Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/9

 contradictary, that they could not be received as competent evidence. Frank was both vexed and perplexed that this affair should have become so notorious; and after ordering the pedlar to send him some articles, and giving a small present to Andrew Fairservice for his trouble, he returned home, deliberating how he should vindicate his character.

As Frank's mind could not be at ease while the robbery of Morris was laid to his charge, he determined on setting out for London to explain the whole affair to his father, and take his advice respecting the most effectual means of disproving the calumny. Before departing, however, he wrote to his father the object of his visit; and, while delivering his letter at the post-office, he received one from Owen, endorsing a draft for £100, to supply his present necessities. On returning to Osbaldistone Hall, Frank found that the family had gone to Trinlay-knowe, and he sauntered into the garden to hear if Fairservice had picked up any fresh news. While engaged in conversation, they observed the door of a small room in the corner of the garden half open, and were at a loss to conjecture who could be there, as it was never frequented by any of the family but Rashleigh. Andrew supposed that it was then occupied by Father Vaughan, a grave old Catholic priest, a particular acquaintance of Rashleigh's, and a confidant of Miss Vernon, with whom he had frequent interviews. Frank could not comprehend this mysterious intercourse, and suspected that the priest was either giving her religious instruction, or preparing her for the cloister; and these conjectures made him very unhappy, from the attachment he entertained for that lady. Frank now began to watch every motion of Miss Vernon with minute attention, which gave her great offence; yet they never came to an explanation. One day, as they were sitting in the library, she inquired if he had lately heard from his father. On Frank replying in the negative, she observed that it was very strange, for his father had gone to Holland on some urgent business, leaving Rashleigh with the sole management of his affairs till he returned, and she urged him to set of immediately for London, lest his cousin should involve his father's business in irretrievable ruin. Frank expressed his concern at this intelligence, and great reluctance to leave her, whom he loved above all the world; but Miss Vernon told him, that his affections were misplaced, as she had resolved to spend the remainder of her days in a convent. After quitting the apartment, Frank retired to his own, where the thoughts of his father's affairs, and the resolution of Miss Vernon, prevented him from enjoying any rest the ensuing night; but he determined, before leaving Osbaldistone Hall, to find out the reason, if possible, of her mysterious conduct, and ascertain her real character.

Accordingly, one Sunday evening, he took his station in the