Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 1 - 1819.djvu/251

Rh "It was, as I have heard," continued the stranger, unabashed by his coldness, "one of the most early possessions of the honourable family of Ravenswood."

"Their earliest possession," answered the Master, "and probably their latest."

"I—I—I should hope not, sir," answered the stranger, clearing his voice with more than one cough, and making an effort to overcome a certain degree of hesitation,—"Scotland knows what she owes to this ancient family, and remembers their frequent and honourable achievements. I have little doubt, that, were it properly represented to her majesty that so ancient and noble a family were subjected to dilapidation—I mean to decay—means might be found, ad re-ædificandam antiquam domum"

"I will save you the trouble, sir, of discussing this point farther," said the Master haughtily. "I am the heir of that unfortunate House—I am the Master of