Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/23

 Frank having explained to him the purport of Sir Hildebrand's will, and his own right to inherit the property and mansion-house of Osbaldistone Hall, the old man admitted them, though with apparent reluctance. The butler asked where his honour would please to have a fire lighted and Frank requested it might be put on in the library; but he made many excuses, that the room smoked, and that the daws had built up the chimney, in order to deter him from going. However, Frank insisted on being instantly shewn there, and the butler was forced to comply with his orders. On entering the library, Frank was not a little astonished at finding a good fire, and every thing having the appearance of being lately occupied; but, anxious to enjoy his own reflections, he desired the land-steward to be called, and the butler, with evident reluctance, withdrew to execute his orders.

As Frank knew of Rashleigh being in the neighbourhood, and that he was capable of any desperate action, he made Andrew Fairservice bring two stout fellows to guard the premises. After convincing the steward, who had come immediately on receiving the summons, of the validity of his titles to the property, Frank, being left sat down by the fire, and, in a reverie, uttered these words: "Is this, then, the progress and issue of human wishes ?" He had scarcely finished these words, when a sight issued from the other side of the room, and Diana Vernon presented herself, leaning on her father's arm. Frank was almost petrified with terror, as he believed them to be phantoms of his own imagination, till Sir Frederick Vernon accosted him, and begged he might protect them from the imminent danger that threatened them. Frank replied, with great emotion, that he could never forget their kindness in recovering his father's property, and that no exertions would be wanting on his part to provide for their safety. Sir Frederick now explained the causes of his present situation; that he had joined the Earl of Mar in Scotland to support King James; that he had afterwards followed Lord Derwentwater into England; that, after the defeat at Preston, he had retired northward, and taken refuge at Osbaldistone Hall, till a trusty friend should find a vessel to convey them to France. Sir Frederick then expatiated on his daughter's virtues; and having declared his intention to devote her to the service of her Maker, he withdrew along with her behind the tapestry.

After their departure, Frank fell into a long train of painful reflections; at one time accusing Sir Frederick for his bigotry, at another time Diana for yielding to his wishes; and, last of all, himself for loving one who seemed determined not to become his wife. In such a state of mind he could not sleep; and in the middle of the night was alarmed by a loud knocking at the door. This was occasioned by Justice Standish, who came with a war-