Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/5

 Osbaldistone, his cousin. As Miss Vernon accompanied Frank to the castle, she interrogated him by the way without any ceremony, and on their reaching the gate, put the bridle of her horse into his hand.

After waiting a considerable time, he was at last relieved by one of the huntsmen, who took the horses, and a servant conducted him into a hall, where he met with his uncle Sir Hildebrand, and was introduced to the rest of the family. After dinner, the bottle was circulated so freely, that the company soon exhibited a scene of boisterous mirth and intoxication; but Frank, being temperate in his habits, made his escape into the garden.

When Frank returned to the castle, and had retired to his apartment for the night he began to reflect seriously on his situation. The society of his cousins would furnish him with little or no entertainment, as they delighted only in horses, hounds, and drinking; but he anticipated much pleasure from the company of the lively Miss Vernon, who had made a deep impression on his heart. Next morning Frank accompanied his cousins and Miss Vernon on a hunting expedition, and when the party were engaged in pursuing the fox, Miss Vernon told Frank she had something particular to communicate, and taking him to the summit of an adjoining hill, she pointed out Scotland, which she said. he might reach in two hours. Frank asked, why she wished him to go there? "To provide for your safety," answered Miss Vernon; "you are accused of having robbed one Morris, whom you travelled with to Darlington." Frank was startled at so unfounded a charge, and begged to know before whom this extraordinary accusation was laid, that he might instantly refute it. Miss Vernon told him, that the information had been lodged with 'Squire Inglewood, whose house was only a few miles distant, whither she would accompany him. Frank remonstrated with her on the impropriety of the proposal; but the young lady would have her own way, and accordingly they proceeded towards the residence of the jusitcejustice [sic].

On arriving at Inglewood Place, they found Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone and Rashleigh in the court-yard. Miss Vernon accosted the latter, and asked whether he had been talking to the Justice about Frank's affair? Rashleigh replied that he had been exerting all his influence to serve his cousin; and then turning to Frank, said that it would be more advisable for him to retreat into Scotland till the business could be smoothed over," than appear before the Justice when presumptions were so strong against him. Frank, indignant at Rashleigh for recommending such a subterfuge, and entertaining suspicions of his criminality, replied, that he would have the matter investigated, and his character cleared from such a vile calumny. Rashleigh insisted that Miss Vernon at least should not interfere in the