Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 1 - 1819.djvu/289

Rh words into Ravenswood's ear—"Haud your tongue for Heaven's sake, sir—if it's my pleasure to hazard my soul in telling lies for the honour of the family, it's nae business of yours—and if ye let me gang on quietly, I'se be moderate in my banquet; but if ye contradict me, de'il but I dress ye a dinner fit for a duke."

Ravenswood, in fact, thought it would be best to let his officious butler run on, who proceeded to enumerate upon his fingers,—"No muckle provision—might hae served four persons of honour,—first course, capons in white broth—roast kid—bacon with reverence—second course, roasted leverit—butter crabs—a veal florentine—third course, black-cock—it's black eneugh now wi' the sute—plumdamas—a tart—a flam—and some nonsense sweet things, and comfits—and that's a," he said, seeing the impatience of his master; "that's just a' was o't—forbye the apples and pears."

Miss Ashton had by degrees gathered her spirits, so far as to pay some attention