of Dundee, and the fight at Kerbister, and -whose sparkling stars and crosses attested the good deeds they had -performed under Henri d'Avergne, le Mareschal Turenne, and the great -Condé of glorious memory, especially old Drumquhasel. - -When the Duc d'Enghien charged the Mareschal de l'Hôpital so -successfully that the Spanish infantry, till then deemed the finest -in the world, were swept before the victorious French, there was not -a chevalier of St. Louis who distinguished himself more than old John -of Drumquhasel, who with his own hand cut down the famous Count de -Fuentes, for which he was thanked by Monsieur of France at -Versailles, and had a chaplet placed upon his head by Mademoiselle la -Fleur, the reigning favourite of the time. - -Douglas was joyous and gay; but Walter was somewhat reserved and -abstracted; he foresaw that this great military reunion would -interfere with his evening visit to the Napiers, and he was bored by -the gaiety of the young, as much as by the prosing of the older -soldiers around him. - -"Hector Gavin, harkee," said the divine to a tall officer whose -looped doublet and black corslet announced him Lieutenant of the -Grenadiers, a species of force introduced about ten years -before,--"Master Gibbie, our right honourable host informs me that -there are some excellent pigeons in the casemates of that same castle -of Tangier before you; and if you will so far favour me----" - -"With pleasure, Joram. By my faith, I should know something of the -mode of attacking the place! It wants the lower cavalier, with its -thirty brass culverins, that swept the gorge of that avant-fosse. -Ha! I have breached the upper parapet," said Gavin laughing, as he -cut down the pastry. - -"Ay, Hector, odsbodikins!" replied the divine. "I saw thee push on -at the head of our pikemen, like a true Scottish cavalier, when the -old Tangier regiment of England were thrown into confusion by the -shower of petards. Demme! Hector, the recollection of that hot work -makes me thirsty as dry sand." - -"Is the sack tankard empty, Doctor?" asked Douglas. - -"Drained to the lowest peg, laird." - -"Tush, Joram; mayest thou be turned into a gaping oyster, as the -play-book saith, and drink nothing but salt water all the days of thy -life! You were talking of a shower of petards, Doctor: I remember -when we marched with Condé into Tranche Compte with displayed -banners, we beleaguered the castle of a certain seigneur, which -resembled one of our Scottish peel-houses; and therein a brave -cavalier of Spain commanded a corps of tall Irish pikemen. For three -days they abode the salvoes of the demi-cannon, which battered their -outer ravelins, and breached the great barbican. I led a hundred of -our Scottish lads and sixteen German reformadoes to the assault, with -pike and pistol bent. By my faith, Doctor, the loons fought like so -many peers of Charlemagne. Each man flung a petard as we advanced. -Crush me! a shower of petards. Pho! my fellows were blown to -ribbons--their very entrails were twisted round the trees and -ramparts; but Condé took the place at push of pike--put all the -Irishry to the sword, and placed in the châtelet a garrison of the -Compté de Bulliones Scottish pikemen, and the good old Regiment de -Picardie." - -"Doctor Joram," said Walter, "I have heard much of your famous duel -with a chevalier of that regiment, but never the particulars. About -some fair damoiselle was it not?" - -"You were never more mistaken in your life, Master Fenton. We -measured swords in the purest spirit of _esprit du corps_. I will -tell you how it was. We were with the army that invested Doesburg, -where the famous Adjutant Martinet was killed by a cannon-ball within -a pike's length of me. We had long been at feud with that Regiment -de Picardie, anent certain points of precedence and posts of honour, -which was a state of matters not to be borne by us, who represent les -Gardes-Ecossais of the sainted Louis, while the Battalion de Picardie -was but one of the mere _vieux corps_ of Charles the Ninth's time. -The Sieur de Guichet, their captain-lieutenant, and I came to high -words about it, in a certain house ---- of ---- of ----." - -"Ay, ay, Doctor, we all know the place," said two or three cavaliers, -amid loud laughter. "Madame Papillotes' little château on the banks -of the Issel: she always accompanied the army. A nice billet for -your reverence truly." - -"De Guichet quarrelled with me about precedence and right of -_entrée_, though, as Chaplain of the Scots Royals, in the line of -battle I rode next to Dunbarton himself. 'Tush, monsieur,' said I, -laying hand on my sword, 'remember I am a Scottish cavalier, and -Chaplain to the Guards of Pontius Pilate.' '_Nombril de Beelzebub!_' -said the irreverend rascal, 'I believe you rightly name yourselves -the Guards of Monseigneur Pilate, for had the old _routiers_ of the -Regiment de Picardie kept guard on the Holy Sepulchre, they would not -have slept on their posts as the Scots Musqueteers must have done.' -'This to a clergyman?' I exclaimed. 'Have at thee, d----d runnion!' -and attacking him, sword in hand, I disarmed him at the third pass; -and ever afterwards Messieurs the Regiment de Picardie cocked their -beavers the other way when passing us in the breach or on the -Boulevards." - -"'Tis a brave old band," said Gavin of that ilk. "I saw them on the -plains of Nordlingien. You remember how gallantly they repulsed a -charge of the Count de Merci's steel-clad Lancers. We had just -formed square, with Sweyns' feathers in front, to repel their onfall, -when Monsieur de Martinet (whom all the world knows of), Adjutant of -the Regiment du Roi, galloped up, rapier in hand, with an order from -Monseigneur le Duc d'Enghien to form line in battalion with the horse -and dragoons on the wings; but my Lord of Dunbarton was too old a -soldier to hear him amid the roar of such a battle; and luckily a -cannon-ball took Martinet's charger in the crupper, on which he -scrambled away. But only conceive, sirs, to form line in face of a -horse brigade! By my sooth, wild Hielandmen would have known better, -and I marvel that Monseigneur d'Enghien and Monsieur de Martinet so -greatly forgot their boasted _tactiques de guerre_; but, as I said to -my Lord Dunbarton," _et cetera_, and so forth. - -Such was the tiresome small talk with which those "hunger and cold -beaten soldiers" (to use a camp phrase of the day) maintained a -cross-fire at table, and it differed very little from what one may -hear in a similarly constituted party of the present day. The -younger members of the company, whose whole experience of war had -been confined to repelling a foray on the Highland frontier, a brawl -in a whig district, or a review on the links of Leith before Sir -Thomas Dalyel, his grace the Lord High Commissioner, and the ladies -of his mimic court, were somewhat more peaceable in the tenor of -their conversation, which went not beyond a duel at St. Anne's Yard -or in Hugh Blairs, the Leith races (where yesterday the long pending -match between Jack Holster's horse and Clermistonlee's mare had ended -in the defeat of the latter), of Reid the mountebank, and the feats -of his famous "tumbling lassie" at the Tennis Court Theatre, where -they had all been the preceding night to behold "The Soldier's -Fortune" by the celebrated Otway, for whom they had a fellow-feeling, -as he had lately been a cornet of dragoons in Flanders. The merits -of the new-fashioned iron hat-piece covered with velvet, which the -English were now substituting for the old helmet, were warmly -discussed. Mistress Annie Laurie, Jean Gordon, Lady Dunbarton, and -other fair belles, new tawny beavers, silver-hilted swords, horses -and wines, and various frivolities were all descanted upon, while the -bright wine flowed and the laughter increased apace. - -Dinner was over, and the vast wilderness of viands had undergone a -great and melancholy change; the collared pigs were minus heads and -legs; the great platters of turkeys, geese, and ducks, stewed hares -and fricasseed rabbits, the lordly baron and the knightly sirloin, -and everything else were in the same plight; while the noble Castle -of Tangier had been completely sacked, demolished, and its garrison -of baked and spiced cardinals, capuchins, and fan tails given up to -the conquerors. The servants cleared the polished tables, and one -placed before Gibbie, the host, a great chased silver tankard, the -pride of his heart, for it was the production of George Heriot. It -was mantling with purple port, and Gibbie (whose orb-like visage, by -eating and drinking, was flushed like the setting October sun), laid -his hand upon the cup, and looked round the board with his great -saucer eyes to see that every guest's horn was filled; for the toast -he was about to propose was, - -"The health of His Sacred Majesty James VII., with peace at home, and -war and confusion to his enemies abroad." - -Gibbie, we say, with a rubicund visage beaming with loyalty and -hospitality, had just upheaved his ponderous bulk for this purpose, -when the rapid and ominous clatter of hoofs in the inn-yard attracted -the attention of all; and the reverend Doctor Joram exclaimed, - -"Egad, here comes my Lord Dunbarton and the young Laird of -Holsterlee! Gentlemen, the old game must be afoot--but what can be -in the wind now?" - -"A rising among those crop-eared curs in the west, I warrant," -replied the Laird of Drumquhasel. "Men say that false villain -Clelland, the covenanting colonel, and Dyckvelt the Hollander, have -been in the land of the whigamores, blowing the trumpet of sedition, -and preparing the way for southern invasion and northern rebellion." - -The earl hurriedly dismounted, and abstractedly threw the reins of -his horse to Holsterlee his gentleman-in-waiting, who exclaimed, - -"'Sdeath, Dunbarton, you forget that a cavalier of the Guard is not -like one of Douglas' Red Troopers or Dunmore's Grey Dragoons." - -The earl asked pardon, and laughed as he ascended the flight of steps -that led to the inn-door; while Jack vociferously summoned the -_peddies_ or horse-boys, and tossing to them the reins of the -chargers, jerked his long bilbo under his arm, and sprung up the -steps, three at a time, after the general. - -"Place for the most noble lord the Earl of Dunbarton--place for the -general commanding!" exclaimed a servant ushering in the noble -visitor, and all present arose at his entrance. His dark and -handsome features were slightly flushed, and not without a marked -expression of anxiety, while the saucy face of Jack Holster was -extremely animated, and he displayed rather more than usual of his -jovial and reckless swagger. - -"Gentlemen," said the earl; "the old banner that waved so often and -ever victoriously in the vanguard of Condé and Turenne is again to be -unfurled before a foe." - -"South or west?" asked a dozen of eager voices. - -"In the land of our ancient enemies." - -"By my soul I rejoice at that," said Douglas. "I have no fancy for -bending our fire on ranks that speak our mother tongue, and wear the -broad blue bonnet." - -"Well said, my true Douglas!" exclaimed Drumquhasel. "I knew this -muster of force aimed at the recapture of Berwick. Dags and pistols -there is the hand (and he struck it clenched on the table), that will -pull their d----d red cross from the ramparts when the time comes." - -"Ye mistake, gentlemen, and you in particular Chevalier Major; but -know that the time hath come which shall prove who among us are true -cavaliers, and who false-hearted whigs. Wilt credit me, that the -insolent Dutch prince William of Orange has at last put his great -armament in motion, and that a hundred sail of the line, frigates, -fireships, and four hundred transports have unrolled their canvass to -the wind? Herbert leads the van, Evertzen the rear, and William the -centre. He has with him fifteen thousand good soldiers," continued -the earl, consulting a royal dispatch from Whitehall: "some of these -are the hireling dogs of the Scottish Brigade, who are led by Hugh -Mackay, laird of Scoury, and carry a red banner." - -"Scoury?" exclaimed Douglas; "how--the old rascal who deserted from -us in Holland." - -"The same. Why, my dear fellow, this man is a mere Swiss, and prick -his ears whenever drums beat without caring a rush which side wins if -the rix-dollars are sure. The Prince's Guards and Brandenburgers -under Count Solmes, Knight of the Teutonic Order, and Grand Commander -of the Bailiewick of Utrecht, march with a white standard." - -"Bravo! we will know all the rogues by head-mark." - -"The Dutch and French Protestant refugees, under Velt Mareschal -Frederick Duc de Schomberg, carry a little blue banner," continued -the Earl, still consulting his dispatch. "Mynheer Goderdt van Baron -de Ginckel, on whom the would-be usurper hath bestowed the Earldom of -Athlone, commands the cavalry; Mynheer Bein Tenk, who expects the -Dukedom of Portland; and Arnold Joost van Keppel, the Earldom of -Albemarle; Massue de Rouvigny, who is to be Earl of Galway; General -le Baron de Sainte Hippolite; d'Auverquerque, Zuylestein, and -Caillemote, with all our banished Lords, Argyle, Shrewsbury, -Macclesfield, Dunblane, and the devil knows how many more runaways -and wild soldiers of fortune, the riddlings of rapine and scum of -European wars, all crowd beneath his banner as to a bridal!" - -"They are welcome!" exclaimed Finland, with enthusiasm. "Up, -gallants, all for God and King James!" and drawing his sword he -flourished it aloft, and drained his wine-horn to the bottom. Every -man followed his example, save Gibbie Runlet, who, having no rapier -to draw, contented himself by draining his wine tankard, which he did -without once removing his large saucer eyes from the face of the -Earl, to whose muster-roll of hard-named invaders he listened with -the aspect of one astounded. - -"Our dogs of citizens have already caught the rumour, that their -Dutch Saviour is coming with his fireships and Swart Ruyters," said -Holsterlee; "and in anticipation of their great political millennium -are chanting the _Lillibulero_ with might and main; yea, under our -very beards, as we rode down the Canongate. By the horns of Mahoud! -we have tough work before us gentlemen. Fifteen thousand Hollanders -under baton, said you, my lord?" - -"Pooh!" said Doctor Joram; "King James's English troops alone are -enough to eat them up." - -"Will they be inclined to do so, reverend sir?" replied the earl. "I -fear me greatly." - -"Then God help Church and King!" ejaculated the minister, gulping -down a sigh and his sack together. - -"Gentlemen," said Dunbarton, looking around him with sparkling eyes, -"the great, the terrible crisis to which our leaders and our -statesmen have so long looked forward, has come at last; and to the -hearts and swords of his faithful soldiers, King James can alone -trust the fortunes of his House. I have received most urgent -dispatches, written by himself, from Whitehall, and all our available -force must, to-morrow, march for England; Hounslow is the rendezvous; -Church and King our _cri de guerre_! The Privy Council meets -secretly in the gallery at Holyrood; they will sit in ten minutes. -Farewell, my good friends and gallant comrades," continued the Earl, -bowing with a heaviness of heart that was apparent to all; "I will -see you at daybreak, when the _générale_ beats. For the palace, -ho! come Hosterlee." - -"Away, gallants, to your fair ladies and gay lemans," exclaimed the -latter, with a tragi-comic air; "away, to dance a merry couranto, and -have one last daffin with the belles of the Cap-and-Feather close; a -last horn at Hugh Blair's; a last dish of oysters and a game at -shovelboard in Bess Wynd; a last camisadoe with the students and city -watch, for we march to-morrow, and when the Guards and the Royals go, -well may our ladies rend their silken tresses, and exclaim 'Ichabod, -Ichabod, Auld Reekie, for thy glory hath departed!'" - -In a few minutes the jovial party was completely broken up; many of -them had taken leave, hurriedly, on those very missions Mr. Holster -had enumerated; some to bid farewell to mothers, wives, and -sweethearts; some to have a last horn of wine with old familiar -friends; others to prepare for their sudden departure; while those -happy spirits, who had neither preparations to make, nor friends to -leave behind them, clustered round the appalled landlord, and pushed -the wine-cup more briskly than ever. - -But Gibbie's spirit and vivacity had evaporated; he looked forward to -blood and blows, trooping and free-billeting, with no small horror, -and on the departure of his military patrons, beheld a gloomy -perspective of fines, persecutions, and annoyance from the whig -enemies of the Government, who would undoubtedly usurp place and -power in absence of that armed force, on the presence of which the -authority of James VII., in Scotland, alone depended. - -The moment the earl retired, Walter had thrown himself on horseback, -and galloped away by the base of Saint John's Hill, and skirting the -village of the Pleasance, dashed along the banks of the Burghloch, a -place "then shaded by many venerable oaks," and reached the house of -Bruntisfield just as the sun began to dip behind the wooded summit of -Corstorphine. - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -THE BETROTHAL. - - O love, when womanhood is in the flush, - And man's a young and an unspotted thing! - His first-breathed word and her half conscious blush - Are fair as light in heaven,--as flowers in spring-- - The first hour of true love is worth our worshipping. - THE MAID OF ELVAR. - - -The red evening sun was setting, and his rays piercing the -half-stripped trees of Bruntisfield fell on the old mossy dial-stone, -which they never reached through the thick foliage of summer. It was -about the hour of five, and the western sky shed a crimson glow over -the whole landscape; the Loch lay calm and unruffled as a vast sheet -of polished crystal, reflecting in its bright surface the ruddy -clouds, the blue sky, and the bordering trees, whose foliage was now -assuming the warm tints of Autumn, presenting alternately the darkest -green, the brightest yellow, and most russet brown. The fallen -leaves rustled among the withered sedges of the lake, and the wild -swan, the black duck, and the water hen floated double "bird and -shadow" on its surface, while the tall heron waded among the eel-arks -that lay half hidden by the reeds and water-lilies at the margin. - -The rustle of the dark brown woods and the deepening gloom of the -hills, marked the decline of the day and year, and Walter's heart -became chilled and sad as he galloped up the long dark avenue, which -was strewed with the spoil of the passed summer--that happy summer -which had passed away for ever. - -Lilian sat within the deep bay of a window in the chamber-of-dais, -busily embroidering Walter's long-promised scarf: it was of blue -velvet, having thistles of silver worked with St. Andrew's crosses -alternately. For many weeks her nimble little fingers had plied the -needle on it, and now it was nearly finished. The tramp of hoofs -made her look down the far-stretching avenue, which, with its arching -elms and sturdy oaks, formed a long vista to the eastward, where it -was terminated by an ancient and grass-tufted archway; beyond it, the -bluff craigs of Salisbury and Arthur's ridgy cone mellowed in the -distance, shone redly in the light of the setting sun, above the -green and waving woods. - -The blood rushed to Lilian's snowy temples: she sprang from her seat, -her eyes beaming with delight, which rapidly gave place to surprise -on observing the hurried and disordered air of Walter, who was minus -cloak and plume. Never before had he come on horseback, and her mind -misgave her there was something wrong. - -She cast a timid glance at Aunt Grisel. Lulled by an old and -favourite ditty, which for the thousandth time the affectionate -Lilian had sung to her, the old lady had fallen fast asleep in her -great leathern chair, with her relaxed hand on the spinning-wheel, -the gay silver and ivory virrels of which glittered in the light of -the cheerful fire. She slept profoundly. - -Lilian threw on her hood and hurried to the door, where Walter had -dismounted, and was in the act of slipping his snaffle-rein through -one of the numerous rings in the wall, necessary appendages to the -door of a manor-house, and quite as requisite as the -"louping-on-stane" in those days, when every visitor of consideration -came on horseback. - -With a charming mixture of frankness and timidity, the blushing girl -held out both her hands in welcome to her lover; but there was a -sadness in his smile that made the colour leave her cheek and the -lustre fade in her eye. - -"Lilian--dear Madam--Lilian, I see you for the last time!" he -exclaimed, as he took her hands in his, and raised them to his lips. - -"The last time?" reiterated Lilian, faintly. - -"Oh, are not these sad and bitter words? But so it is, Lilian; the -fatal hour has come--our dream is over. We march for England -to-morrow. The Dutch invaders are on the ocean, and in the hearts -and swords of his faithful soldiers poor King James can alone rely in -the struggle that is to come." - -"O, Walter, what horror is this?" - -"All the land is on the alert. A red beacon will blaze to-night from -Arthur's rocky peak, and from Stirling in the west, to the Ochils in -the north, will be sent tidings that will rouse the distant clans, -and all Scotland will arise in arms. But oh! how adverse will be the -motives of many who draw the sword! I have come to bid you adieu, -Lilian--a long adieu, for many a battle must be fought and won ere -again I stand on the threshold of your home--this happy home--the -memory of which will cheer me through many a melancholy hour." - -"Ah, Walter, the horrors of Aunt Grisel's girlhood are again come -upon us. What a sudden blow it is! We have been so happy--and you -go--." Tears choked her utterance. - -"This instant, Lilian," said Walter, overpowered at the sight of her -tears; "this instant. God! I have only a few minutes to spare even -to bid you adieu." - -"And Lady Grisel, too," said Lilian, in a breathless voice, for she -was too artless to conceal her deep emotion; "she to whom you have -always been so kind, so attentive--you surely will bid her adieu?" - -"I could not be so ungrateful as to omit such a duty; but, dear -Lilian, let us walk once more in the garden--you know our favourite -place, by the old mossy fountain. Ah, Lilian, refuse me not," urged -Walter, who saw that she trembled and hesitated. "I have much to say -that I must not leave unsaid, for never again (how bitter are these -words!) _never again_ may an opportunity come to me; never again may -I bend my eyes on yours, or hear the sound of your voice--oh, -Lilian--" - -Never had Walter trusted himself so far: he was earnest, impetuous, -and confused. Lilian glanced timidly at his sparkling eyes, and then -at the darkening woods, and, trembling between love and timidity, -permitted him to draw her arm through his, and lead her into the -ancient garden, the thick holly hedges of which entirely screened -them from observation. - -The heart of Lilian foreboded that a scene was to ensue; but a spell -was upon her, a power which she could not resist threw a chain of -delight and fear around her, and bound her to the side of Walter. -She seemed to be in a dream: the very air grew palpable, and she felt -only the beating of her little heart. Equally wishing and dreading -the coming denouement, she was almost unconscious of whither Walter -led her. - -He, poor fellow! was something in the same frame of mind. Though he -had full time to rally his thoughts, reflection served but to make -him more confused, and instead of the passionate avowal which, a -moment ago, had trembled on his lips, his intense respect for Lilian -brought him down to the merest commonplace, and again the favorite -words of Finland came truthfully home to his mind, "the girl one -loves is greater than an Empress." - -"It is very sad to think that--that peradventure we are walking here -for the last time," said he. - -This was not quite what Lilian expected, and somewhat reassured, she -murmured a polite reply. - -"You will not forget me when I am far, far away from you, Lilian?" - -"Oh, no--how could I forget?" said she, bending her timid eyes kindly -and sadly upon him. There was a charm in her answer that bewildered -her lover, and, unable to resist longer the ardour and impulses of -his heart, he threw an arm around her, and, pressing her right hand -to his breast, exclaimed, in a voice that trembled with emotion, - -"I love you, Lilian--I have dared to love you long--oh, may I hope -you will forgive me?" - -He paused; but Lilian could make no reply. An instant she was pale, -then a deep blush crimsoned her cheek; her long lashes veiled her -humid eyes--and for the first time Walter pressed his lips to hers as -she sank upon his breast. - -"Oh, Lilian," he resumed, after a long pause. "Now on the eve of -parting, and perhaps for ever, I could not leave you with this great -secret preying upon my heart--without saying that _I loved you_. The -hope, that when I am gone, you will think of me with sentiments more -tender and more endearing than those of mere friendship will be my -best incentive to become worthy of them. Dear Lilian, I am poor and -nameless; save my heart and my sword, and the sod which shall cover -me, I own nothing in all this wide world; but than mine, never was -there a love more generous or more true. Long, long, adorable -Lilian, have I loved you in secret, and loved you dearly." - -There was no art in his declaration; it came straight from the soul, -and his words, rich, deep, and full of feeling, thrilled through the -agitated heart of the young girl. He sought no reply, no other -avowal of her reciprocal love, than her beautiful confusion and -eloquent silence. Immovable and breathless, she lay within his -embrace, with the deepest blushes overspreading her whole face and -neck. Her mild eyes were shaded by their lashes, and the charming -expression of modesty imparted by their downcast lids increased the -emotion of Walter; and closer to his breast he pressed her passive -form till her heart throbbed against his own. - - "O love, when womanhood is in the flush!" - - -Walter was intoxicated. The purple hood of Lilian had fallen back, -and the braids of her fair hair drooped upon his breast; his dark -hair mingled with them, and their locks sparkled like gold in the -glow of the set sun, as its last rays streamed down the long shady -walk. - -Short as the interview was, an age seemed to be comprised within its -compass; the lovers were in a little world of their own--or with them -the external world seemed to stand still. They were all heart and -pulse, and overwhelmed with an emotion which the orthography of every -human language has failed to pourtray. - -But anon, the first glow of ardour and excitement passed away, and -the memory of their parting fell like a mountain on their hearts. -Lilian hung half embraced by Walter's arm; and a shower of tears -relieved her. - -Ah, could the evil-minded Clermistonlee have witnessed this scene! - -The sun set behind the dark woods of Corstorphine; its last rays -faded away from the turret vanes and seared foliage of Bruntisfield; -the oaks and loch of the Burghmuir grew dark, as the shadows of the -autumnal gloaming increased around them, and warned the lovers of the -necessity of retiring and--separating. - -Never was the glowing memory of that interview forgotten by Walter -Fenton; and it cheered him through many an hour of sorrow, -humiliation, and misery; through the toils of many a weary night, and -the carnage of many a dangerous day. How happy and how well it is -for us that the future is covered by an impenetrable veil that no -mortal eye can pierce, and no hand draw aside! - -The swans had quitted the lake, and the last glow of the day that had -passed, was dying away upon its glassy surface, when hand in hand, -the girl and her lover, contented, if not supremely happy, left the -garden. There, by the old fountain of mossy and fantastic -stone-work, on the pedestal of which a grotesque visage vomited the -water from its capacious throat into a stone basin, they had plighted -unto each other their solemn troth, according to the simple custom of -the time and country. - -There was no witness but the evening star that glimmered in the -saffron west. There was no record but their own beating hearts. - -Standing one on each side of the gushing fountain, and laving their -hands in the limpid water, they called upon God to hear and register -their vows of truth and love--vows which were, perhaps, less eloquent -than deep, but uttered with all the quiet fervour of two young hearts -as yet unseared and unsoured by the trouble, the duplicity, the -selfishness, and the bitterness of the world. - -Poor lovers! It was their first hour of delight; and even then, -though by them unseen, a human visage of livid and terrible aspect -was steadily regarding them from the thick foliage of a dark holly -hedge, with eyes like those of a serpent--eyes that glared like two -burning coals, and seemed full of that dire expression with which the -superstitions of Italy gift the possessors of the _mal-occhio_. The -lips were colourless and white, the teeth were clenched; it was all -that a painter could pourtray of agony and mortification. As they -arose from the fountain, it vanished; footsteps crashed among the -fallen leaves and withered branches, but the lovers heard them not. -Lilian, though she still wept from over-excitement and the -approaching separation which had so suddenly called all these secret -feelings to empire and control in her bosom, with sensations of -mingled happiness and grief too intense to find vent in words, hung -on Walter's arm, and thus clasped hand in hand with more apparent -composure, they slowly returned to the house and entered the -chamber-of-dais. - -Its panels of polished oak, the silver plate on the buffet, the china -jars, and japan canisters, on the grotesque ebony cabinets, glittered -ruddily in the light of the blazing fire. A noble stag-hound, with -red eyes and wiry hair, Lilian's lap-dog, and a favorite cat, were -gambolling together on the hearth and tearing the snow-white wool -from the prostrate spinning wheel. Lady Grisel still slept soundly; -but Lilian stole to her side, kissed, and awoke her by murmuring in a -broken voice, and with a sickly attempt at playfulness, - -"Awake, aunt Grisel, Mr. Fenton has come to bid us farewell. He -marches by crow of the cock, and we may not see him again for--for -many a weary day." - -"My dream is read!" exclaimed the old lady, starting. "O, Lilian, -lass! what is this you tell me? Walter, my poor bairn, come to me; -for whence are ye boune?" - -"For England, Madam." - -"England! alake, alake! and I was dreaming of Sir Archibald," replied -the venerable dame, whose eyes were glittering with tears. "I saw -him standing there, before the oaken cabinet, in his buff coat, steel -cap and plume, just as I saw him last when under harness; and oh! but -he seemed young and winsome, with glowing cheeks and bright locks of -curling brown. 'Archibald,' I cried, and stretching my arms towards -him, I strove to say mair; but O! Lilian, the words died away in -whispers on my lips. He walked over to the buffet, and took up his -silver tankard, which other lips have never touched since his own. -It was empty. Sairly he gloomed as he wont when aught crossed him, -and flang down the cup. I heard the clank of his jangling spurs as -he turned lightly about, saying, 'Fare-ye-weel, my jo Grisel, horse -and spear's the cry again,' and strode away. But O, his face, and -the flash of his dark-browed eye; they come back to me, a vision from -the grave. I awoke, and there stood Walter Fenton--his living image. -O, Lilian! my doo, something sad is at hand. Blows and blood ever -followed such visions as mine hath been this night. It forbodes deep -dool, and dark misfortune." - -"Dear Aunt Grisel, why such dreary thoughts?" said Lilian, no longer -able to restrain her tears; "though we are losing our dear friend Mr. -Fenton--one, I hope, after Sir Archibald's own heart." - -"True he hath the bearing of a Napier, and the very eye of my young -son, and, sooth, he was a stalwart cavalier as ever danced a gay -galliard or spurred a horse to the battle field. And you are boune -for the south, Walter? War and blood, more of it yet--more of it -yet--when will the wicked cease from troubling? Well it is for ye, -boy, that ye have no mother to weep this night the bitter tears that -I have often shed for mine. Three fair sons, Walter, hae gone forth -from this auld roof-tree, three stalwart men they were, and winsome -to look upon, blooming and strong as ever braced steel ower gallant -hearts; but hardalake! e'er the sun sank owre the westland hills, the -last o' them lay by his father's side, cauld and stark on the banks -of the Keithingburn. - -"But I trow," she added, striking her cane on the floor, "many a braw -English cap and feather lay on the turf ere _that_ came to pass." -The keen grey eyes of the spirited dame flashed bright through their -tears, for strongly at that moment the Spartan spirit of the old -Scottish matron glowed within her breast. "England? Alace! and what -is stirring now that our blue bonnets maun cross the border again? -Smooth water runs deep. I aye thought we were owre sib wi' the south -to byde sae long." - -"Madam; we march as friends and allies to assist in repelling -invasion from its shores. William of Orange, with a great armament, -now bends his cannon on the English coast, and by daybreak to-morrow -we march for King James's camp. I must leave you instantly, for I -have not a moment to spare. My Lord Dunbarton requires my presence -at Holyrood, where General Douglas of Queensbury is to address the -officers of the army. Farewell, dear madam; think kindly of me when -I am far, far away from you, for never may we meet again," and half -kneeling he kissed her hand. - -"Then ere thou goest, my poor boy, drink to the roof-tree of one who -loves thee well, and who may never behold thee more. Ye hae the very -voice of my youngest son; and O, Walter, my auld heart yearns unto ye -even as a mother's would yearn unto her dearest child." - -Walter's heart swelled within him as the kind old lady laid her arm -round his neck. - -"Lady Bruntisfield," said he, in a low voice, "often have I known how -sad a thing it was to feel oneself alone in the world, and never will -the memory of these kind words be effaced from my heart." - -Lilian, blushing and pale by turns, with eyes full of tears, brought -from the almry a silver cup of wine, and after she and Lady Grisel -had tasted, Walter drained it to the bottom, as he did so uttering a -mental blessing on the house of Bruntisfield. The rich Gascon wine -fired his heart, and gave him courage to sustain the separation. - -"'Tis a sad and sudden parting, Walter," said Lady Grisel, weeping -unrestrainedly with that old-fashioned kindness of heart which has -long since fled from the land. "How long will you be away from us?" - -"That depends on the fortune of war, Madam." - -"Puir bairn! ye mean the misfortune. Alace! we live in waefu' times. -Year after year an auld Scots' wife seeth the fair flowers that -spring up around her trod down and destroyed. How many fair sons are -reared with mickle pain and toil to be cut down by the sword of the -foemen! Thrice in my time have I seen the balefire blaze on -Soutra-edge and Ochil Peak, and thrice have I seen the haill flower -o' the country-side wede away. And well it is, Walter, that thou -hast no other mother than myself to mourn for thee this night; for, -as I said before," she continued, in the garrulous musing of age, "my -mind gangs back to the happy days and the fond faces of other times, -when I have laced the steel cap owre comely cheeks whose smiles were -a' the world to me. Then the balefire was lowing on ilka hill, and -_mount and ride_ was the cry. O, when will men grow wise (as that -fule body Ichabod said with truth), and let the wicked kings of the -earth gird up their loins and go forth to battle alone? - -"Thine, Walter Fenton, is owre fair a brow for the midnight dew to -lie upon, and the black corbie to flap its wings aboon in the -stricken battlefield," continued the old lady, weeping, as -"tremulously gentle her small hand" put back the thick dark locks -from Walter's clouded brow and kissed it, while Lilian sobbed audibly -on hearing her speak so forbodingly. The heart of the young man was -too full to permit him to reply, but at that moment he felt he had -done this kind and noble matron a grievous injury in gaining the love -of Lilian without her consent. So reproachfully did the idea come -home to his heart that he was about to throw himself upon his knees, -and in the ardour of his temper pour forth an address in confession -and exculpation--but his courage failed, and never again had he an -opportunity. - -Compelled at last to assume his bonnet and rapier he felt his heart -wrung when reflecting that he was, for the last time, with the only -two beings on earth actually dear to him, that in another moment he -would be gone with the wide world before him, and that world all a -void--a wilderness. - -Lilian threw over his shoulders the scarf her fingers had -embroidered, and as the reverend lady blessed him, the tears started -into his eyes; he kissed their hands, and hurried away. Both arose -to accompany him to the door; but while Lady Grisel searched for her -long cane, he had yet a moment to give to Lilian. The light in the -entrance hall fell full upon her face; it was pale as death, and -never until that moment had Walter felt how intensely he loved her. - -"Once again, farewell, dear Lilian," said he, putting a ring upon her -finger; "wear this for my sake, and forget not this night--the -twentieth of September. O, Lilian, this ring is the dearest, the -only relic I possess, and it contains the secret of my life. On my -mother's hand it was found, when cold, and pale, and dead she lay -among the tombs of the Greyfriars, in the year of Bothwell:--you know -the rest, and will treasure it for my sake. If your lover falls, -Lilian, for you it will be some satisfaction that he died beneath the -Scottish standard, fighting for his King by the side of the brave -Dunbarton! Who would desire a better epitaph?" - -"Walter," implored Lilian in a piercing voice, "for the love of God, -if not for the love of me, speak not thus!" - -"Thou shalt hear of me, Lilian, if God spares me, as I hope he will -for thy sake," replied Walter, whose military pride neither love nor -sorrow could subdue. "My name shall never be mentioned but with -honour, for I have sworn to become worthy of thee, or to--die! And -if our soldiers prove as they have ever done, leal men and true, many -a helmet will be cloven, many a corslet flattened, many a pike -blunted, and bullet shot ere the banner of King James shall sink -before these plebeian Dutch! Farewell: forget not the twentieth of -September!" - -Another mute caress, and Lilian was alone: a horse's hoofs rang among -the strewn autumnal leaves; but the sound died away, and Lilian heard -her heart beating tumultuously. - -As his horse plunged forward down the steep avenue, the starting of -the saddle-girths compelled Walter to rein up near the gateway, and -while adjusting the buckles, he became the unconscious listener to -another leave-taking, which was accompanied by loud and obstreperous -lamentations. It was Meinie Elshender bidding adieu to her kinsman -and sweetheart Hab, who was reeling about in his bandaleers under the -influence of various stoups of brandy. - -"Now, Hab, you fause loon, dinna say no! You _will_ forget me in the -south, as you did in the west. Soldiers are a' alike." - -"Roaring buckies are we, lassie!" - -"Twa-faced varlets, that kittle up their lugs when the drums beat, -and make love wherever they gang," replied Meinie, sobbing heavily. -"You will be taking up with some English kimmer, I ken, and -forgetting puir Meinie Elshender, that lo'es ye better than her ain -life; and----" - -"If I do, May----" - -"Ewhow? and the rambles we've had together in many a red gloaming by -the heronshaws and quarrel-holes. O, Hab, you're a fause ane, and -will forget me--for the truth is no in ye!" - -"Dear Meinie, if I do may----" - -"Dinna swear, ye fule; for I may weary waiting on ye." - -"May the de'il jump down my throat with a harrow at his tail! There -now, will you believe me? Hoots, lass, we'll be back by the -Halloween time to douk for apples in the muckle barn, sow hemp-seed -in the Deil's-croft, roast nuts in the ingle, pu' kail castocks, and -gang guisarding by Drumdryan and the Highriggs. Hech, how! - - 'Dunbarton's drums beat bonnie, O!' - -Kiss me again, lass, and keep up your heart for a month or two more, -when again I will have my arm around ye, and your red cheek pressed -to mine;" continued poor Halbert, to whom that hour was never doomed -to come, "and many a brave story I will tell ye of how our buirdly -Scots chields clapper-clawed the ill-faured Holanders." - -"Hab, ye ill-mannered loon!" cried Elsie. "Hab, ye ungratefu' -vassal, daur ye gang awa' without paying your devoirs to my lady?" - -"Bid her good bye for me, mother," replied Halbert in a faltering -tone, as the old woman hobbled up and threw her arms passionately -around his neck. "My father was her bounden vassal; but his son is -the king's free soldier. Say gude'en for me, for I have not another -moment to spare even for Meinie. Fareweel, dear mother; I never -expected to leave you again, but for those who follow the de'il or -the drum--Hoots, mother, havers!" exclaimed the soldier, as the poor -woman sobbed convulsively on his breast. "I thought we had a' this -dirdum oure before." - -"Fareweel, my bairn, my winsome Habbie! On this side o' the grave we -sail never meet mair. England is a far awa' and an unco' place, and -long ere ye return I will be laid in the lang hame o' my forbears. -But fearfu' times will come and pass ere the grass is green and -waving oure me. Mind your Bible, Hab, for your faither (peace be wi' -him, for he had none wi' me) ever gaed forth to battle with a whinger -in one hand and the _blessed book_ in the other. Beware o' the -errors of episcopacy and idolatory, for your gaun to the hotbed o' -them baith." - -"O yes; ou' aye," muttered Hab impatiently. - -"Now gang, my bairn, and God will keep his hand oure ye in the hour -of strife, for he ne'er forgets those by whom his power and his glory -are remembered." - -And while Hab dashed off towards the city, the old woman with -upraised hands implored with Scottish piety and maternal fervour a -blessing on the footsteps of the son that had departed from her--for -ever. - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -THE DEFIANCE. - - 'Tis well for thee, Sir, that I wear no sword, - Else it had soon decided which should claim, - And which for death's colde arms exchange the dame. - OLD PLAY. - - -Walter had listened longer than he intended, and for a moment he felt -keenly how sad a thing it was that there were neither parent nor -kindred to bless his departing steps. The sincere grief of the -humble cottar had deeply moved him; but two kind kisses were yet -glowing on his cheek, and the remembrance that there were two gentle -beings who sorrowed for his departure and sighed for his return, -filled his heart with joy. - -The ardour of youth, and his old enthusiastic spirit, blazed up -within him as he galloped back to the town. There, bustle and -confusion reigned supreme. The streets were thronged with citizens -and soldiers; and, though the hour was late, the hum of many voices -shewed that all were upon the qui vive. - -As he passed the old house of the High Riggs, in the gloom of the -autumnal night, he nearly rode over a man whose grey plaid and broad -bonnet indicated him to be a peasant. - -"Hollo, friend!--I crave your pardon." - -"Goodeen to you, Mr. Fenton--you ride with a slack rein for a -cavalier," replied the other in a thick voice, after a brief pause. - -"Ha! you know me, and it seems as if your voice was not unfamiliar; -but the night is so dark. You are----" - -"Captain Napier of the Scots-Dutch," replied the other in a low voice. - -"Astonishment! Unwary man, know you not that the Council have placed -a price on you, dead or alive? Is it madness that prompts you to -venture, in this Cameronian disguise, within a city swarming with -royal troops?" - -"No, sir," replied the other haughtily; "but the service of William -Prince of Orange." - -"For Godsake, sir, hush! These words are enough to raise the very -stones in the streets against you." - -"Enough, young spark. I have been too long under the ban of -Scotland's accursed misrulers not to have learned caution. But I -know that he who addresses me is a man of honour." - -"I thank you, sir, for the compliment." - -"I believe you to be honourable as I have found you brave, and will -trust you when I cannot do better. I am bound for England, on the -shores of which William of Orange will soon pour his legions like -another Conqueror. Hark you, Mr. Fenton, we are rivals in love as we -are foes in faction; and, though the goal we aim at is the same, our -paths are widely different. The scene I saw and overheard this -evening by the fountain, makes me long with the hatred of a tiger -rather than the spirit of a Christian man to slay you; for, by the -might of God! no mortal shall ever cross the path or purpose of -Quentin Napier, while his hand can hold a rapier or level a pistol! - -"Walter Fenton, from my boyhood, I have loved that amiable girl, and -there was a time when I fondly thought she loved me too. Necessity -forced me into the ranks of the Stadtholder. In the campaigns in -Zealand and Flanders, amid the turmoil of war, her image almost faded -from my mind; but when again we met, my memory went back to the -pleasant days of our younger years--all the first hopes and fond -feelings of my heart returned to their starting-place. 'Twas thou -that didst destroy this spell! And well it is for thee, youth, that -I am unarmed; for strong in my heart at this moment, is the power of -the spirit of darkness." - -"Sir," replied Walter scornfully, "this is the mere Cameronian cant -of the Scots Brigade; and had I pistols----" - -"The dust beneath our feet should drink the heart's blood of one or -both of us! By the Heaven that hears me, it should be so!" - -At that moment the balefire on the cone of Arthur's Seat suddenly -burst forth into a lurid flame, and, flaring on the night wind in one -broad forky sheet, seemed to turn the dark mountain into a volcano, -and, tipping its ridgy outline with light, brought it forward in -relief from the inky sky beyond. The turreted battlements of -Heriot's Hospital, and the casements of the towering city, were -reddened by the gleam, and a faint light glowed on the pale -contracted features of Quentin Napier. He smiled grimly. - -"How long have I looked forward to the time when yonder blaze would -redden on our Scottish hills! The time hath come! Farewell," he -said, grasping Walter's hand with fierce energy, while his voice -became deep and hoarse; "blows will soon be struck, and we may--_we -must_--meet in the field. When _that_ hour comes, spare me not; for -by the Power who this night heard your plighted troth, and from His -throne in heaven hears us now, I will not spare thee." - -"Till then, adieu," replied Walter, with something of pity mingling -in his pride and scorn. - -"But that you may fall by other hands than these, is the best I can -wish you. You were generous once, and I respect while I abhor you." - -They separated. - -A ferocious rival and uncompromising traitor were within his grasp, -and effectually he might have crushed both in one; but he could not -forget that this stern and cold-blooded partisan was the kinsman of -Lilian Napier, and one who trusted in his honour. - -As he urged his horse towards the Bristo Port, the great forges of -the foundry, where formerly the Covenanters had cast their cannon, -were in full operation, and the rays of those lurid pyramids of fire, -that shot upwards from their towering cones, produced a wild and -beautiful effect as they fell on the fantastic projections and deep -recesses of the old suburbs, and the long line of crenelated wall -which girdled the city, on the dark and ancient college of King -James, and on the groups of anxious citizens gathered at their -windows and outside-stairs, conversing in subdued tones on those -"coming events" which were already casting their shadows before. As -Walter passed, their voices died away, and many a lowering eye was -bent upon him, while not a few shouted injurious epithets, and -chanted "_Lillibulero bullen à la_," the Marseillaise hymn of the -Scottish revolutionists. - -The arcades or piazzas in the High Street were crowded by a noisy -mob. The whole city seemed on tip-toe from the Highriggs to the -Palace Gate, and many an eye was turned to where, like stars upon the -west and northern hills, the answering balefires threw abroad the -light of alarm. No man had yet dared to assume the blue cockade of -the Covenant; but the faces of the "sour-featured Whigs," were become -radiant with hope in anticipation of their coming triumph and -revenge. Guarded by Buchan's musqueteers, the Scottish train of -artillery were drawn up near the Tron, wheel to wheel, limbered and -ready for service; while cavalier officers with their waving plumes -and scarfs, guardsmen, and dragoons in their flashing armour galloped -hurriedly from street to street. - -Women were wailing, and soldiers crowding and revelling in and around -the hostels and taverns, and the whole city was one scene of -universal confusion, noise, and dismay. Followed by six of his -splendidly accoutred cavaliers, Claverhouse (now Major-General -Viscount Dundee) dashed up from the Palace at full gallop. All -shrunk back as he swept forward on some mission of importance to the -Duke of Gordon, "the COCK of the north," who commanded in the castle -of Edinburgh, and, fired by the gallant air of Claverhouse, Walter -felt his heart glow with ardour for the military splendour of the -coming day. - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -THE MARCH FOR ENGLAND. - - The neighynge of the war-horse prowde, - The rowleinge of the drum; - The clangour of the trumpet lowde, - Be soundes from heaven that come. - Then mount, then mount, brave gallants all, - And don your helmes amaine; - Death's couriers--fame and honour--call - Us to the field againe. - SCOTS SONG. - - -Led by General James Douglas, a brother of the Duke of Queenberry, -the Scottish army was to march to London in three columns or -divisions. He commanded the foot in person; Major-General Viscount -Dundee led the cavalry; the Laird of Lundin the train of artillery. - -By grey dawn on the 21st of September, the boom of a cannon pealed -from the ramparts of the castle over the city, and echoed among the -craigs of Salisbury and the woods of Warrender and Drumsheugh. It -was the warning gun; and immediately the varying cadence of the -cavalry trumpets sounding _to horse_, and the infantry drums beating -the _générale_, an old summons that has often gained the malison of -the wearied soldier, rang within the narrow thoroughfares of -Edinburgh. - - "I thought I heard the General say,-- - 'Tis time to rouse, and march away!" - - -Poor Lilian had passed a restless night; she slept only to dream, and -awoke only to weep, and to feel that no tears are more bitter than -those shed unseen by lonely sorrow in the solitude of night. Many a -young heart was crushed with grief, and many a bright eye sleepless -and tearful in anticipation of the morrow's separation, perhaps for -ever. Many a fierce and enthusiastic religioso looked forward to the -march of his countrymen as a relief from thraldom, and the dawn of a -day of vengeance on the upholders of "the Great Beast." - -_Now_ that morrow was come, and the ruddy sun arose above the -Lammermuirs to shed his morning glory on the woods of russet brown, -from the bosky depths of which the lark, the gled, and the eagle were -winging their way aloft. - -Lilian looked forth from her turret-window, and the very brightness -of that beautiful morning, in contrast to the gloom of her thoughts, -made her heart feel more sad and lonely. The stern façade of the -ancient chateau gleamed in the light of the rising sun, and the few -flowers of autumn lifted up their heavy petals as the warm rays -absorbed the diamond dew. Hastily and less carefully than usual, the -duties of the toilet were dismissed, and deeply the young girl sighed -as she braided her auburn hair, for now there was no one whom she -cared to please. Bright and cloudless though the morning, to her a -gloom seemed to veil everything; but she mastered her grief until -Meinie Elshender, her tirewoman, burst into an uncontrollable fit of -lamentation over the departure of her light-hearted Hab; upon which -Lilian, infected by her sorrow, could no longer restrain herself, and -the two girls wept together. - -"Oh, Lady Lilian, another hour will see our braw lads owre the hills -and awa! Hech-how!" sobbed the disconsolate bower-maiden, "I am glad -that muckle tyke, Tam o' the Riggs, is no gaun too. I'll be sure o' -him gif puir Hab's shot by the Hollanders. Eh, sirs, that ever I -should see this day!" and she sobbed comfortably between sorrow and -satisfaction. - -"Oh that Annie of Maxwelton would come!" said Lilian; "she is ever so -lighthearted, so joyous and gay--her presence were a godsend. Poor -Annie! another week would have seen her wedding-day, and now her -Douglas must follow Dunbarton to battle--perhaps to death." - -"Yonder are her chairmen," replied Meinie as a sedan appeared in the -avenue; "and my Lady Dunbarton's English coach, and Madam this and my -Lady that--ewhow, Sirs! we'll hae a fu' hall to-day." - -Numerous vehicles were seen approaching. The troops were to march -southward by the Burghmuir, and many ladies of rank and fashion were -arriving, to behold their departure from a platform erected within -the orchard-wall of Bruntisfield, and overlooking the rough old -quarries and deep marshy ground that bordered the Burghloch. Lilian -flew down to the barbican, and embraced her friend. Though as gaily -attired as usual, Annie was very pale, and the breeze of the morning -when it lifted her heavy locks, shewed the pallor of the beautiful -cheek below. Her innocent gaiety and coquetry had fled together; her -spirit had evaporated, and tearful and sad, she sorrowfully kissed -her paler friend. - -The orchard was higher than the roadway, which its wall overlooked -like a rampart, and there numerous highbacked chairs were placed for -the convenience of the ladies, who were every moment arriving, each -in a greater state of flutter and excitement than the last, to view -the troops on their line of march. Various pieces of tapestry were -spread over the parapet, and an ancient standard or two, and several -branches of laurel tastefully arranged by the gardener, made the -orchard-wall like a balcony at a listed tournament. - -Lady Grisel was merry and grave by turns, but always stately and -hospitable. With her the day had long since passed, when the march -of a mailed host could raise other sensations in her bosom than those -of pity for the young and brave who might return no more. The -beautiful Countess of Dunbarton veiled her anxiety under an admirable -placidity of face and suavity of manner; while Lilian, Annie Laurie -and many other fair girls who had lovers and relations "under -harness" were clustered together, a pale and tearful group that -conversed in low whispers. - -The moss-grown trees of the ancient orchard spread their faded -foliage over them; behind rose the striking outline of the old -manor-house, with its round projecting turrets and high-peaked gables -glowing in the early rays of the sun, which streamed redly and aslant -from the southern ridge of Arthur's Seat, lighting with a golden -gleam the mirrored lake that rolled almost to the orchard wall. A -light shower had fallen just before dawn, and everything was -brightened and refreshed. The dew yet glittered on the waving -branches and the bending grass, and white as snow the morning mists -rolled heavily around the base of the verdant hills, or curled, in a -thousand vapoury and beautiful forms, in the saffron glory of the -rising sun. The dewy autumnal breeze was laden with balm and -fragrance. The first fallen leaves rustled in the long grass; the -corbies and wood-pigeons were wheeling aloft, and the swan and the -heron floated on the still bosom of the loch. - -Bright though the morning, and beautiful the scenery, the group -assembled near Bruntisfield were thoughtful and reserved; any little -chit-chat in which they had indulged while Lady Grisel was detailing -the Duke of Hamilton's march for England in her younger days, died -away, when the far-off notes of military music and the increasing hum -in the city, announced that "they were coming." - -"Hark!" said Lady Dunbarton, "now they are approaching. 'Tis by Lord -Dundee's advice they march through the entire length of the city, -from the Girth Cross to the Portsburgh, that their array may -intimidate the false Whigs, who are hourly crowding in from all -quarters." - -Beneath where the ladies were seated, the roadway was thronged with -cottars from the adjacent hamlets; and many an eye was turned -wistfully to the road that wound by the western rhinns of the Loch -towards the old baronial manor of the Lawsons, that on the Highriggs, -as before mentioned, terminated the ancient suburb of Portsburgh. -From thence a dense mass was seen debouching: the sound of the drum, -and the sharper note of the trumpet, were heard at intervals, while -pikes glittered, banners waved, and hoofs rang, and every heart beat -quicker as the troops approached; for, even in our own matter-of-fact -age, there are few sights more stirring than the departure of a -regiment for foreign service; but then it was the entire regular -force of the kingdom en masse on the march for another land. Dense -crowds occupied the whole roadway; for though the Scottish government -had few friends, all the idlers of the city were pouring forth from -its southern gates. - -England was still a foreign and rather hostile country, and London -was "an unco and far-awa place" (much more so than Calcutta is now); -and persons on their departure therefor received the condolences of -their friends; on their return, were welcomed by joy and -congratulation, and were regarded with wonder and interest like the -ancient mariners who had doubled Cape Non. And thus the -Edinburghers, according to their various hopes, fears, hates and -wishes, regarded with unusual anxiety the departure of their -countrymen. - -Save our brave Highlanders, fifty-seven years afterwards, this was -the last Scottish host that ever marched into England. - -First came an advanced guard of Horse Grenadiers, who wore scarlet -coats over their steel corslets, and had high fur caps; they were -armed with long musquets, bayonets, and hammer-hatchets, and wore -grenado-pouches on their left side, to balance the cartridge-boxes on -the right. - -Led by the Laird of Lundin, Master of the Ordnance, next came the -train of artillery, with trumpets sounding and kettle-drums beating; -the matrosses marching with shouldered pikes on each side of the -polished brass cannon; the firemasters on horseback, distinguished by -waving plumes and golden scarfs. Nearly sheathed in complete armour -of Charles the First's time, four gentlemen-of-the-cannon rode on -each side of the great flag gun, which was drawn by eight horses. -The Scottish standards--one with St. Andrew's Cross, the other with -the Lion, gules--were displayed from its carriage, on which sat two -little kettle-drummers beating a march. It was followed by the gins, -capstans, forge-waggons, and a troop of horse with their swords drawn. - -Then the column of cavalry filed past; all fierce and select cavalier -troopers, many of them inured to service by the civil wars of -eight-and-twenty years. Claverhouse's Life Guardsmen, in their -polished plate-armour, wearing white horse hair streaming from their -helmets;--all were splendidly mounted, and rode with the butts of -their carbines resting on their thighs. They were greeted by a burst -of acclamation from the ladies, for these dashing horsemen were the -Guardi Nobili, the Prætorian Band of Scotland. Douglas's regiment of -Red-coat Horse, and the Earl of Dunmore's Dragoons, the Scots Greys -in their janissary caps, buff coats, and iron panoply, brought up the -rear. - -Next came the infantry; the two battalions of the Fusilier Guards, -clad in coats, breeches, and stockings, all of bright scarlet, with -white scarfs and long feathers; the officers marching with half -pikes, and the soldiers with lighted matches; the battalions of the -Scots Musqueteers in their round morions and corslets of black iron; -the Earl of Mar's Fusiliers, Wauchop's regiment, &c. &c., poured past -in rapid and monotonous succession, till the rear-guard of Horse and -a few pieces of artillery, with a long line of sumpter-horses, -bidets, and peddies, or grooms, closed the rear. - -From a cloudless sky, full upon their long line of march, the bright -sun poured down his morning splendour; the blare of the brazen -trumpet and the ringing bugle-horn, the clashing cymbal and the -measured beat of the drum, rang in the echoing sky and adjacent -woodlands; while, like the ceaseless rush of a river, the tread of -many marching feet, the tramp of the horses, the clank of -chain-bridles, steel scabbards, and bandoliers, the lumbering roll of -the brass cannon and shot-tumbrils of the train, filled up the -intervals of the air which all their bands were playing,--the famous -old Scots' March, composed for the Guard of King James V. - -Never before had Walter Fenton felt such exultation, or so proud of -the banner that waved over his shoulder; and his heart seemed to -bound to every crash of the martial music that loaded the morning -wind. It is impossible to pourtray the glow of chivalry that stirs a -heart like his at such a time. - -Amid the dust of the long array in front, the innumerable bright -points of armour, and accoutrements, and weapons, were sparkling and -flashing, and, when viewed from the distant city, the host of horse -and foot, with standards waving, resembled a vast gilded snake -sweeping over the Burghmuir, and gliding between its old oak trees -and broomy knolls towards the hills of Braid. It was a scene which -no man could behold without ardour and admiration, or without that -gush of enthusiasm which stirs even the most sluggish spirit-- - - "When hearts are all high beating, - And the trumpet's voice repeating - That song whose breath - May lead to death, - But never to retreating." - - -"Ah! Douglas," said Walter to his friend, "I feel that all the -romance of my boyish dreams is about to be realized. My breast seems -too narrow for the emotions that glow within it. Love----" - -"Yes, Fenton, _it_ is the most powerful of all human passions; but a -desire for military glory is scarcely less strong. Yet, bethink -thee, Fenton, how sadly an old veteran's memory retraces the ardour -of such an hour as this." - -"To me it almost counterbalances the pain of parting from yonder dear -girl;" and, while speaking, he bowed repeatedly to Lilian and kissed -his hand, for they were now beneath the orchard-wall. Long and sad -was the glance he gave that fair face, every feature of which was -indelibly impressed on his heart. Her vivacity was gone, and her -cheek pale; her heart was wrung with anguish, though it fluttered -with the excitement around her. Even the gay Annie was unusually -grave, and her dark blue eyes were humid with the heavy tears that -trembled on their long black lashes. - -"Farewell, Annie," said Douglas, looking up to her with intense -feeling. "Farewell, my love. 'Horse and spear' is the slogan now." - -The aspect of Dunbarton's Royals elicited a burst of applause, and -the ladies threw flowers among their passing ranks. That surpassing -state of discipline and steadiness which they had acquired under the -great De Martinet (that phoenix of adjutants and paragon of drills) -whose fame is known throughout all the armies of Europe, had not -passed away. - -From the richness of their accoutrements, they seemed one mass of -vivid scarlet and polished steel. The musqueteers and pikemen (every -corps had still a proportion armed with that ancient weapon) wore a -close round morion of iron with cheek-plates clasped under the chin: -those of the officers were of burnished steel, surmounted by dancing -plumes of white ostrich feathers. The cuirasses and gorgets of the -captains were of the colour of gold; the lieutenants' were of black, -studded with gold; and those of the ensigns were of silver,--and all -had embroidered sword-belts and crimson scarfs with golden tassels. -The corslets of the soldiers were of black iron, crossed by their -collars of bandoliers, little wooden cases, each containing a charge -of powder; the balls were carried loose in a pouch on the left side, -balanced by a priming-horn on the right. Their scarlet coats were -heavily cuffed and richly braided, and each was armed with a sword in -addition to his bright-barrelled matchlock. With tall fur caps, and -coats slashed and looped, led by Gavin of that ilk, their grenadiers -marched in front, with hammer-hatchets, slung carbines, swords, -daggers, and pouches of grenades. Such was the aspect of the regular -Scottish infantry of that period; and certainly it was not a little -imposing.* - - -* Royal Orders of the day. - - -At the head of his regiment rode the brave Earl of Dunbarton, with -the curious mask or visor (then appended to the helmet) turned -upward, revealing his dark and noble features; his coat of scarlet, -richly laced, was worn open to display his corslet of bright steel, -which was inlaid with gold. The military wig escaped from beneath -the plumed headpiece, and flowed in long curls over his shoulders; -and he rode with his baton rested on the top of his long jack-boot. -Still more gaily armed and accoutred, the handsome Viscount of Dundee -rode on his left; and on the right, the dark-visaged and -sinister-eyed James Douglas of Queensberry, the general commanding, -managed a spirited black charger; and on passing the ladies, the -three cavalier leaders bowed until their plumes mingled with their -horses' manes. - -The venerable Sir Thomas Dalyel, attired in his antique buff coat, -steel cap, and long boots, and with his preposterous white beard -streaming in the wind, galloped up, baton in hand, to pay his devoirs -to Lady Grisel and her visitors--making, as he reined up, such a -reverence as might have been fashionable at the court of His Ferocity -the Czar of Muscovy. A crowd of tenants and cottars who loitered -near, shrank back with ill-disguised fear and aversion as the "auld -persecutor" approached. - -"A fearfu' man, whose face is an index o' his heart," muttered Elsie -Elshender, shaking her clenched hand at him behind Meinie's back. -"'Tis just such a beard the warlocks and the deil have on, when they -meet the witches at their sabbath on the Calton." As she spoke, the -keen stern eye of the veteran cavalier chanced to fall full upon her, -and the old woman trembled lest he might divine her thoughts, if he -had not overheard her words--so great was the terror entertained of -his real and imaginary powers. - -"Ye say true, Cummer Elsie," whispered Symon, the ground baillie, a -grim old fellow, clad in hoddin grey, wearing his Sunday bonnet and -plaid, a staff in his hand, and a broadsword at his side. "He hath -the mark of the beast on his frontlet. Hah! I have seen as muckle -bravery displayed in the moss o' Drumclog, but the cheer of the -oppressor was changed ere the gloaming fell. But better times are -coming, Elsie; better days are coming, and then sall 'the children of -Zion be joyful in their king.'" - -Sir Thomas Dalyel, who - - "Like Claver'se fell chiel, - Was in league wi' the deil," - -and had of course been rendered bullet-proof in consequence of this -infernal compact, from his style of conversation was ill calculated -to soothe the anxious fears of those he addressed. - -"How, Sir Thomas?" said Lady Grisel Napier, "I knew not that you were -boune for England." - -"Nor am I, please you, madam," replied the old cavalier, standing in -his stirrups, erect as a pike. "I am getting owre auld in the horn -now. Eighty years, saxty of whilk were spent under harness, are -beginning to tell sairly on me at last; and that frosty auld carle, -Time, hath whispered long that my marching days are weel nigh over. -But, please God, I may die in my buff coat yet, gif the tide of war -rolls northward. I would fain see a few more blows exchanged on -Scottish turf before I am laid below it." - -"I marvel not, Sir Thomas," said the gentle young Countess of -Dunbarton, "that the sight of these passing bands rouses your nobler -spirit, when I, who am so timid, feel myself inspired with a false -ardour and courage." - -"Most noble ladies, the heart would indeed be a cauld one, that felt -nae fire in sic an hour as this. By my faith, even my auld -troop-horse, grey Marston, kittles up his lugs at the fanfare o' the -trumpet, like a Don Cossacque at the cry of plunder. Puir Marston," -he added, patting the neck of his charger, "I fear our fighting days -are now gone by, unless the Dutch rapscallions come north, whilk may -God direct, that auld Tammas o' the Binns may strike three strokes on -steel for Scotland and his king, ere this baton is laid on his -coffin-lid. 'Tis a brave sight, ladies, and Douglas hath under his -banner some brave lads as ever marched to battle or breach. But I -like not this new invention, whilk is callit the bayonet, preferring -the good old Sweyn's feather, which repels the heaviest brigade of -horse like a stane dyke. - -"Lady Grisel, I heard you speak just now of the Mareschal-General -Lesly. He was a d----d auld round-headed cur, and his brigades of -sour blue-bonnets were no more to be compared to our lads that -marched to Worcester, than eggshells are to cannon-balls. But had -you seen the Muscovite host on the march for Samoieda, in that year -when we beleaguered and sacked and overran the whole shores of the -Frozen Ocean, ye would have seen marching to their last campaigns -some of the prettiest cavaliers that ever ate horse-flesh or slashed -the head off a Tartar. Now, God's murrain on the southern -clodpoles!" began Sir Thomas, commencing some fierce tirade against -the English, for he was a Scot of the oldest school. - -"Fie, Knight of Binns!" said Annie Laurie; "you forget that my Lady -Dunbarton is south-land bred." - -"Sweet mistress, I crave pardon of her gentleness. But I am owre -auld to pick my words now. I say as my fathers have said; I think as -my fathers have thocht." - -"Your servant, Sir Thomas.--Ladies, your humble servant!" said that -unconscionable bore, Lord Mersington, who at that moment rode up with -Clermistonlee. "Hee, hee, General--seeing your auld friends awa -again--'bodin in effeir of weir,' as the acts say?" - -"Yea, my Lord. You, too, hae seen some work like this in your time." - -"Ay. At Dunbar I rode in the troop of the College of Justice, and -exchanged the judge's wig for the troopers morion; ye ken, when drums -beat, laws are dumb." - -"Then Heaven send they may beat for ever and aye. A bonnie like -troop o' auld carlins your Lordship's Justiciars were, and merrily we -stark cavaliers of the French and Swedish wars laughed when Monk's -regiment of foot, whilk are now denominate the Coldstreamers, routed -ye like sae mony schule bairns." - -"Under favour, Sir Thomas, I hold that to be leasing-making, hee, -hee! and though we laugh owre it now as auld gossips, I mind the day -when blades had been drawn on it." - -Clermistonlee, while endeavouring with equal skill and grace to curb -his restive horse, fixed his dark gloating eyes on Lilian Napier, and -gave her a profound bow; but, well aware of what his intentions had -long been towards her, instead of acknowledging it, she coldly turned -away, and took the arm of Annie Laurie. She was too gentle to glance -disdainfully, but an indignant blush crimsoned her cheek, and she -withdrew to another part of the parapet. Clermistonlee bit his proud -lip with vexation; but the fierce gleam of his dark eye passed -unobserved by all save Juden, who, like his shadow, was never far off. - -"My Lord Clermistonlee, we will hae but a toom toun now, when our -brave bucks and braw fellows have a' marched southward," said Dalyel. - -"Many a fair damsel sees her stout leman for the last time," replied -his Lordship, with a soft smile at Lilian; "but keep bold hearts, -fair ladies--there are as handsome fellows left behind as any that -march under the baton of James Douglas." - -"As gude fish in the sea as e'er cam' out o' t, hee, hee!" - -"True," retorted Annie Laurie; "but such gay fellows as your -Lordships are too economical of their persons to suit the taste of a -bold border lass." - -"Indeed, Mistress Laurie! But according to love _à la mode_, one -leman is quite the same as another." - -"Whilk," said Sir Thomas Dalyel, with a deep laugh, interrupting a -sharp retort of Annie's, "whilk were the very words a certain -Muscovite damsel sain to me, after her husband's head had been -chopped off by the ungracious Tartars. I construed it into a hint -that I was to occupy his place, and I was but owre happy, for 'tis a -cold country, the land of the Russ and----but, dags and pistols! here -cometh the rear-guard already! and as there are some lads marching -owre yonder brae, with whom I would fain confer for the last time, I -must crave your Ladyship's pardon, with leave to follow the line of -route." - -Erect in his stirrups, with toes pointed upwards and baton depressed, -the old cavalier made a profound obeisance, and notwithstanding his -great age dashed at full gallop through the crowd, amidst an -ill-repressed shout of hatred and execration from amongst it. - -"An auld ill-faured persecuting devil!" said Elsie Elshender, shaking -her withered hand after him; "a tormentor o' God's worthiest -servants, a Cain among the sons o' men--a fearfu' tyrant, and suited -to fearfu' times. Gude keep us! look at the doken blade he spat on; -there is a hole brunt clean through it." - -"His horse's hoofs mak' runnin' water boil," added Syme the Baillie's -wife in a low voice. - -"Silence, Cummers!" said Juden Stenton; "or you'll hae the steel -jougs locked round your jaws the morn, and may be get a het -tar-barrelling after for speaking sae freely o' your betters." - -Sir Thomas reined up alongside of the three generals, whom for -several miles he bored with musty maxims, obsolete tactics, and -strange advice, anent the superiority of Sweyn's feathers over the -screwed dagger (or bayonet), and furiously condemned the slinging of -carbines in budgets in lieu of shoulderbelts, as in the days of -Montrose--expatiated on the method of forming square with the -grenadiers covering the angles, and making the bringers-up (or third -rank) entirely of musqueteers. He particularly impressed upon -General Douglas the method of posting musqueteers among the horse and -dragoons in alternate regiments--a tactique of that Star of the -North, the great Gustavus of Sweden, and used by Prince Rupert at -Long Marstonmoor--and after a fierce tirade against Sir James Wemys's -leather cannon for field service, and a few words about the -Muscovites, this veteran soldier of fortune bade them adieu near the -Balm Well of St. Catherine, which lay yet a ruin, just as Cromwell's -puritans had left it thirty-eight years before, when 16,000 of them -encamped on the Gallaehlawhill. There Dalyel parted with "bluidy -Dunbarton, Douglas, and Dundee," never to meet again; for though he -saw it not, the hand of death was already stretched over the -venerable "persecutor" and exile--war, wounds, and death were the -portion of the others. - -Long, long remained the fair young Countess watching the glittering -columns as they wound over the Burghmuir, and ascended the hills of -Braid, and until the faintest tap of the drums died away on the wind, -and the helmets of the rearguard flashed a farewell ray in the -evening sun, as they disappeared over the distant hills. - -Then the grief of Lilian could no longer be restrained, for a heavy -sense of utter desolation fell upon her heart. - -"Oh, Annie, Annie!" she exclaimed, and throwing herself upon the -bosom of friend, burst into a passion of tears. - -The bustle, the glitter, and the music all combined, had caused an -unnatural degree of excitement, and had sustained their spirits while -the troops were pouring past, enabling them to behold with calmness a -thousand tender partings. All now were away--silence and stillness -succeeded--the excitement had evaporated, and they experienced an -unnerving reaction which rendered them miserable, and they wept -without restraint for the lovers that had left them--perhaps for ever. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -THE HAWK AND THE DOVE. - - O wae be to the orders, that marched my love awa, - And wae be to the cruel cause that gars my tears' dounfa'; - The drums beat in the morning, before the screich o' day, - The wee fifes played loud and shrill, and yet the morn was grey; - The bonnie flags were a' unfurled, a gallant sight to see, - But waes me for my soldier-lad, that marched to Germanie. - MOTHERWELL. - - -The intense sadness of Lilian for some days after the march of the -troops, soon led Lady Grisel to suspect that her heart and hopes were -away with the Scottish host; and the blush that ever suffused her -cheek on Walter's name being mentioned convinced the old lady that -her conclusions were just. Lilian knew well what was passing in the -mind of her grandaunt, and as she had never hitherto concealed a -thought from her, she threw herself upon her neck, and with tears, -blushes, and agitation, which made her innocence appear more than -ever charming, confessed how she and Walter Fenton had plighted their -solemn troth, and shewing his ring, implored her pardon and her -blessing upon them both. - -"God bless thee mine own dear child!" said the kind old lady; "though -poor Walter Fenton hath nothing on earth but his heart and his sword, -and though I might wish a longer pedigree than he, good lad, can -boast of, still I esteem him for his manly bearing--I love him for -his generosity, and I have ever loved thee, Lilian, much too well to -withhold aught on which thy happiness depends. May the kind God -bless thee, my fair-haired bairn! and may thy love be fortunate and -happy as it is innocent and pure!" - -Lilian's heart was full, and she wept on the breast of her kind old -kinswoman. - -After a time the idea did occur to Lady Bruntisfield, that the first -love of her grand-niece, who since the captain's outlawry had become -the only hope and last representative of an old baronial race, should -be a nameless and penniless soldier, about to become a partisan in a -dangerous civil war, was a matter for serious deliberation; but her -blessing had been given, her honour had been pledged, and neither -could be now withdrawn. She remembered too, that if William -conquered in the coming struggle, that Lilian would be dowerless; for -on her own demise, the lands of Bruntisfield and the Wrytes (of which -as before stated she had but a life-rent) passed to her nephew the -captain of the Scots Dutch, as next heir of entail; and she knew that -the crafty Lord Clermistonlee, who had long been Lilian's avowed -suitor, based his mercenary and ambitious hopes mainly on breaking -this law by bringing the unfortunate captain under the ban of the -Council, now no difficult matter, as he had openly joined the -standard of the Prince of Orange. - -Though his Lordship's rank made him, in one respect, an eligible -suitor, his general character for cruelty, debauchery, and every -fashionable vice, caused him to be viewed with detestation by all, -save a few wild and kindred spirits; and there were current certain -dark, and, perhaps, exaggerated stories concerning the death of his -lady several years before; and these, more than any thing else, led -every woman, in that moral age, to regard him with secret horror. - -Yet all admitted that he was pre-eminently a handsome man, and that -none dressed so magnificently, danced more gracefully, had better -trained hawks and hounds, or fleeter racers than Randal, Lord -Clermistonlee. Notwithstanding all this, Lady Grisel would rather -have seen her dear-loved Lilian in the coils of a boa-constrictor -than in his arms; and as the image of the daring roué came vividly -before her, she blessed poor Walter more affectionately, and kissing -her fair grand-niece again, made her feel more happy than she ever -thought to have been in absence of her lover. Rendered buoyant in -spirit by the hopes which the affection and approbation of her -venerable kinswoman had kindled anew within her breast (for love and -hope go hand in hand), she retired to the garden, to view, for the -hundredth time, the spot where she had plighted her faith and love to -Walter Fenton, a species of hand-fasting in those days so solemn and -binding, that it was almost esteemed a half espousal. - -Day was closing, and the old knotty oaks creaked mournfully in the -evening wind: now their October foliage was crisped and brown; the -branches of many were bare and leafless, and the voice of the coming -winter was heard on the hollow gale; while the fallen leaves and -faded flowers, the apparent exhaustion and decay of nature, increased -the idea of desolation in her mind, and poor Lilian's heart swelled -with the sad thoughts that oppressed it. Seated by the mossy -dialstone, resigned to solitude and to sorrow, she yielded to the -grief that gradually stole over her, and wept bitterly. - -How vividly she recollected all the circumstances of that dear -interview, and Walter's last injunction--"Remember the hour beside -the fountain, and forget not the 20th of September!" The hour was -the same; and the fountain was plashing with the same monotonous -sound into the same carved basin, and the voice of Walter seemed to -mingle with the echo of the falling water. - -"Walter! Walter!" she exclaimed, and, dipping her hands again in the -water, pressed to her lips the pledge he had given her at -parting--his mother's ring, the only trinket he had ever possessed in -the world; and though small its apparent value, it contained a secret -that was yet to have a potent influence on the fortunes of both. - -On the preservation of that ring depended the life of Walter and the -mystery of his birth. - -Absence had now rendered more dear to her that love which preference, -chance, and congenial taste had previously made the all-absorbing -feeling of her heart. - -"And he was here with me three weeks ago! Only three weeks! Alas! -dear Walter, if years seem to have elapsed since then, what will the -time appear before we meet again? Oh, that I had the power of a -fairy, to behold him now!" She turned her eyes to the south,--to -where, above its thick dark woods, the embattled keep of the Napiers -of Merchiston closed the view. There she had last seen the Scottish -host winding over the muir, and remembered the last flash of arms in -the sunlight as a straggling trooper disappeared over the ridge. Her -heart yearned within her, and her agitation increased so much that -she reclined against the cold dialstone, and covered her face with -her hands. - -At length she became more composed, and her grief gave way to softer -melancholy, as the sombre tints of the balmy autumnal evening crept -over the beautiful landscape. The sun was setting, and, amid the -saffron clouds, seemed to rest afar off like a vast crimson globe -above the dark-pine woods that cover the ridges of Corstorphine. The -bright flush of the dying day stole along the level plain from the -westward, lighting up the grated casements, the fantastic chimnies, -and massive turrets of the old manor-house, and the gnarled trunks of -its ivied beeches and old "ancestral oaks." - -Pouring aslant from beneath a screen of dun vapour like a -thunder-cloud edged with gold, the sun's bright rays gave a warm but -partial colouring to the scenery, glittering on the dark-green leaves -of the holly hedges, then gaudy with clusters of scarlet berries, and -rendering more red the crisped and faded foliage that bordered the -shining lake. White smoke curled up from many a cottage-roof -embosomed among the coppice; and as the sunbeams died away upon the -stirless woods and waveless water, Lilian recalled many an evening -when, at the same hour, and in the same place, she had leant upon -Walter's arm, and surveyed the same fair landscape; and the memory of -his remarks, and the tones of his voice, came back to her with a fond -but painful distinctness. - -Her favourite pigeon, with the snow-white pinions and silver varvels, -alighted on her shoulder and nestled in her neck; but the caresses of -her little pet were unheeded. Lilian neither felt nor heard them; -her heart was with her thoughts, and these were far away, where the -Scottish drums were ringing among the Border hills and pathless -mosses. The face, the air, the very presence of her lover, came -vividly before the ardent girl; like a vision of the second sight, -she conjured them up, and his voice yet sounded in her ears as she -had last heard it--softened, tremulous, and agitated; but, alas! now -mountains rose and rivers rolled between them, and kingdoms were to -be lost and won ere again she felt his kiss upon her cheek. The dove -seemed sensible of the sorrow that preyed upon its mistress, and, -nestled in her soft bosom, lay still and motionless, with bowed head -and trailing pinions. - -"By Jove! she _is_ a magnificent being," said a voice. "Now, fair -Lilian--now, by all that is opportune, you must hear me." - -She started, but was unable to rise, from confusion and fear. Lord -Clermistonlee stood beside her. His dark velvet mantle half -concealed his rich dress, as the plumes of his slouched hat did the -sinister expression of his proud and impressive features. He was -armed with his long sword and dagger, and had a brace of pistols in -his girdle. A large hawk sat upon his wrist, and the expression with -which his large dark eyes were fixed on the shrinking girl, found an -exact counterpart in those of the hawk when regarding the trembling -dove, which cowered in the bosom of its mistress. From the ardour of -his glance and a certain jauntiness in his air, it was evident that -he was a little intoxicated, as usual. - -Lilian, in great terror, looked hurriedly around her. She was at the -extremity of a spacious garden, and now the evening was far advanced. -Save old John Leekie, the gardener, none could be within hearing; and -the cry she would have uttered died away upon her lips. Even had -that venerable servitor approached, he would soon have been knocked -on the head by Juden Stenton, who lay close by, concealed like a -snake in the holly hedge. - -"My Lord, to what do I owe this sudden visit?" - -"To the attractive power of your charms, my beauty." - -"Permit me to pass you," said Lilian sharply. - -"Nay, my dearest Lilian," replied the lord, taking her hand, and -retaining it in spite of all her efforts to the contrary. "The very -modesty that makes you shrink from my polite admiration invests you -with a thousand new attractions." - -"Doubtless," said Lilian, with as much scorn as her gentleness -permitted, "politeness is the peculiar characteristic of your -lordship; and yours is not less flattering than your admiration." - -"My adorable girl! you transport me--you open up a new vista of hope -to me in these words," said Clermistonlee, with something of real -passion in his voice. "You must be aware there are few dames in -Scotland that would not be flattered by my addresses; and that few -men in Scotland, too, would dare to cross me. For thee alone my -heart has been reserved. On this fair hand let me seal----" - -"Nay, nay, my lord," urged Lilian, struggling to be free, and -becoming excessively frightened. - -"By every sparkle of those beautiful eyes, and the amiable vivacity -that illumines them," continued his lordship, making a theatrical -attempt to embrace her,--"suffer me to implore----" - -"Help! help, for God's sake!" exclaimed Lilian. "My Lord, this -insolence shall not pass unpunished." - -"Death and the devil! Dost mock me, little one? Is it insolence -thus to fall at your feet?--thus to pour forth my soul in rapture, -where a king might be proud to kneel?" - -"My Lord, you are the strangest mixture of pride, presumption, and -absurdity in all broad Scotland," said Lilian, spiritedly. "I -command you to unhand me, and to remember that there is a pit under -the house where much hotter spirits than yours have learned to become -cool and respectful." - -He released her. - -"The pretty moppet is quite in a passion. My dear Lilian, why so -cruel? Am I indeed so hateful that you despise me?" - -"O, no," said she, gently, touched with his tone, for his voice was -very persuasive, and his presence was surpassingly noble. "I cannot -hate one who has never wronged me; and I dare not despise aught that -God has made." - -"Then you only respect me the same as the cows in yonder park?" - -"Heaven forbid, my Lord, I should rate you so low!" - -"Joy! beautiful Lilian. I now perceive that you do love me; and that -coy diffidence alone prevents you revealing the sentiments of your -heart." And throwing his arms around her, he embraced her, despite -all her struggles, and though the girl was strong and active. Thrice -she shrieked aloud; and having one hand at liberty, seized -Clermistonlee by his perfumed and cherished mustachios, giving him a -twist so severe, that he immediately released her, but still -interposed between her and the house. His eyes sparkled with -ill-concealed rage. - -"Hoity toity!" he muttered, stroking his mustachios, and surveying -her with a gloomy expression. "May the great devil take me if I -understand you!" - -Lilian now began to weep, and murmured-- - -"I request your lordship to learn----" - -"That thou lovest another? Damnation, little fool! art still -favouring that beardless beggar, whom some Dutchman's bullet will -hurl to his father in the bottomless pit?" - -"Wretch!" exclaimed Lilian, with undisguised contempt. "In heart and -soul, Walter Fenton is as much above thee as the heavens are above -the earth!" - -Stung by her words, the eyes of Clermistonlee glared, and his lips -grew white: he looked round for some object on which to pour forth -the storm of rage and jealousy that blazed within him. He saw the -poor dove which nestled in Lilian's breast, and, prompted by -wickedness and revenge, suddenly snatched it away, and tossed it into -the air; then, quick as thought, he slipped the jess of scarlet -leather that bound the fierce hawk to his nether wrist, and like -lightning it shot after the terrified pigeon, and soared far in air -above it. - -With fixed eyes and clasped hands Lilian watched it; and so intense -was her fear for her favourite, that, in the imminence of its danger, -she quite forgot her own. The stern eyes of Clermistonlee were -alternately fixed on the soaring birds and on Lilian's pallid face; -and he grasped her tender arm with the force of a vice with one hand, -while pointing upward to the dove with the other. - -"Behold! thou foolish vixen," said he--"_thou_ art the dove, and _I_ -am the hawk; and thus shall I conquer in the end!" Even as he spoke, -the hawk soused down upon its quarry, and both sank to the earth. - -The pigeon was dead! - -Lilian never spoke; but bent upon her tormentor a glance of horror, -scorn, and contempt, so intense that he even quailed before it, while -darting past him, she rushed towards the house. - -The intruder then leaped the garden wall; and, followed by his stout -henchman, hurried towards Edinburgh. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -A STATESMAN OF 1688. - - Call you these news? You might as well have told me, - That old King Coil is dead, and graved at Kylesfield. - I'll help thee out----. - AYRSHIRE TRAGEDY, ACT II. - - -Some weeks after this, at a late hour one night, Lord Clermistonlee -was seated by the capacious fireplace in his chamber-of-dais. He was -alone. A supper of Crail capons and roasted crabs, a white loaf, and -wine posset, had just been discussed; and he was resorting to his -favourite tankard of burnt sack, when a loud knocking was heard at -the outer gate. - -His lordship was decidedly in a bad humour: satiated with a long -career of gaiety, he had resolved to give this night to retirement, -to reverie, and to maturing his plans against Lilian, whose beauty -and manner in the last interview had inspired him with something like -a real passion for her. He remembered with pain the hatred and the -horror expressed in her parting glance. The memory of it had sunk -deeply in his heart; and he bitterly repented the destruction of her -favourite pigeon; for he felt that this cruel act had increased the -gulf between them. - -The knocking at the gate recalled his thoughts. - -"'Sdeath!" said he, "who dares to knock so loud and late? Ha! it may -be a macer of council; we have had no news from London for these -fourteen days past. Now, by all the devils, who can this be?" - -A person was heard ascending the stair, and singing in a very cracked -voice the Old Hundredth Psalm. Clermistonlee started, and looked -around for a cane, marvelling who dared to insult him in his own -house. A psalm! he could hardly believe his ears. - -"Pshaw!" said he, recognising the voice, as Juden ushered in Lord -Mersington, who entered unsteadily, balancing himself on each leg -alternately: his broad hat was awry, and his wig gone; but a silk -handkerchief tied round his head supplied its place. The learned -senator was in one of his usual altitudes. - -"How now, gossip!" said Clermistonlee, impatiently; "whence this -unwonted piety?" - -"Out upon thee, son of Belial! Dost not see that the Spirit is -strong within me?" - -"Rather too plainly; but sit down, man--thy tankard of burnt sack -hath grown cold. Juden prepares it nightly quite as a matter of -course. Any news from our army yet?" - -"None--none," replied the other, shaking his head with tipsy -solemnity; "but if matters go on as they seem likely to do, I maun -een change, Randal, or the grassy holms and bonnie mains o' -Mersington will gang to the deil before me; and I'll hae my canting -hizzie o' a wife back frae the west country to deave me wi' ranting -psalms and declaring against the crying sin o' the Mass, Papacy, -Prelacy, Arianism, and a' the rest o't." A glance of deep meaning -accompanied this. - -"And I, to mend my fortune, must fly my hawks more surely. _Bongré, -malgré_, Lilian Napier must become Lady Clermistonlee, or my lord of -that ilk must boune him for another land." - -"Hee, hee!--and you are fairly tired o' following mad Mally -Charteris, Maud o' Madertie, and my Lady Jean Gordon--hee, hee!" - -"Stuff!--name them not. I am sick to death of all damsels who owe -their beauty to sweet pomade, cream of Venice, Naples' dew, and the -devil's philters. Ah! the blooming glow of health and loveliness -that renders so radiant the gentle Lilian arises from none of those." - -"Ou' aye, ou' aye!" muttered Mersington, as he buried his weason face -in the tankard. "You have been an awfu' chiel in your time, Randal, -and would restore the auld acts o' King Eugene III. gif the Council -would let ye--hee, hee!" - -"By all the devils, I would!" laughed the roué, curling his -mustachios, as he lounged in his well-cushioned chair; "thou knowest, -good gossip, that the great horned head of the law always gave me a -strong _goût_ for vice." - -"But Eugene's law would matter little to you, Randal--hee, hee! Ye -have but few women married within your fief or barony now." - -Clermistonlee bit his lip as he replied: - -"You taunt me with my poverty, gossip; but remember, that though I -have lost my manor of Drumsheugh, I consider that of Bruntisfield as -being nearly mine. Sir Archibald was an old cavalier, and staunch -high Churchman; and if the current of affairs (here his voice sank to -a whisper) goes against the King, we may easily prevail upon the -Council to forfeit these lands to the State for ancient misdemeanors." - -"And for the leal service done to the cause of Grace in 1670, I would -move that the Council bestow upon my noble friend, the Lord -Clermistonlee--hee, hee!--the haill in free heritage and free barony -for ever, with all the meithes and marches thereof, (as the form in -law sayeth,) auld and divided as the same lie in length and breadth, -in houses, biggings, mills, multures, &c., hawking, hunting, fishing, -eel-arks, &c., with court, plaint, and herezeld, and with furk, fok, -sack, sock, thole, thame, vert, wraik, waith, ware, venison, -outfangthief, infangthief, pit and gallows, and sae forth, with the -tower, fortilace, or manor place thereof, and the couthie wee dame -hersel into the bargain." - -"By Jove, thou art mad!" exclaimed Clermistonlee, who had listened -with no little impatience and surprise to this rhapsody which the law -lord brought out all at a breath. - -"Hee, hee! the haill barony o' Bruntisfield is a braw tocher!--think -o' its pertinents, forbye the lands o' Puddockdub, whilk yield o' -clear rental ten thousand merks after paying Kirk and King!" - -"King and Kirk, you mean." - -"I say Kirk and King--hee, hee! The times are changing, and we maun -change wi' them." - -"Zounds! I believe the old fool is too drunk to hear me. Harkee! -gossip Mersington, you know I lost a thousand pounds to that -addlepate, Holsterlee, on our race at Leith, where my boasted mare -failed so devilishly." - -"Had ye tar-barrelled the carlin Elshender, it would hae been another -story," grumbled Juden, as he replenished the tankards. - -"A drowning man will cling to straws. By all the devils, on that -race hung the partial retrieval or utter ruin of my fortune! 'Tis a -debt of honour--the money is unpaid, and must be discharged with -others, even should I turn footpad to raise the testers." - -"'Tis an auld song, Randal--the fag-end of a career o' wickedness and -depravity--birling the wine-cup, and flaunting wi' bona robas," -replied Mersington, practising his now snuffling tone, and shaking -his head with solemn but tipsy gravity in the new character his -cunning led him to assume. "A just retribution on the crying sins, -blasphemies, and enormities, anent whilk see the act (damn the act!) -committed in the days o' your dolefu' backsliding. I doubt you'll -hae to take a turn wi' the Scots' Dutch, like Jock the Laird's -brother." - -"My drivelling gossip," said Clermistonlee, with considerable -hauteur, "you forget that it beseems not a Baron to be so roughly -schooled by the mere Goodman of Mersington." - -"Byde ye there, billy," exclaimed the other. "Gudeman, quotha! we -hold our fief by knight's service, of the Scottish crown; and ken ye, -Randal, that such as hold their lands of the King direct are styled -Lairds; but such as held their tacks of a subject were styled -gudemen; a custom hath lately gone into disuse, as Rosehaugh saith in -his folio on Precedence." - -"Laird or Lord, I care not a brass bodle. No man shall assume the -part of monitor to me! Again and again I have told thee, Mersington, -that my whole soul, for this year past, has been bent upon the -possession of Lilian Napier, and her acres of wood and wold; and dost -think, gossip, that I, who have subdued so many fine women (yea, and -some deuced haughty ones, too), shall be baffled by a little moppet -like this? Come, good gossip, assist me with thy advice. I have -ever found your invention fertile, your advice able, your cunning -matchless. Canst think of no new plan, by which to----Hah! who the -devil can that be, now?" he exclaimed, as another furious knocking at -the outer gate cut short his adjuration; and he listened anxiously, -muttering, "'Tis long past midnight; some drunken mudlark, I warrant." - -"A macer o' council, my Lord," exclaimed Juden, entering hurriedly, -and laying a square note before his master, who let fall his wine-cup -as he examined the seal, which bore the coronet and collared -sleuth-hound of Perth. A red glow suffused the dark cheek, and -sparkled in the eyes of Clermistonlee, as he deliberately opened a -billet which he previously knew to be of the most vital importance to -himself and to the nation. It was addressed "ffor ye Right -Honourable my very good friend the Lord Clermistounlee," and ran -thus:-- - - -"Dear Gossip, - -"There is the devil to pay in the south--_all is lost_! -Craigdarroch, a trooper of the Guards, hath brought intelligence that -our army, like the English (God's murrain on the false knaves!) hath -_en masse_ joined the invader--that James has fled, and William -reached London. Meet us at the Laigh Council Chamber without delay. - - "Yr assured friend, - "PERTH, _Cancellarius_." - - -Overwhelmed with consternation, Clermistonlee stood for a moment like -a statue; then, crushing his hat upon his head, he stuck a pair of -pistols in his belt, snatched his cloak and sword, and tossing the -note to Mersington, to read and follow as he chose, rushed away in -silence with his usual impetuosity. - -Mersington, who had regarded his actions with a stare of tipsy -wonder, took up the note, and contrived to decypher its contents. As -he did so, his features underwent a rapid change; fear, wrath, and -cunning by turns contracted his hard visage, and completely sobered -him. At last, a sinister leer of deep meaning twinkled in his -bleared eyes; he quietly burned the note, brushed his large hat with -his sleeve, adjusted it on his head, and assuming his gold-headed -cane, departed for the Board of the Privy Council. - -From that hour his Lordship was a true-blue Presbyterian. - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -TRUST AND MISTRUST. - - March! march! why the deil do ye no march? - Stand to your arms, my lads, fight in good order; - Front about, ye musketteers, all - When ye come to the English border. - LESLY'S MARCH. - - -As before related, the Scottish army advanced into England in three -columns. - -It was by the express desire of James VII., and contrary to the wish -of the Council, that these forces left Scotland, where William had -many adherents, especially in the western shires. There the old -spirit of disaffection was subdued, but far from being extinguished. -The Privy Councillors had proposed to retain their troops, and in -lieu thereof to send to their frontiers a corps of militia and -Highlanders, thirteen thousand strong; but James was urgent for the -regulars immediately joining him at Hounslow, and they marched -accordingly. - -On the first day of October the Scottish army crossed the Tweed, and -drew up on English ground, when General Douglas (to quote Captain -Crichton, the cavalier-trooper who served in the Grey Dragoons) "gave -a strict charge to the officers that they should keep their men from -offering the least injury on their march; adding, that if he heard -any of the English complain, the officers should answer for the -faults of their men." - -That night the Scottish drums were ringing in the streets of "merry -Carlisle." There Douglas halted for the night, and Dunbarton's -regiment bivouacked in a field on the banks of the Eden. Provisions -were brought from the city in abundance, fires were lighted, and the -cooking proceeded with the utmost dispatch. - -English troops kept guard at the gates of the city, which was -inclosed by a strong wall, and Saint George's red cross waved on the -castle of William Rufus--the same grim fortress where, a hundred and -twenty-one years before, Mary of Scotland experienced the first -traits of Elizabeth's inhospitality. - -General Douglas, who commanded the Scottish troops, was a traitor at -heart, and deeply in the interest of William. On the morning after -the halt at Carlisle, he ordered the Viscount Dundee, with his -division of cavalry, to march for London by the way of York; while he -in person led the infantry and artillery by the road to Chester. -Anxious that William should land before the army of James could be -strong enough to oppose him, Douglas, by a hundred frivolous -pretences, and by every scheme he could devise, delayed the march of -his infantry, which did not form a junction with the English under -the Earl of Faversham at London until the 25th of October. - -James VII. had now under his command a well disciplined and well -appointed army, led by officers of distinguished birth and courage, -and he awaited with confidence the landing of his usurping -son-in-law. The whole of his troops were quartered in the vicinity -of London. - -For many reasons, the people of England, like those of Scotland, were -prepossessed against all the measures of King James, and to his brave -army alone did this unhappy monarch look for support in the coming -struggle; but notwithstanding that for years he had been a father -rather than a captain to his soldiers, and had watched over their -interests with the most kingly and paternal solicitude, quarrels and -disgusts broke out between them, and he was yet to find that he leant -on a broken reed. The strict amity subsisting between him and Louis -of France, excited the jealousy of the nation, who dreaded an -invasion of French and Irish catholics, to enforce the entire -submission of the protestants. - -Never were fears more groundless; but the Irish appear to have been -particularly obnoxious to the English soldiers, who flatly refused to -admit them into their ranks. The officers of the Duke of Berwick's -regiment, on declining to accept of certain Irish recruits, were all -cashiered, and the evident weakness of his position alone prevented -James from bringing them to trial as mutineers. - -Finding that the civil and ecclesiastical orders opposed him in every -measure, James unguardedly made a direct appeal to his English army, -by whose swords he hoped to enforce universal obedience. Anxious -that each regiment in succession should "give their consent to the -repeal of the test and penal statutes," he appealed first to the -battalion of the Earl of Lichfield, which the senior Major drew up in -line before him, and requested that "those soldiers who did not enter -into the King's views should lay down their arms." - -Save two catholics, the entire regiment instantly laid their -matchlocks on the ground! - -Astonishment and grief rendered James speechless for a time; but his -native pride recalled his energies. - -"It is enough, my soldiers," he exclaimed haughtily. "Resume your -arms! Henceforth I will not do you the honour of seeking your -approbation." - -Hurried on by the secret advices of the Jesuits, by his religious -enthusiasm (bigotry, if you will), and by the evil genius that has -seemed to haunt his race since the days of the first Stuart, James -rendered yet wider the breach between him and his army. He -distributed catholic officers and soldiers throughout the different -English regiments, "and many brave protestant officers, after long -and faithful service, were dismissed, without any provision, to -favour this fatal scheme." The quota of Irish troops joined him at -London, and, on chapels being established for the celebration of -mass, the murmurs of the protestants became loud and unrestrained, -and a storm of indignation was raised, which in these days of -toleration, we can only view with a smile. - -The ill-advised appointment of the Pope as sponsor for the young -Prince of Wales, the vile and unfounded rumours concerning whose -birth the hapless king felt keenly, and the universal approbation -with which the secretly dispersed manifestoes of the coming invader -were received throughout the land, shewed James that his throne was -crumbling beneath him. The brave old Earl of Dartmouth, who lay at -the Gunfleet, with thirty-seven vessels of war, and seventeen -fireships, in consequence of a storm, was unable to attack the -armament of William, who arrived at Torbay on the 5th of November, -and immediately landed his Dutch, Scots, English, and French troops, -under their several standards. - -James, who had no small share of courage and military skill, now -threw himself entirely on that army, which he had spent so many -anxious years in fostering, training, and disciplining. He -dispatched his son, the famous Duke of Berwick, to take possession of -Portsmouth, and prevent the inhabitants declaring for the invader, -who was then on the march for Exeter; meanwhile he hurried to -Salisbury plain, and placed himself at the head of twenty battalions -of infantry and thirty squadrons of cavalry, with a resolution to -defend his crown to the death: but, alas! the spirit of disaffection, -disloyalty, and ingratitude had already manifested itself in the -camp. The desertions were numerous and alarming, while sullen -discontent and open mutiny so greatly marked the conduct of those who -remained, that save a few of the Scottish regiments, James found none -on whom he could rely. - -Lord Colchester, son of the Earl of Rivers, with many of his -regiment, were among the first who deserted to the standard of the -invader; Lord Cornbury, son of the Earl of Clarendon, followed, with -three regiments of horse. - -Lord Churchill, who, from a page, had been raised by James to the -peerage and a high military command, also betrayed the blackest -ingratitude, by forming a plot to seize his royal benefactor, and -deliver him as a bondsman to the Prince of Orange. Failing in this, -he deserted with several troops of cavalry, and took with him the -Duke of Grafton, a son of the late king. Many officers of -distinction informed the Earl of Faversham, their general, "that they -could not in conscience fight against the Prince of Orange," and -thus, hourly, the whole English army fell to pieces. - -The spirit of disaffection soon spread into the Scottish ranks. -Douglas, the perfidious general, with his own regiment of Red -Dragoons, openly marched off to William with the Scottish standard -displayed, and their kettle-drums beating, a circumstance which -deeply affected James, for this was a corps on which he had -particularly relied; but the treason of Douglas was ultimately -avenged by a cannon-shot on the banks of the Boyne. James was a -Stuart, and naturally founded his hopes on the soldiers of the nation -from whence he drew his blood. - -A battalion of Scots' Foot Guards next revolted under a corporal -named Kempt, and then every regiment went over in succession under -their several standards, save a troop of Dundee's Guards, a corps of -dragoons, and the Scots' Royals, fifteen hundred strong, which yet -remained loyal and true. - -These repaired to Reading, where the gallant nobles, Dunbarton and -Dundee, by exerting all their energies, re-mustered ten thousand men -in ten days. - -The former, with his single regiment alone, offered to attack the -Dutch, and by a more than Spartan example of heroism and rashness, to -shame their faithless comrades. - -Meanwhile the Dutch drums beat merrily up for recruits, which poured -to the banner of the invader on all hands, and horses were brought to -mount the cavalry and drag the artillery. - -All was lost! - -The unhappy king, deserted nearly by all, found none near him to whom -he could apply for consolation or advice, or in whom he could -confide. By the instigation of Lady Churchill, even his daughter, -the Princess Anne, left him, and retired to Nottingham. On finding -himself now, when in the utmost extremity of distress, abandoned by a -favourite daughter, whom he had ever treated with the utmost -affection and tenderness, James raised his eyes and hands to heaven, -and bursting into a passion of tears,-- - -"God help me!" he exclaimed, in the greatest agony of spirit; "God -help me now, for even my own children, in my distress, have forsaken -me!" - -* * * * - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -THE GUISARDS. - - O mother, thus to fret is vain-- - My loss must needs be borne; - Death, death is now mine only gain-- - Would I had ne'er been born. - God's mercies cease to flow-- - Woe to me, poor one, woe! - BURGER'S LEONORA. - - -Walter had now been absent many weeks, and the constant fears -expressed by Lady Grisel, with all the querulous and tedious -prolixity of age, in no way tended to soothe the anxiety of Lilian. -She was excessively superstitious, though guileless, kind, and -simple, and daily saw terrible omens of impending ill. Black corbies -flapped their wings incessantly on the steep gables, and the -dead-bell was never done ringing in the cranies of the old house. -Strange sounds rumbled behind the wainscoting, shrouds guttered in -the candles, coffins fell out of the embers, and the indefatigable -death-watch rang the live-long night in the recesses of her old -tester bed. Her kindly-meant, but ominous insinuations, and her -dreams of stricken fields and riderless horses, nearly drove Lilian -to distraction, while old Elsie Elshender, who had been admitted to -her confidence, failed not to make matters worse by shaking her -palsied head mysteriously, and saying-- - -"It boded ill-luck to be betrothit wi' a dead woman's ring." - -So passed the first weeks of their separation in tears and dark -forboding, save when Lilian was with Annie Laurie, whose joyous -buoyancy of spirit banished care and fear together. Of Lord -Clermistonlee she had seen nothing of late, save on one occasion, -when he had followed her from the Abbey porch to the Bowhead; but as -she was attended by Drouthy, the butler, and another liveryman, well -armed with swords, and pistols in their girdles, she was under no -apprehension. - -The state of Edinburgh was daily becoming more and more alarming. - -As yet there had been no tidings of William's landing; but his -friends were on the alert. Under Sir George Munro, a strong division -of militia occupied the city; but on the march of the regular troops, -these failed to prevent the disaffected from making the capital the -focus of their operations. No sooner had the Scottish army crossed -the borders, than the Presbyterians, and all revolutionary spirits, -crowded to Edinburgh well armed, and there held secret and seditious -meetings, which were attended by the Earls of Dundonald, Crauford, -Glencairn, and others. - -The subtle Mersington, the proud Earl of Perth, the reckless Lord -Clermistonlee, and others of the haughty council, were made aware of -all this by their numerous spies; but the formidable tribunal which -had so long ruled the land by the sword and gibbet, was now -completely paralysed by the appearance of many "sulky blue bonnets" -crowding the streets; they failed to arrest a single individual, -though treason, like a hundred-headed hydra, stalked in daylight -through their thoroughfares, and declaimed in their public places. -The lords had no tidings of events in the south; all their dispatches -from the King being effectually intercepted by Sir James Montgomery, -a revolutionist. - -And now came hoary Christmas; but it seemed not as of old. It was a -dreary one to poor Lilian; and the forebodings that hung over bolder -hearts, chilled hers with apprehension. Old Arthur's bare ridge and -rocky cone, the great chain of the Pentlands, and all the lesser -hills that lie around them, were mantled with shining snow; the deep -glens were impassable, and many flocks had perished in them. The -cold norlan blast howled over the bleak Burghmuir, then a wide and -frozen heath, save where, in some places, a venerable oak spread its -glistening branches in the sparkling air. Above the lofty city to -the north, that towered afar off on its ridgy hill, the dun smoke of -a myriad winter fires ascended into the clear mid-air, and overhung -its spires and fortress like a thunder-cloud, portentious of the -storm that was brewing among its denizens. The great loch of the -burgh lay frozen like a sheet of shining crystal; and there a few -jovial curlers, forgetful of the desperate game of politics, shot the -ponderous stones along their slippery rinks. - -The great Yule-logs crackled and blazed merrily, as in other days, in -the wide stone fire-place of the dining-hall, and old familiar -objects and beloved faces glowed in its light; but Lilian's heart and -thoughts were far away, and she seemed wholly intent on watching the -sparks as they flew up the broad-tunnelled chimney. - -The eve of Christmas was dark and gloomy. The moon was enveloped in -clouds, and not a star was visible; but the frozen snow that covered -the whole ground gave, by its whiteness, a reflected light. The -hollow wind blustered in the bare copsewood and rumbled in the -chimnies, and a very social but hum-drum party of old friends formed -a circle round the fire-place in the chamber-of-dais. - -Old Lady Grisel occupied her great-cushioned chair, with her -spinning-wheel on one hand, and her cup of milk posset on a tripod -table at the other. The neighbouring Laird of Drumdryan, a plain, -hard-featured man, in an unlaced coat and hideous wig; Sir Thomas -Dalyell, in a gala suit of laced buff, rather cross and irritable -with a lumbago contracted in Muscovy; and the dowager Lady -Drumsturdy, all stomacher, starch, and black satin, with Mistress -Priscilla, her daughter and exact counterpart, occupied the -foreground; while honest Syme of the Greenhill, in his plain -hodden-gray coat, a flaming red vest, with ribbed galligaskins rolled -over his knees, and his fat, comely dame, with her serge gown, laced -coif, and bunch of household keys, sat respectfully a little behind. - -While the two lairds were accommodated with silver tankards, which -Mr. Drouthy replenished again and again with the burnt sack, then so -much in vogue, the bluff ground baillie, in virtue of his humbler -station, drank nut-brown ale from plain pewter. Every thing in the -apartment was trimmed with green holly branches, and a mistletoe -bough hung from the great dormont-tree of the ceiling, under which -the long-bearded old cavalier saluted Lady Grisel's faded cheek with -much good humour and courtesy. - -"Yes, Simeon, it was the case," continued the latter, who was engaged -in some prosy reminiscence of King Charles the First's days. "A -fiery dragon _was_ seen in the west, and it flew owre the Muirfute -hills, towards the castle of Dunbar; and, that day month, a mournful -field was fought and lost there." - -"I weel mind the time, your ladyship," replied Simeon, scratching his -galligaskins where he had received a thrust from a Puritan's pike; -"but the fleeing dragon, wi' its fiery tail, was thought to -portend----" - -"Just such things, Simeon, as the bright lights in the north hae -portended this month past. And ye ken, Sir Thomas, that the -miraculous shower of Highland bannets whilk preceded the irruption of -the ill-faured Redshanks into the west, in the December of '84, was -another wonderful and terrible omen." - -"True, Lady Grisel," replied Dalyell, taking a sip from his tankard; -"but ane partaking owre mickle o' the leaven o' the auld Covenant -(d--n it!) for an auld cavalier like myself to believe; unless auld -Mahoud was the merchant that made sae free wi' his gear. He has owre -lang been poking his neb in our Scottish affairs." - -"O' which my late lord (rest him!) had most ocular proof," said Lady -Drumsturdy, in a low impressive voice--"when he saw him, wi' horns -and tail, dancing on the walls o' Blackness, in the hoar o' its -upblawin', in the year 1652."* - - -* See Nicol's _Diary_. - - -"Cocksnails!" muttered Drumdryan, "here's the snow coming down the -lum," and he shook the flakes from his wig. - -"You are sitting owre far ben the ingle, laird." - -"We'll hae a storm this night, sirs," said Simeon. "I ken by the -sough o' the norlan wind--its gey driech and eerie." - -"'Sdeath! I hope not," said Drumdryan. "I've a score o' braw -bell-wethers owre the muir at the Buckstane; and I lost enough at -Martinmas-tide, when twa hundred black faces were smoored in the Glen -o' Braid." - -"And there has been no word from England since the snow fell--six -weeks?" said Lilian sighing. - -"Some say the roads are deep, sweet mistress," said General Dalyell; -"and others say the Orangemen are deeper: but the deil a scrap hath -reached the Council since that rinawa' loon Craigdarroch arrived; and -gude kens wha's hand maybe strongest by this time. But God bless the -King and the gude auld cause!" continued the old cavalier, draining -his tankard. - -Drumdryan did the same, adding cautiously,--"The King, whae'er he be!" - -"Out upon ye, Laird!" exclaimed Lady Grisel with great asperity. -"Wha could he be but his sacred Majesty King James VII., whom I pray -the blessed God to counsel wisely and protect." - -"'Live and let live' has ever been my maxim, Lady Grisel; but such -words may cost ye dear, if the next news frae Berwick be such as I -expect," replied the sly laird, drinking with quiet composure. - -Rage bristled in every hair of Dalyell's beard, and his eyes -glistened like those of a rattlesnake. He could not speak; but the -old lady, whose loyalty, fostered by that of the umquhile baronet, -was tickled by these observations, brought her chair sharply round, -and, striking her long cane emphatically on the floor, said to the -shrinking delinquent-- - -"Shame on ye, Drumdryan!--is your blood turning to water, or what? -Gif ye expect bad tidings, it is time that ye donned your buff coat -and bandoliers, and had your steed in stall wi' garnissing and -holsters. And mair let me tell thee, Sir Laird----but what is that I -hear?--singing and mumming, eh? What is it, Simeon?" - -"Guisards!" exclaimed Lilian, looking from the window down the -snow-covered avenue--"guisards with links glinting and ribbons -flaunting. A braw band, in sooth!" - -At that moment a faint but merry chorus was heard upon the night wind -that rumbled in the wide stone chimney, and a loud knocking rung on -the barbican gate. - -"Drouthy," said Lady Grisel, "away with ye to the buttery, and get -some cogues of ale ready for the loons; and bid Elsie prepare some -farls of bannock and cheese, while John the gardener lets them into -the barbican, where we will hear them sing. Let twa men keep the -door with partisans, that none may cross our threshold. In my time I -heard of some foul treachery done by masked faces. Wow but the -knaves are impatient," she added, as the knocking was energetically -renewed at the outer gate. "And, Drouthy, d'ye hear, take a gude -survey of them through the vizzy-hole." - -The butler trotted off. - -"Lady Grisel," said the General, rubbing his hands, "ye speak like a -prudent dame; and a usefu' helpmate meet Sir Archibald maun hae found -ye, for he saw hot work in his time." - -"Kittle times mak' cautious folk," said the malecontent Drumdryan -slowly; "but wi' a that, General, had I feared snow, my braw -bell-wethers----" - -"D--n you, and your bell-wethers to boot!" growled the fierce old -Royalist. "Here come the guisards," and, save him, all rushed to the -windows; the veteran cavalier, whose lumbago chained him to his -bolstered chair, fidgetted and stroked his beard with a most vinegar -expression of face. - -Lilian clapped her hands with delight at the merry scene below. - -From time immemorial, it has been the custom in Scotland for young -people of the lower class, in the evenings of the last days of the -old year, to go about from house to house in their neighbourhood, -disguised in fantastic dresses, whence their name, guisards. The -usual practice was to present them with refreshment; but that custom -has departed with the other hospitalities of the olden time. They -dance and sing a doggrel rhyme, adapted to the occasion or the person -they visit; but, while the Catholic faith was the established one of -Scotland, in their songs, the guisards were wont to proclaim the -birth of Christ and the approach of the three kings who were to -worship him; and some trace of this ancient religious ditty was -discernible in the song sung by the visitors at Bruntisfield. - -There were ten or more men, all stout, athletic fellows, each bearing -a blazing torch, the united lustre of which lit up the deepest -recesses of the old façade, under which they performed a fantastic -morrice dance to their own music. They were all furnished with -enormous masks, of the most grotesque fashion; from these rose -head-dresses like sugar-loaves, covered with belis, beads, and pieces -of mirror. Their attire was equally _outré_. - -One was clad in the skin of a cow, having its horns fixed to the -crown of his head, and the long tail trailing behind him in the snow. -Another was furnished with an enormous nose, from which ever and anon -a red carbuncle exploded with a loud report; and a third had nearly -his whole body encased in an enormous head, which had a face -expressive of the most exquisite drollery. Under this prodigious -caput the diminished legs appeared to totter, while the jaunty -waggery of its aspect was increased by a little hat and feather which -surmounted it. - -But the principal figure was a tall, fierce, and brawny, but very -graceful man, clad in a fantastic robe of scarlet, with his legs -curiously cased in shining metal scales: he had a black face of -dreadful aspect, from three hideous red gashes, in which the blood -was constantly dropping. He wore a crown of green ivy-leaves and -scarlet hollyberries, wreathed among the sable masses of a voluminous -beard and shock head of coarse hair. Through the openings of his -scarlet robe, close observers might have observed a corslet glint at -times. All were accoutred with swords and daggers. - -Dancing in front, the red masker brandished his sputtering torch, and -chanted in a deep bass voice the following rhyme: - - "Trip and goe, heave and hoe, - Up and down, and to and fro; - By firth and fell, by tower and grove, - Merrily, merrily let us rove!" - -Then the whole choristers struck in while whirling round, they -brandished their torches and jangled their bells. - - "Hogmenay! Hogmenay! - Trois Rois la! Homme est ne! - - -Never before had so droll and jovial a band of guisards been seen; -and Lady Grisel, preceding all her guests, came cane in hand to the -doorway to see their grotesque morrice-dance, and listen to their -rhymes; and while the servitors were busy regaling them with ale, -cheese, and bannocks, Lilian brought a cup of wine, which, in -courtesy, she tendered to their leader. As he approached, she could -not repress a shudder, so formidable was his aspect--so tall his -stature--so large and dark the eyes with which he regarded her -through that terrible mask, down the gaping lips of which he poured -the ruddy Burgundy, and again tendered the cup to the fair Hebe who -brought it. - -As Lilian received it, his strong arm was thrown around her. - -"_Homme est ne!_" he shouted, in a voice like a trumpet. There was a -confused discharge of pistols--swords were seen to flash, and in an -instant all the torches were extinguished. There was a stifled -shriek; and the whole party were seen rushing down the avenue, -leaving the barbican gate locked behind them. - -"Clermistonlee!" exclaimed Lady Grisel, and swooned away in the arms -of her people. - -"Boot and saddle!--Horse and spear!--Ride and rescue!" exclaimed old -Dalyell, forgetful of his lumbago and everything but the danger of -Lilian. Rushing to the hall, no readier weapon than the poker was at -hand; but, alas! it was chained to the stone pillar of the -chimney-piece. Shrieks and outcries filled the mansion. Old Simeon -the baillie, John Leekie the gardener, and others, snatched such -weapons as came to hand; and, headed by Dalyell, who was now armed -with his great Muscovite sabre, sallied forth to find themselves -_within_ the barbican, the strong iron gate of which defied all their -attempts. The fierce old soldier rent his beard, and swore some -terrible oaths in the Tartar, Russ, and Scottish tongues, till -ladders were procured and the walls scaled. - -They rushed down the avenue to find only the traces of many feet in -the snow, the extinguished torches strewn about, the marks of -horse-hoofs and coach-wheels, which, instead of going towards the -city, wound over the Burghmuir towards the Castle of Merchiston; and, -after many turnings and windings--made evidently to mislead pursuers, -were lost altogether among the soft furzy heath at the Harestone, the -standard-stone of the old Scottish muster-place. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -THE REVOLT AT IPSWICH. - - I scorn them both! I am too stout a Scotsman, - To bear a Southron's rule an instant longer - Than discipline obliges. - SCOTT. - - -Unconscious of this bold abduction, a whisper of which would have -driven him mad, on the very night it took place, Walter Fenton was -seated with Douglas of Finland in the public room of a large hostel -or tavern in the central street of Ipswich. - -It was the sign of the "Bulloign Gate:" the house was curious and -old-fashioned; and on entering, one descended several steps, in -consequence of the soil having risen upon the walls. Its fantastic -front presented a series of heavy projections, rising from -grotesquely-carved oak beams, diagonally crossed with spars of the -same wood; little latticed windows, and two deep gloomy galleries, -and projecting oriels, over which the then leafless woodbine and -honeysuckle clambered, and from thence to the curious stacks of brick -chimneys, and broad Swiss-like roofs, with their carved and painted -eaves. - -The host, a bluff and burly Englishman, with the whole of his vast -obesity encased in a spotless-white apron, and exhibiting a great, -unmeaning, and bald-pated visage, every line of which receded from -the point of his pug nose, sat within the outer bar, where countless -jugs of pewter, mugs of Delft, and crystal goblets shone in the light -of a sea-coal fire, that roared and blazed in the wide fire-place of -the public room. - -At a table in one corner of the latter, a ponderously fat Southern -was engaged in discussing several pounds of broiled bacon and a small -basket of eggs. Over the great pewter trencher his round flushed -face beamed like a full moon, while he had the wide cuffs of his coat -turned up, and a great napkin like a bib tucked under his chin to -enable him to sup without spotting his glossy suit of drap-de-Berri. - -Near him were several groups of saucy-like citizens, in short brown -wigs and plain broadcloth suits, playing at tric-trac, -knave-out-o'-doors, and drinking mulled beer or egg-flip; while from -time to time they eyed the Scottish officers askance, and whispered -such jokes as the prejudices of the lower English still inspire them -to make upon aliens. These they did, however, very covertly and -quietly, not caring to enter into a brawl with two such richly-clad -and stout cavaliers, armed with sword and dagger, and whose comrades, -fifteen hundred in number, were all in the adjoining street. - -Our friends sat silent and thoughtful, drinking each a posset of -wine. Walter's eyes were fixed on the glowing embers of the fire and -the changing figures they exhibited; while Finland seemed wholly -intent on reading two papers pasted over the mantel-piece. One was -the sailing notice of "the good ship Restoration, _which_ was to sail -from the Hermitage Bridge, London, for Leith, on the penult of next -month, ye master to be spoke with on ye Scots Walk, where he would -promise civility and good entertainment to passengers." The other -was a proclamation, signed W.R., regarding the quarters of the -Scottish forces in divisions. The cavalier's brow grew black as his -eye fell on it; and he sighed, saying: - -"Matters are now at a low ebb with the King. Religion and misfortune -have fairly check-mated him, as we say at chess." - -"Measter, say rather his curst Scottish pride and obstinacy," said a -great burly fellow, whose striped apron and greasy doublet announced -him to be a butcher. Finland gave him a scornful glance; but being -unwilling to engage in a brawl, was about to address Walter again, -when the corpulent citizen, having gorged himself to the throat, now -felt inclined to be jocular; and looking at the long bowl-hilted -rapiers and poignards of the Scots, said: - -"Sword and dagger! by my feeth, thee art zo well vortified, that if -well victualled, as thy coontryman, lousy King Jemmy, zaid to the -swash-bookler, thee wouldst be impregnable. He was at Feversham by -the last account," resumed the butcher, "with that long-nosed Jesuit, -his confessor, about to embark vor France or Ireland--devil care -which. Here is a long horn, lads, that King and confessor may gang -to the bottom together." - -"Silence, rascal!" said Walter. "Remember that we wear the King's -uniform." - -"Dom! and wot care I?" said the bumpkin, pushing forward with every -disposition to annoy and insult, while a dozen of his townsmen -crowded at his elbow. "Have ye not changed sides, like the rest of -your canny coontrymen, and joined King William?" - -"We have not!" replied Douglas, fiercely, making a tremendous effort -to keep down the storm of passion and national hostility that blazed -up within him. "Our solitary regiment alone remains yet true to -James VII., over whom (with all his faults) I pray Heaven to keep its -guard. I abhor his religion, and despise the bigots by whom he is -surrounded, as much as you may do, good fellow; but I cannot forget -that he is our rightful King; and for him, as such, I am ready to die -on the field or the scaffold, should such be my fate." - -The fire of his expression, the dignity of his aspect, and the -splendour of his attire, completely awed the English boors, and for a -moment they drew back. - -"You mistake, good people, if you think that, like too many of our -comrades, we have changed banners. No! we are still the faithful -subjects of that King who heirs his crown by that hereditary right -which comes direct from God. This Dutch usurper (whom the devil -confound!) hath made us splendid offers if we will take service with -him, and march to fight for his rascally Hollanders under Mareschal -Schomberg, instead of our good and gallant Dunbarton; and, to -intimidate us, is even now enclosing us in your town of Ipswich by -blocking up the roads with troops. But let him beware! we have stout -hearts and strong hands, and Dunbarton may show him a trick of the -Black Douglas days, that will cool the Dutchman's courage, despite -his black beer and Skiedam. Yes, Fenton; the arrival of Schomberg to -command us _bongré malgré_ will bring us to the tilt." - -While Douglas spoke with animation and energy, the Ipswichers had -gazed upon him with open mouths and eyes, not in the least -comprehending him; but their champion, suddenly taking it into his -head that he was defied, threw his hat on the ground, and tucked up -his sleeves, saying: - -"Dom, but I'll vicht thee for a vardin, an ye have zo much about -thee. Dom thee and all thy lousy coontrymen; they should be droomed -out o' the town, before they get fattened up among us. Come on, my -canny Scot, and if I doant lace thy boof coat for all its tags and -tassels, I aint Timothy Tesh of the Back Alley." - -"Hoozah!" shouted the rabble in the room and at the doorway, where -they had collected in great numbers on hearing high words in the -tavern. - -"Sawney, hast anything else than oats in thee pooch?" cried one. - -"He hath some brimstone, I'll warrant," added another. - -"Oot upon thee for a vile Scot that zold his king for a groat, to -zave his precious kirk." - -"Come on, Measter Scot, and I drub thee in vurst rate style as old -Noll did thy psalm-sing countrymen at Dunbarfield. Rat thee! my -vather was killed there." - -"Heyday, my canny Scot, wilt try a fall with me for a copper bawbee? -Dom thee and thy mass-moonging race of Stuarts to boot. May ye all -go to hell in the lump!" - -"Ware your money, my masters, there are Scots thieves among us," said -the Host, entering into the spirit of his townsmen. - -Walter and Douglas exchanged mutual glances expressive of the scorn -they felt. - -"Silence, knaves!" cried Finland, kicking over the table, dashing all -the jugs to pieces, and drawing his sword. "This is but a poor -specimen of that southern spirit of generosity and hospitality of -which (among yourselves) we hear so much said. Bullying and grossly -insulting two unoffending strangers, who are guiltless of the -slightest provocation; and I tell thee, Butcher, that were it not -beneath a gentleman of name and coat-armour to lay hands on your -plebeian hide, I would break every bone it contains." - -Flushed with ale and impudence, and encouraged by the presence of his -friends, the fellow came resolutely forward; he was immensely strong -and muscular, but rage had endued Douglas with double strength, and, -seizing him by the brawny throat, he dashed him twice against the -wall with such force, that the blood gushed from his nostrils in a -torrent, and he lay stunned without sense or motion. - -His comrades were somewhat appalled for a moment; but gathering -courage from their numbers, and enraged at the rough treatment -experienced by Mr. Tesh, they snatched up the fire-irons, stools, and -chairs, and commenced a simultaneous assault upon the two cavaliers, -who, rapier in hand, endeavoured to break through them and gain the -doorway, where now a dense and hostile crowd had collected, who -poured upon them a thousand injurious taunts and invectives. - -The affair was beginning to look serious. Fired by their insolence -and the old inherent spirit of national animosity Walter Fenton -lunged furiously before him, and shredding the ear off one fellow, -slashed the cheek of a second, ran a third through the -shoulder-blade, but was borne to the ground by a blow from behind. -Walter's sword-hand was completely mastered, and he struggled with -his heavy assailants, unable to free his dagger or obtain the least -assistance from Finland, who, with his back to the wall, was fighting -with rapier and poignard against the dense rabble that pressed around -him. - -Walter struggled furiously. The moment was critical, but he was -saved by the timely arrival of an officer with a few of the Royal -Scots, who burst among them sword in hand. - -"Place, villains--make way," he exclaimed, with the voice and bearing -of one in high authority. "I am George Earl of Dunbarton!" - -They fell back awed not less by his demeanour than by the weapons of -his followers. - -"Chastise these scoundrels, Wemyss," said he to a serjeant who -followed him. "Lay on well with your hilts and bandoliers; strike, -Halbert Elshender, for it is beneath a gentleman to lay hands on -clod-poles such as these." - -Thus urged, the soldiers who required little or no incentive to make -use of their hands against their southern neighbours, laid on with -might and main, and, clearing the house in a twinkling, drove the -clamorous host out with his guests; after which they overhauled the -premises, and set a few of his best runlets abroach. - -"A thousand thanks, my Lord Earl, for this timely rescue," exclaimed -Finland. "But for your intervention I must indubitably have hurried -some of those rogues into a better world." - -"And I had been worried like an otter by a pack of terriers," said -Walter; "however, I have had blood for blood." - -"The old Moss Trooper's justice, Master Fenton," said Serjeant -Wemyss, drinking a flagon of wine. "God bless the good cause, and -all true Scottish hearts." - -"Here is to thee, Wemyss, my noble Halberdier," said the frank Earl, -drinking from the same cup; "and I would to the Powers above, that -this night King James had under his standard ten thousand hearts like -thine. But time presses--away, lads, to the muster-place, for hark, -our drums are beating." - -"The _générale_!" exclaimed Fenton and Finland, as the passing drums -rang loudly in the adjacent streets. - -"Yes, gentlemen, the crisis has come," said the Earl; "an hour ago, -De Schomberg arrived to deprive me of my command." - -"By whose orders?" - -"The Stadtholder's." - -"We know him not, save as an usurper," said Walter Fenton; "and -rather than obey his Mareschal, we will die with our swords in our -hands." - -Wemyss flourished his halbert, the soldiers uttered a shout, and -poured forth to the muster-place. - -It was a clear frosty night; the whole sky was of the most beautiful -and unclouded blue. Seven tolled from the bells of St. Peter's -church. The winter moon, broad, vast, and saffron-coloured, rising -above a steep eminence called the Bishops' Hill, poured its flaky -lustre through the narrow and irregular streets of Ipswich, which in -1688 differed very much from those of the present day. There terror -and confusion reigned on every hand for, on the drums beating to -arms, the mayor and inhabitants feared that the Scots would burn and -sack the town, which assuredly they would have done, had Dunbarton -expressed a wish to that effect. - -Save where the bright moonlight shot through the crooked -thoroughfares, the whole town was involved in gloom and obscurity; -but every window was crowded with anxious faces, watching the Scots -hurrying to their alarm-post, while the flashing of their helmets and -the clank of their accoutrements impressed with no ordinary terror -the timid and the disloyal. - -By this time King James had fled from Whitehall, and under an escort -of Dutch troops, was--nobody knew where. William was in possession -of his palace, from whence he issued orders to the troops, and -proclamations to the people, with all the air of a conqueror and -authority of a king. The entire forces of Britain had joined him, -save sixty gentlemen of the Scottish Life Guards, and a few of the -Scots' Greys (who were on their way home, under Viscount Dundee), and -the Royals, whom, from their number, discipline, and known faith to -James, the Stadtholder was very desirous of sending abroad forthwith, -under command of the Marshal-Duke of Schomberg, a venerable soldier -of fortune, whose arrival at Ipswich on the night in question had -brought matters to a sudden issue. - -Clad in a plain buff coat, with a black iron helmet and breastplate, -Dunbarton galloped into the market-place of Ipswich, where the two -battalions of his musqueteers were arrayed, three deep, in one firm -and motionless line, with the moon shining brightly on their steel -caps, their glittering bandoliers, and the gleaming barrels of their -shouldered arms. As he dashed up, the four standards--two of white -silk, with the azure cross, and two with the old red lion and -fleurs-de-lys--were unfurled, and a crash of prolonged music rang -through the echoing street, and many a bright point flashed in the -moonlight as the arms were presented, and the hoarse drums rolled the -Point of War, while the handsome Earl bowed to his holsters, as he -reined up his fiery horse before his gallant comrades. The music -died away, again the harness rang, and then all became still, save -the hum of the fearful crowd, and the rustle of the embroidered -banners. - -"Fellow-soldiers of the Old Royals!" exclaimed the Earl, "at last the -hour has come which must prove to the uttermost if that faith and -honour which have ever been our guiding-stars, our watchword and -parole, still exist among us--when we must strike, or be for ever -lost! Through many a day of blood and danger we have upborne our -banners in the wars of Luxembourg, of the great Condé, and the -gallant Turenne; and shall we desert them now? I trow not! Oh! -remember the glories of France and Flanders, of Brabant and Alsace. -Remember the brave comrades who there fell by your side, and are now -perhaps looking down on us from amid these sparkling stars. O, my -friends, remember the brave and faithful dead! - -"Shall it be said that the ancient Royals, les gardes Ecossais of the -princely Louis, so faithful and true to the race of Bourbon, deserted -their native monarch in this sad hour of his fallen fortune, and at -most extremity? No! I know ye will serve him as he must be served, -till treason and rebellion are crushed beneath our feet like -vipers--I know you will fight to the last gasp, and fall like true -Scottish men--I know ye are prepared to dare and to do, and to die -when the hour comes!" - -A deep murmur of applause rang along the triple ranks. - -"That hour is come! Even now, Frederick De Schomberg, the tool and -minion of the Dutch usurper and his parricidal wife, is within the -walls of Ipswich, empowered to deprive me of my baton, which I hold -from the Parliament of Scotland, and to lead you--where? To the -foggy flats and pestilential fens of Holland, the land of agues and -hypocrisy, to fight for his beggarly boors and pampered burgomasters, -and to encounter our ancient comrades of France--the bold and -beautiful France, whose glories we and our predecessors have shared -on a thousand immortal fields. Between us and our home lie many -hundred miles. De Ginckel, with three thousand Swart Ruyters, hovers -on the Lincoln road to intercept us; Sir John Lanier, with two -squadrons of English cavalry, awaits us on another; while that false -villain Maitland, with a foot brigade of our Scottish guards, is -pushing on from London to assail our rear. But fear not, my good and -gallant comrades, for by the blessing of God, by the holy -consecration of these standards, by the strength of our hands, by the -valour of our hearts, and the justice of our cause, we will cut our -way through ten thousand obstacles, and reach the far-off hills of -the Scottish highlands, where the loyal clans are all in arms, and -wait but the appearance of Dundee and myself to sweep like a -whirlwind down on the Lowlander!" - -A loud shout from fifteen hundred men rang through the market-place, -and the brave heart of Dunbarton swelled with exultation at the -devotion of his loyal soldiers, and anger at the desertion of their -false comrades. He was not, however, without considerable anxiety as -to the issue of this decided revolt, or rather appeal to arms, at -such a distance from their native land, and in a place where they -were so utterly without sympathy, succour, or friends--where to be a -Scotsman was to be an enemy. But the very desperation of the attempt -endued him with fresh energy. Ere he marched his devoted band, he -addressed Gavin of that ilk, a tall gigantic officer, with a rapier -nearly five feet long-- - -"Go to the house of the town treasurer, and tell him instantly to -hand you over 10,000_l._ for the service of King James, under pain of -immediate military execution. If the villain demur----" - -"I'll twist his neck like a cock-patrick!" said Gavin. - -"You will rejoin us at the bridge of the Orwell." - -"And how if these rascally burghers make me prisoner?" - -"Then, by the blood of the Black Douglas!" said the Earl, -passionately, "I will not leave one stone of Ipswich standing upon -another." - -Gavin strode away, and his tall feathers were seen floating above the -heads of the shrinking crowd that occupied the lower end of the -marketplace. - -"And harkee, Finland!" continued the Earl, "take young Walter Fenton -and fifty tall musqueteers, break open the English government -arsenal, and bring off four pieces of cannon which I understand are -there; press horses wherever you can get them; blow up the magazine; -and join us at the bridge--forgetting not, if you are invaded, to -handle the citizens at discretion, in our old Flemish fashion. By -Heaven, they may be thankful that I have not treated their town of -Ipswich as old John of Tsercla, the Count Tilly, did Magdeburg. -Away, then!" - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -FREE QUARTERS. - -FALSTAFF. 'Sblood! 'twas time to counterfeit, or that hot termagant -Scot had paid me scot and lot too.--HENRY IV. - - -The redness of the moon passed away as it ascended into the blue wide -vault, and its cold white lustre was poured upon the level English -landscape that spread at the feet of the Scottish soldiers, as they -began to ascend the heights, or gentle eminence to the northward of -Ipswich. Above the winter-smoke of the dense little town, the spires -of its churches stood out in bold relief, like lances glittering -through a sea of gauze; and the _wich_ or bend of the beautiful -Orwell swept in a silvery semicircle, like a gleaming snake, among -the fallow fields and leafless copsewood; and far around the scenery -spread like a moonlit map or fairy amphitheatre. All was still in -the town below; at times, a light twinkled, or a voice rang out upon -the quietness that reigned there, but the Scots' Royals, who were -halted on the brow of an eminence, over which wound the northern road -(the way to their distant home), heard nothing to indicate the -success of their comrades. - -Anon a vast blaze gleamed broadly and redly on the night, revealing a -thousand striking objects unseen before,--the church of St. Peter, -with its gleaming windows, and the Gothic façade of Wolsey's ruined -college. A loud explosion followed, a shout rose up from the town -below; then all became still, and it seemed, as before, to float in -the calm misty light of the silver moon. - -"Finland has blown up the English magazine," said the Earl; "and here -he comes." - -The clatter of hoofs and wheels ringing in the narrow streets, and -rumbling above the hollow bridge of the Orwell, approached; steel -caps flashed in the moonlight above the parapet, the gleam of arms -was reflected in the surface of the river, and in a few minutes -Douglas, Walter Fenton, Gavin of that ilk, and their party seated on -the tumbrils, dashed up with four pieces of beautiful brass cannon, -marked with the broad arrow and red rose of England, and drawn by -twelve horses captured for the occasion. - -"Bravo, Finland!" exclaimed the Earl; "here are four braw marrows for -old Mons Meg." - -"Would to heaven, my lord, they were in the Maiden Castle alongside -of her, with the standard of the Cock o' the North waving over them!" - -"How so?--art faint-hearted, man?" - -"Tush, I am a Douglas.--Ask Gavin." - -"What news, my tall grenadier?--You have the rix-dollars, I hope." - -"My Lord Earl, the devil a tester. This English burgomaster was not -a whit dismayed by my threats, but assailed me with a band of -tip-staves; so, with drawn rapier, I was glad to beat a retreat and -gain Finland's band with my skin whole." - -"And what think you inspired him to beard us thus?" asked Walter. - -"By the head of the King, I care not!" said Dunbarton, setting his -teeth and rising in his stirrups. "I will hang him from yonder -steeple and inquire after." - -"Jeddart justice all the world over," muttered old Wemyss. - -"He had received news that Sir John Lanier, with his regiment of -Dragoon guards and Langstone's horse, have already reached Saffron -Waldron, in which case it were madness in us to tarry." - -"Gavin, must we then retreat?" said the Earl, colouring with passion. -"Who brought these evil tidings?" - -"An English gentleman." - -"Pshaw--I don't think he can be relied on." - -"I know him to be a man of good repute," replied Gavin: "Sir Tufton -Shirley of Mildenham. He fought for the King at Sedgemoor. I -warrant him brave and honourable as any cavalier in his country." - -"Be advised, noble Earl," urged the grim old Laird of Drumquhasel; -"every moment is worth the life of a brave comrade." - -"Indubitably so," added the Reverend Dr. Joram, as he spurred a -prancing mare which he had borrowed unconditionally, with holsters -and saddle-bags, from the host of the Bulloign-gate. "As Sir John -Mennys saith in his 'Musarum Delicæ'-- - - "Hee that fights and runnis away, - May live to fight----" - -Ye know the rest, sirs." - -"We are not wont to make such reservations, reverend sir; but you are -in the right," replied the Earl. "March in silence, comrades, and -with circumspection. Keep your ranks close and your matches -lighted--forward!" - -About midnight they passed Needham, a town on the Orwell. All was -dark and silent; scarcely a dog barked as they marched through its -deserted streets, and continued their way, by the light of the stars, -across the fertile country beyond. The fugitive Scots marched with -great care and rapidity; four hundred miles lay between them and -their native land, a long and perilous route, on which they knew -innumerable dangers and difficulties would attend them. - -De Ginckel, the Dutch Earl of Athlone, Sir John Lamer, and Colonel -Langstone, with six regiments of horse and dragoons, and Major -Maitland with a brigade of the renegade Scottish Guards, were -pressing forward by various routes to intercept and cut them off. No -man dared, on peril of his life, to straggle from the ranks; for, as -Scotsmen and Loyalists, they were doubly enemies to the English -peasantry, who would infallibly have murdered any that fell into -their hands, as they had done all the Scottish wounded and stragglers -after the battle of Worcester. And thus, animated by anxiety, hope, -and the exhortations of the gallant Dunbarton and his cavaliers, they -marched--all heavily accoutred as they were--with such amazing -rapidity, that, long ere daybreak, they had left Bury St. Edmunds, -with its ancient spire and once magnificent abbey, twenty miles -behind them. - -Making detours through the fields, cutting a passage through walls, -hedges, and fences, they avoided every town and village, and more -than once were brought to a halt by Gavin, who led the avant guard, -declaring that he saw helmets glittering in the light of the waning -moon. They forded the waters of the Lark, and the cold grey light of -the winter morning began to brighten the level horizon, throwing -forward in dark relief the distant trees and village spires, as they -came in sight of Ely, without having encountered their Dutch or -English foemen. - -The cold was intense; and the same white frost that powdered the -grassy lawns and leafless trees encrusted the iron helmets and -corslets of the soldiers, whose breath curled from their close ranks -like smoke from a fire. To Scotsmen even the most hilly parts of the -landscape appeared almost a dead level, where Ely, with its fine -cathedral and street, that straggled on each side of the roadway, -seemed floating in a sea of white mist, through which the Ouse wound -like a golden thread. Shorn of its beams by the thick winter haze, -the morning sun, like a luminous ball of glowing crimson, ascended -slowly into its place, and the great tower and pinnacles of Ely -Cathedral gleamed in its light as if their rich Gothic carving had -been covered with the richest gilding, and the tall traceried windows -shone like plates of burnished gold. - -The Reverend Dr. Joram, who had dashed forward with cocked pistols to -reconnoitre, returned to report, with military precision, that "it -was a fair city, open, without cannon or fortifications of any kind; -and that, if it contained soldiers, they kept no watch or ward. And -I pray Heaven," he added, "we may get wherewith to break our fast." - -"We will march in with drums beating," said the Earl. "Allons, mon -tambour Major! Give us the old Scottish march, with which stout -James of Hepburn so often scared the Imperialists in their trenches -on the Oder and the Maine." - -With drums beating, standards displayed, and matches lighted, the -solid column marched into the little city of Ely just as the tenth -hour rang from the cathedral bells, and halting, the Earl sent to the -affrighted mayor to demand peaceably three hours' quarters and -subsistence for 1,500 Scots in the service of King James. The mayor, -who on the previous night had dispatched a most loyal address to the -new King William, was considerably dismayed to find the city so -suddenly filled by the soldiers of a nation he equally feared and -detested: but to hear was to obey. The determined aspect of young -Walter Fenton, with his features flushed and red by the long and -frosty night march, his drawn rapier, and Scottish accent and fashion -of armour, made the mayor use every exertion to get his unwelcome -visitors peaceably billeted on the terrified citizens, who expected -nothing less than immediate sack and slaughter. - -To the Earl he sent a flowery invitation to breakfast, thus -anticipating Dunbarton, who had proposed to invite himself. The -other cavaliers quartered themselves on any houses that suited their -fancy; and Walter Fenton, Finland, and their jovial chaplain took -possession of a handsome old mansion at the extremity of the city, -having with them Wemyss and a few soldiers, to prevent treachery, -surprise, or inattention on the part of the occupants, whom they -desired to prepare a substantial breakfast, on peril of their lives, -ere the drums beat to arms. - -It was an ancient, oriel-windowed house, with clusters of carved -chimnies rising from steep wooden gables, around which the withered -vine and dark-green ivy clambered; its gloomy dining-hall, lighted by -three painted and mullioned windows, was floored with oak, and -curiously wainscotted. A great pile of roots and coal was blazing in -the projecting fireplace, and a shout of approbation burst from the -frozen guests as they clattered in, and drawing chairs around the -joyous hearth, threw aside their steel caps, and demanded breakfast -as vociferously as if each was lord of the mansion, and the venerable -butler looked from one to another in confusion and dismay. - -"Fellow, where is thy master?" asked Finland; "why comes he not to -greet the King's soldiers, if he is a true cavalier?" - -"To be plain, sir, his honour took horse, and rode off whenever your -drums were heard beating down-hill." - -"Some rascally old roundhead! and why did he ride--was he afraid we -would eat him?" - -"I know not, sir; but a bold horseman is my master; and he dashed -into the Ouse as if he saw the game before him." - -"Or the devil behind!" added the clergyman. "Mahoud! a thought -strikes me--he crossed the Ouse--what if he be gone to warn De -Ginckel of our route? The Swart Ruyters were last seen at Haverhill." - -"Convince us of that, Doctor," said Walter, "and we should burn this -fair house to the ground-stone." - -"Gadso, lad; let us have breakfast first. Harkee, butler----" - -"Thou see'st, reverend sir," began the old servant, trembling. - -"Avaunt, caitiff! dost thou _thou_ me? 'I am come of good kin,' as -the old morality saith," cried Joram; "fetch me a pint of sack -posset, dashed with ginger, and a white loaf, while breakfast is -preparing; and if you would save your back from my riding-rod, and -your master's mansion from the flames, see that our repast be such as -not even Heliogabalus could find a fault with." - -"And bring me a wassail bowl of spiced ale," said Finland. - -"And me a stoup of brandy, master butler," added Sergeant Wemyss. - -"And me the same," chorussed Hab Elshender and the soldiers at the -lower end of the hall; while his Reverence the chaplain, stretching -himself before the ruddy flames, began the old ditty of the Cavaliers -of Fortune. - - "Now all you brave lads that would hazard for honour, - Hark! how Bellona her trumpet doth blow; - Mars, with many a warlike banner, - Bravely displayed, invites you to goe! - Germani, Denmark, and Sweden, are smoking, - With a band of brave sworders each other provoking, - Marching in their armour bright, - Summonis you to glory's fight, - Sing tan ta, ra, ra, ra, ra, ra!" - -As his Reverence concluded, he drained the sack posset, which the -white-haired butler placed obsequiously before him. - -"Many a time and oft have I heard my father chant that old Swedish -war-song," said Finland. "He commanded a regiment of Ruyters under -Gustavus." - - "O Vivat! Gustavus Adolphus, we cry, - With thee all must either win honour or die! - Tan, ta ra, ra, ra, ra, ra!" - -sang the chaplain; "O 'tis a jolly anthem. Heres to his -memory--Gustavus Adolphus, the friend of the soldier of fortune--the -Cæsar of Sweden--the Star of the North! I perceive, gentlemen," -continued the divine, "that there are virginals and music in yonder -oriel window. What say ye--shall we summon the rosy English dame, -whose dainty fingers I doubt not, press those ivory keys, that she -may sing us some of the merry southern madrigals King Charles loved -so well?" - -"Nay, Doctor, by Heaven!" said Walter, as the thought of his absent -Lilian (for whose sake all the sex were dear to him) flashed upon his -mind. "If there are ladies here, no man shall molest them while I -can hold a rapier." - -"Hear this young cock o' the game," said Joram, angrily; "he cocks -his beaver like a mohock already." - -"Well spoken, young comrade," said Finland; "our clerical friend hath -mistaken his avocation. Instead of entering holy orders, he should -have been purveyor to old Dalyel's Red Cossacks." - -"'Sdeath! gentlemen," said the divine, colouring; "I only jested, and -you turn on me like so many harpies. But as for you, Mr. Fenton, my -pretty cavaliero, _who_ proposed burning the mansion to the -ground-stone?" - -"I knew not that it contained ladies." - -"My lady comes of an old cavalier family, noble sirs," said the old -butler, with great perturbation; "and would herself appear to greet -you, but illness----" - -"It is enough, good fellow," replied Finland; "how is she named?" - -"She is a daughter of old Sir Tufton Shirley." - -"Then God bless her!" said Joram; "her father's Hall of Mildenham can -show the marks of Cromwell's bullets. And your master, gaffer -Englishman--_his_ name?" - -"Marmaduke Langstone," answered the servant, hesitatingly. - -"Who commands a corps of Red Dragoons on the borders of Bedfordshire?" - -"The same." - -"Then hell's malison on him for a false, canting, prick-eared, -round-headed, double-dyed traitor!" exclaimed the chaplain, -furiously, as he attacked a cold sirloin, with the same energy as if -it had been the proprietor. "He is now tracking us from place to -place; but if he comes within reach of our cannon--Gadso! let him -look to it." - -A sumptuous breakfast of cold roasted beef, venison pies, broiled -salmon, white manchets, cheese, butter, eggs, milk, possets of sack, -tankards of spiced ale, coffee, &c. had been spread on the table of -the dining-hall, by the timid English servants, whose dread and -aversion of their unwelcome guests often made the latter laugh -outright. - -"I am glad," said Walter, as he breakfasted, "we have taken quarters -in the house of so false a traitor. I should like much to have a -horse; and, for the service of King James, I will mulct him of the -best in his stable." - -Wemyss and other soldiers, who occupied the lower end of the long oak -table, were feasting, with all the voracity of famished kites, on the -rich viands; but while hewing down the great sirloin in vast slices, -Hab Elshender declared that he "would rather have a cogue of brose at -his mother's ingle-neuk, than the best that bluff England could -produce." - -"And well I agree with thee, friend Hab," said the veteran Wemyss. -"My heart misgives me, we will be sorely forfoughten, ere we see the -blue reek curling from our ain lumheeds. But here is to -Dunbarton--God bless his noble heart, and the good old cause." - -"Good Wemyss, and you, my brave lads," said Dr. Joram, from the head -of the table, "I crave to drink with you." - -"Thanks to your Reverence--thanks to your honour," muttered the -soldiers, bowing and drinking. - -The meal was a very protracted one; but the moment it was over, Dr. -Joram muttered a hasty blessing, called loudly for more wine, lighted -his great pipe, unbuttoned his vest, and with Finland sat down to a -game at tric-trac; the soldiers began to examine their bandoleers and -musquets, and Walter repaired to the ample but nearly empty stables, -where, from among the indifferent farm horses the necessities of war -had left behind, he selected a fine-looking charger, high-headed, -close-eared, square-nosed, and broad-chested, and having saddled, -bridled, and caparisoned him to his entire satisfaction, led him -forth just as the générale was beaten. Mounting, he galloped to the -muster-place, well pleased with the acquisition the law of reprisal -and the fortune of war entitled him to make. - - - - -CHAPTER XX. - -THE REDEEMED PLEDGE. - - Ha! dost thou know me? that I am Lothario? - As great a name as this proud city boasts of. - Who is this mighty man, then, this Horatio, - That I should basely hide me from his anger? - FAIR PENITENT. - - -Refreshed by their halt at Ely, the soldiers of Dunbarton pushed on -towards "Merry Lincoln," the merriment of whose citizens would -probably be no way increased by their arrival. Marching by the most -unfrequented route to avoid the highway, they pursued a devious path -through fallow fields and frozen lawns, and sought the shelter of -every copsewood. - -The level plains of fertile England could oppose but few and feeble -obstacles to the hill-climbing Scots, accustomed from infancy to the -rocky glens and pathless forests of their rugged mountain home; -however they found it necessary to abandon the four pieces of English -cannon, which were spiked and concealed in a thicket, and thus -unencumbered, they hurried on with increased speed. - -Walter's heart grew buoyant and gay as the day wore apace, and the -picturesque villages with their yellow thatched cottages and -ivy-covered churches, the old Elizabethan halls and brick-built -manors of Cambridge and Lincolnshire, were passed in rapid -succession. He knew that every pace lessened the distance between -Lilian and himself, and before the sober winter sun descended in the -saffron west, he hailed with pleasure the old town of Crowland, with -its great but ruined abbey, the walls of which were buried under -masses of luxuriant ivy. - -Far over the gently undulated landscape shone the purple and yellow -rays of the setting sun; Crowland Abbey, its old fantastic houses and -village spire, on the summit of which the vine and ivy flourished, -and all the winter scenery were bathed in warm light. The Scots were -descending a slope towards the town, when a shot fired by the avant -guard, gave them an _alert_; then the voice of Dunbarton was heard -commanding his brave musqueteers to halt, while Gavin of that ilk -came galloping back from the front. - -"My lord earl," said he, "we have seen the glitter of steel above the -uplands yonder." - -"Then we have been brought to bay at last. With 6000 horse on our -flanks, it was not likely we would pass the Ridings of Yorkshire -without a camisado. Strike up the Scottish point of war, and let -these knaves show themselves." - -The shrill fifes and brattling drums rang clear and sharp in the pure -frosty air, and ere the last note had died away, a body of horse -appeared on an opposite eminence. Their broad beaver hats and waving -feathers, polished corslets and scarlet coats, declared them English. - -"'Sdeath," said the earl, "they are Langstone's Red Dragoons, so de -Ginckel's Black Riders are not far off." - -"'Tis but a troop of sixty, my lord," said Walter. - -"Dost think thee are within range?" asked Gavin, as his grenadiers -began to open their pouches and blow their fuses. - -"Scarcely, and we have no ammunition to spare; so if they molest us -not, I freely bid them good speed in God's name." - -A single cavalier was now seen to spur his horse to the front, and -after riding along the roadway a few yards, to rein up and fire a -pistol in the air. By the military etiquette of the time, this was -understood to be a challenge to single encounter, or to exchange -shots with any cavalier so inclined. - -Full of ardour and youthful rashness, and burning to distinguish -himself, Walter Fenton exclaimed, - -"I accept the challenge of this bravadoer; you will permit me, my -Lord Dunbarton?" - -"Doubtless, my brave lad, but beware; yonder fellow appears an old -rider; his harness is complete, à la Cuirassier, as we used to say in -France." - -"Scaled all over like an armadillo, as we used to say at Tangier," -added Dr. Joram. "Speed thee, Fenton, and shew the rebel villain -small mercy." - -Walter galloped within a few paces of his adversary, who had now -reloaded his pistol. His powerful frame which exhibited great -muscular strength, was cased in a corslet of bright steel, buff coat -and gloves, and enormous jack boots, fenced by plates of iron; his -head was defended by an iron cap covered with black velvet (a fashion -of James VII.,) and was adorned by a single feather; he carried a -long carbine and still longer broadsword. His hair was cut short, -and his chin shaved close in the Dutch fashion. He levelled a pistol -between his horse's ears with a long and deliberate aim at Walter, -whose eye was fixed in painful acuteness upon the little black muzzle -and stern grey eye that glared along the barrel. - -He fired! - -The ball grazed the cheek plate of Walter's morion. He never winced, -but felt his heart tingle with rage and exultation, as in turn he -levelled his long horse pistol at the Williamite trooper, who was -reloading with the utmost coolness. Walter fired, and with a loud -snort, a strange cry, and terrific bound, the strong Flemish horse of -his adversary sank to the earth, and tore up the turf with its hoofs. -Its brain had been pierced. The rider lost his pistol by the plunge, -but adroitly disengaging himself from the twisted stirrups, high -saddle, and convulsed legs of the fallen steed, he unsheathed his -long sword, and brandished it, crying-- - -"Vive le Roi Guillaume! come on young coistrel!" - -While the cheers of his comrades and a brisk ruffle on their drums -made his heart leap within him, Walter sprang from his horse, and -throwing the reins to Hab Elshender, drew his slender, cavalier -rapier, and rushed to encounter his strong antagonist, but a glance -sufficed to stay his forward step and upraised hand, and to lull the -excitement of his spirit. - -"Captain Napier!" he exclaimed, on recognizing beneath the dark head -piece, the stern, unmoved, but not unhandsome features of Lilian's -kinsman, and his rival. - -"I told thee, Fenton, we would meet again," said Napier, coldly and -sternly, "and I swore when that hour came to spare thee not. It hath -come, so do unto me, as thou wilt be done by." - -"For the sake of her whose name and blood you inherit in common, I -would rather shun than encounter you. Your life--I spared it once." - -"Why remind me of that?" said Napier, furiously, while his cheek -reddened. "'Tis better to die than remember that the boldest heart -of the Scots Brigade owes its existence to the favour of a beardless -moppet like thee! bethink thee, man," continued Napier, sneeringly, -"the entail--your sword can break it in a moment; Quentin Napier is -the last of his race, and then Lilian becomes an heiress." - -"Away, sir," replied Walter, sadly and calmly, as he dropped the -point of his sword, "you have mentioned the only thing that in an -hour like this, unnerves my hand to encounter you." - -At that moment a drum of Dunbarton's beat a charge. - -"Hark! your comrades are impatient," said Napier scornfully; "fall -on, you nameless loon, for here shall I redeem the pledge I gave or -die," and swaying his sword with both hands, he attacked Walter with -great fury and undisguised ferocity. - -His courage was well met by Walter's address, but his bodily strength -and weight of weapon were far superior, and he pressed on pell mell, -until a deep gash in the right cheek reminded him of the necessity of -coolness. The wound which would undoubtedly have roused another man -to additional fury, had the effect of giving Napier a caution, that -enabled him to parry Walter's successive cuts and thrusts with great -success. Without the least advantage being gained on either side, -the combat continued for three or four minutes, during which the -greatest skill in swordsmanship was exhibited by both cavaliers, in -their attempts to pass each other's points, until a stone in the -frozen turf caught Walter's heel and he was thrown to the earth with -great force. Ere he could draw breath, the captain sprang upon him -like a tiger, and with his sword shortened in his hand, and a knee -pressed upon his breast, he exclaimed in a fierce whisper through his -clenched teeth, - -"Now I have thee! now your life is in my hand, but even now will I -spare it, if here before the God that is above us, ye swear for the -future to renounce all hope and thought of Lilian Napier--now, yea, -and for ever!" - -"Never!" gasped Walter, panting with rage and shame, for an exulting -shout from the Red dragoons stung him to the soul; "never; by what -title dare you impose such terms on me?" - -"By the right of a kinsman and betrothed lover who would save her -from contamination, by becoming the wife of an unknown foundling, a -beggarly varlet, a soldier's wallet boy--ha!" and he ground his teeth. - -Walter felt stifled as his corslet was compressed beneath the heavy -knee of his conqueror, and he made many ineffectual struggles to -grasp his poniard, but it lay below him. - -"Renounce--renounce! swear--swear!" hissed Napier through his teeth. - -"Never, never," groaned Walter. - -"Then die!" shouted Napier; and raised his shortened sword which he -grasped by the blade; but endued with new energy at the prospect of -instant death, Walter by a vigorous effort of strength, with one hand -flung his adversary from him and pinning him to the earth in turn, -unsheathed his long dagger, and while labouring under a storm of -wrath and fury, drove it twice through the joints of his shining -gorget, but unable to withdraw it after the second blow, sank upon -his enemy, and they lay weltering together in blood. - -"My bitter and my heavy curse be on thee, Walter Fenton!" hissed the -dying Napier through his chattering teeth; "and if thou gettest her, -may the curse of Heaven, and the curse that fell on Jeroboam be -thine! mayest thou die childless, and be the _last_ as thou art the -_first_ of thy race!" He fell back and expired. - - - - -CHAPTER XXII. - -THE SWART RÜYTERS! - - With burnished brand and musketoon, - So gallantly you come; - I read you for a bold dragoon, - That lists the tuck of drum. - ROKEBY. - - -When Walter Fenton recovered, he found himself on horseback, and his -comrades on the march, beyond Crowland, and the setting sun was about -to dip below the far-off horizon. A throng of thoughts chased each -other through his mind, but sorrow was the prevailing one. The rage -he had felt against Napier for his taunts, the hatred for his -rivalry, and animosity for his politics had all passed away; he felt -now the keenest sorrow for his fate, and remorse that he had fallen -by his hand. - -The thought did flash upon him, that by the fatal issue of the -encounter, Lilian was indisputably heiress of Bruntisfield and the -Wrytes, but shrinking from contemplation of it, he dismissed it from -his mind, as unworthy to be dwelt upon. By him, the warm -congratulations of his friends were unheeded and unheard; his whole -mind was absorbed in the idea that he had slain the only kinsman of -his beloved Lilian, and destroyed the last of a long and gallant -race, and already in anticipation he beheld her tears, and heard the -sorrowful reproaches of the proud Lady Grisel. - -The appearance of the advanced party of Langstone's troopers, whom -the earl knew belonged to Sir John Lanier's brigade of English horse, -had considerably increased the dread of the retreating regiment. -There was now every prospect of being enclosed and cut off, for -independent of infantry pouring from twenty different roads upon -their route, there were 6000 horse following them on the spur from -the eastern and western counties. Actuated by loyalty, by dread of -capture and consequent disarmment, decimation, captivity, or -dispersion, they marched with great rapidity, and to cheer them on, -the earl and his officers constantly encouraged them by enthusiastic -addresses and encomiums, to which the brave Royals responded by -shouts and cheers. - -Shrill blew the fifes, and the braced drums rang briskly, as they -entered upon a dreary wold to the northward of Crowland, a grassy and -heathy waste, or down, over which the fading light of the setting sun -shone in all its saffron splendour. On debouching from the road over -which the tall poles with the slender stems of the hops twining and -clambering, though leafless and faded, formed an archway through the -thick and dense hop gardens that bordered each side of the way, the -advanced guard uttered a shout of surprise and defiance, and halted -till the main body came up. - -Goring his horse, Dunbarton dashed to the front, and beheld a dense -column of darkly-armed cavalry formed in line across the moor, about -a gunshot distant. They were motionless as statues, and the setting -sun shone full upon their serried files and glittering weapons; they -were soldierlike in aspect; their helmets and corslets were of -unpolished iron, as black as their long jackboots; their yellow -coats, heavily cuffed, and with looped skirts, proclaimed them Dutch, -Their horses were large, heavily jointed, and as phlegmatic in aspect -as their riders, for the whole brigade stood motionless and still as -a line of bronze statues. Even their blue standards, with, the white -_fess_, hung pendant and unmoven. - -A little in advance of the line was an officer on horseback, -motionless, inert, and seemingly fast asleep; he was a man of vast -rotundity, and cased in a capacious cuirass of polished steel, which -gave him the aspect of a mighty tortoise, or some great bulb of which -the gilt helmet formed the apex. An enormous basket-hilted sword -swung on one side of him, and a brass blunderbuss on the other; while -a great tin speaking-trumpet, like that of a Dutch skipper (then -common in all armies, and last used by the brave Lord Heathfield), -was grasped in his right hand. So utterly lifeless seemed the whole -array, that if any other proof was wanting, it alone would have -proclaimed them Hollanders. - -"Dutch, by all the devils!" cried Dunbarton, galloping back to the -Royals. "'Tis the Baron De Ginckel and his Swart Ruyters. Pikes -against cavalry! Gavin, throw your grenadiers into the centre. -Finland, Drumquhazel, brave gentlemen, march me your companies to the -front. Musqueteers, blow your matches, open your pans, and prepare -to give fire!" - -"Shoulder to shoulder, my boys!" cried Dr. Joram; "though the number -of Gog be countless as the sand on the sea-shore, fear not!" - -"God save King James! Hurrah!" cried the Royals, as the pikemen -rushed forward to form the outer faces of the square, in which -Dunbarton resolved to cut a passage through the Dutch, as there was -no time for a protracted fight by taking advantage of the localities; -for other troops were pressing forward on every hand. Like a vast -hedgehog with all its bristles erected, the band of Scots, in one -dense mass, debouched upon the wold, with their fifteen hundred -helmets and myriads of bright points gleaming in the last flush of -the set sun. The stout pikemen, with their long weapons charged (or -levelled) from the right haunch before them, formed the outer faces -of the square; and the musqueteers, with their smoking matches and -polished barrels, the rear-rank; in the centre were the grenadiers -with their open pouches and lighted grenades, clustered round the -Scottish standards, beneath which the old national march was beaten -by twenty drums, as the whole column moved, with admirable order and -invincible aspect, towards the centre of that long line of horse, -whose flanks, when thrown forward, would quite have encircled them. - -With his half-pike in his hand, Walter marched in front of the first -face, and he felt a glow of ardour burn within him as they neared the -Swart Ruyters--for so these horsemen were named, from their black -armour. - -The moment the Royals advanced, De Ginckel placed his great trumpet -to his mouth, and puffing out his cheeks, in a voice of thunder -bellowed an order to break and form squadrons, for the purpose of -attacking the Scots on every side. Hoarsely and deeply, in guttural -Dutch, rang the words of command, as each successive captain gave the -order to his troop; and the whole line became instinct with life and -action. Swords and helmets flashed, and standards waved, as the -heavy iron squadrons, galloping obliquely to the right and left, -formed in two dense columns, preparatory to charging. - -"We will be assailed on every hand," exclaimed the Earl; "but be -firm, my brave hearts, and quail not, for our lives and liberties -depend upon the issue of this conflict. Halt! pikemen, keep shoulder -to shoulder like a wall." - -"Vivat!" cried the Dutch dragoons; "gluck! gluck! vivat Wilhelm!" - -On they came in heavy masses, but ere their goring spurs had urged -their ponderous chargers to the gallop, the voice of Dunbarton was -again heard-- - -"Musqueteers, open your pans--give fire!" - -"Hurrah; down with the Stadtholder, and death to his hirelings!" -cried the Scots; and the roar of six hundred muskets seemed to rend -the very air, and reverberated like thunder over the echoing heath. -From each face of the square, above the stands of pikes, six ranks -poured at once their vollies, three kneeling and three firing over -their heads, according to the old Swedish custom of the Scots when -formed in squares. Two hundred grenades soared hissing into the air, -sank and burst, and the effect was tremendous on the advancing Dutch. - -More than a hundred and fifty troopers and horses fell prone on the -frozen heath, dead or rolling in the agonies of death, and were -fearfully trampled and kicked as the rearward squadrons, instead of -dashing onward, reined up simultaneously, and appalled by the -slaughter, and aware of the inutility of attacking a square of -resolute infantry, began to recoil. - -A shout of fierce derision burst from the retreating Scots, as de -Ginckel, like a vast Triton blowing on a conch, galloped from troop -to troop, bellowing in furious Dutch the order to advance, -accompanied by a storm of hoarse abuse; but his Ruyters were -immoveable, and he beat both officers and men with the bell of his -trumpet in vain. While reloading and blowing their matches the -musketeers continued retiring with all expedition towards a thick -coppice that grew on the margin of the moor about a mile distant. -The Dutch cavalry re-formed, for pursuit. The roadway on the -snow-covered moorland was scarcely visible in the grey twilight; on -the right it branched off towards Boston, and on the left towards -Folkingham. - -Dunbarton knew not the exact route, but his whole aim for the present -moment was to reach the copse wood, where he would be less assailable -by horse. - -When but a quarter of a mile from this friendly bourne, a drum was -heard to beat within its recesses, a long line of bright arms flashed -under its dark shadows, and as if by magic the fugitive band beheld -Maitland's brigade of the Scots Guards two thousand strong, drawn up -in firm array, with the red matches of their shouldered muskets -gleaming like a wavy line of wildfire in the twilight of the evening. - -The shout of wrath and dismay that burst from the soldiers of -Dunbarton, was immediately succeeded by another--for lo! a dense body -of cavalry debouched from the Boston road, forming line at full -gallop as they spread over the wold, while another in dark and close -array, came leisurely up at a trot from the ancient town of -Folkingham, and all their trumpets sounded at once in martial and -varying cadence, as they came in sight of the fugitives, and reined -up for further orders. - -"Lanier's troopers on the right!" said Finland. - -"Marmaduke Langstone on the left!" added Dr. Joram; "hemmed -in--lost--there is nothing for it now but surrender to the -Philistines." - -"Or die in our ranks!" said Walter Fenton. - -"Right, my young gallant!" replied the Earl. "All is indeed lost -now--but discretion is oft the better part of valour, and by yielding -for the present we may the better serve King James at a future -period, than by being shot on the instant, and thus ending our lives -and our loyalty together. What say ye, cavaliers and comrades?" -Though the Earl spoke thus lightly, his heart was throbbing with -smothered passion, and the murmur that broke from his soldiers was -expressive rather of wrath and fury than acquiescence to his advice. - -Then a dead silence followed, and not a sound was heard throughout -the different bands arrayed on the level waste, but the clank of -accoutrements as two Dutch officers, dispatched by the Baron de -Ginckel rode up to Langstone and to Lanier, to communicate the orders -of their leader, who was rapidly advancing with his strong column of -Ruyters, so disposed as completely to cut off all hope of flight in -any direction. - -In spite of his natural courage, Walter felt his heart now become a -prey to intense sadness, if not apprehension. Jaded and wearied by -excessive fatigue, his comrades were dispirited and little inclined -for new strife, to engage in which, so far from their native land, -and when hemmed in by forces so much more numerous, would have been -madness. He contemplated with horror being a prisoner to the Dutch -or English, to be banished perhaps to the West Indies or some far -foreign station, or to endure a protracted captivity, and a shameful -death--in either case perhaps never again to behold his Lilian and -his loved native land, for to a Scotsman the love of home is a second -being--a part of his existence. So much was he occupied with these -sad thoughts that he was not aware a flag of truce was approaching, -until he saw an English cavalier rein up his horse within a few yards -of him. The stranger bowed gracefully, saying, - -"Sir Marmaduke Langstone would speak with the Earl of Dunbarton--he -is bearer of a message from Goderdt de Ginckel, Earl of Athlone." - -"Say forth, Sir Marmaduke," replied the noble Douglas; "if it be such -as a Scottish Earl may hear without dishonour. What says Mynheer of -Athlone?" - -The Englishman laughed and replied, - -"He desires me to acquaint your Lordship and those gallant Scots who -have so rashly revolted from King William----" - -"You mistake, Sir; we never joined the banner of the statholder, and -cannot be termed revolters." - -"Then ye are rebels by the laws of the land." - -"Not of England, as we owe it neither suit nor service." - -"Then ye have broken the laws of your own country." - -"Under favor, Sir Marmaduke! We hold our commissions from the -Scottish Parliament, from whom we have received no orders, since we -marched south among you here; and you sadly mistake in naming those -rebels, who still wear the king's uniform." - -"My Lord," rejoined the English knight haughtily, "I have no time to -argue these niceties with you. De Ginckel desires me to inform you, -that he will grant such terms as might be expected by any other -foreign foe who hath marched on English ground, with drums beating -and standards displayed--and these are, life and kindness, on an -unconditional surrender of arms and all martial insignia, yielding -yourselves prisoners at discretion." - -The swarthy cheek of the Earl grew gradually crimson with passion as -Langstone spoke; but an expression of shame and mortification -succeeded. - -"Alas, alas!" said he, looking sadly on the silk standards that -rustled in the evening wind. "Are those old banners that were -wrought for us by the noble demoiselles of Versailles to be thus -dishonoured at last? Often have they been pierced by the bullets, -but never sullied by the touch of a foe!" - -"We will yield to our ain kindly folk," cried Sergeant Wemyss and -several soldiers; "we will yield us to Major Maitland and the Scots -Guards." - -"You must surrender to the Swart Ruyters alone, my brave hearts!" -cried Langstone. - -"And what if we do not?" asked Dunbarton. - -"Good my Lord, the consequences will be frightful--unconditional -surrender, or utter extermination, Dutch terms. On every hand you -are hemmed in, and every road to your native land is blocked up by -enemies. My noble Lord," and here with generous confidence the brave -Englishman rode close to the levelled pikes, "be advised by one who -wishes well to Scot as to Southern. If one cannot fight prudently -to-day, better be fighting a year hence, than have the sod growing -green over us. Shall I ride back to the Baron, and promise your -surrender?" - -"Be it so; but deeply do I grieve that Sir Marmaduke Langstone, whose -family has ever been distinguished for valour and loyalty, is the -propounder of such bitter terms to George of Dunbarton." - -"The times are changed, my Lord; live and let live is my motto; had -such been the maxim of James II., this sword, which _my_ father drew -for _his_ at Marston, had not this day been drawn against him. -Liberty of conscience is dear to us all, and I respect the high -principles of those soldiers who rushed to the standard of our -deliverer." - -"Then learn still more to respect the chivalry and generosity of the -few whose principles of loyalty bound them to their unhappy king in -the darkest hour of his distress and misfortune." - -"Decide, my Lord, decide--for the Swart Ruyters are closing up troop -upon troop." - -"We will yield our national standards to the Scottish Guards--our -arms and persons to de Ginckel." - -"It is enough," replied Sir Marmaduke, as he wheeled round his horse, -and rode towards the immense Dutch commander, whose Ruyters with the -brigades of Scots and English, had now hemmed in the fugitives, as it -were in a large hollow square. - -Far off, at the horizon of the frozen heath, the winter moon shining, -red and luminous rose slowly into the blue sky, eclipsing the light -of the diamond-like stars as it ascended; and its pale splendour fell -brightly and steadily on the fitful weapons and the dark masses of -half mailed men, among whom they gleamed--on the white and -powder-like frost that glittered silvery and clearly on every blade -of grass, and on the dark spots that dotted the plain to the -southward. - -There many a rider and horse were lying stiff and cold. - - - -END OF VOL. II. - - - - LONDON: - HARRISON AND SON, PRINTERS, - ST. MARTIN'S LANE. - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 66121 *** |