Page:Modern literature (1804 Volume 1).djvu/211

 *tion, but that he would inform the lady of the mansion and her daughter of the allowance which Mr. Hamilton of Etterick intended as a free gift to bestow on Mrs. O'Rourke. "Inform the lady of the mansion!" said O'Rourke, "inform a stupid old drunkard! tell me; I am the person chiefly concerned. I shall accept no less than I said, Mr. Counsellor, and if I were by that stupid old fool of a laird, I would make him agree to my terms." The counsellor declining any farther conversation upon the subject, O'Rourke determined to set out immediately in quest of his father-in-law, not doubting but he would intimidate him to return home, and agree to whatever terms he should dictate. Adventurous without judgment, he never thought of the various obstacles he might have to encounter. He ordered the steward into his presence, and demanded an immediate