Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/126

116 with Sir William—that arranged, I shall depart; and with as little wish, as you may easily believe, to return to a place full of melancholy subjects of reflection, as you have to see me here."

Alice bent her sightless eyes on the ground, and was for a moment plunged in deep meditation. "I will speak the truth," she said, at length raising up her head—"I will tell you the source of my apprehensions, whether my candour be for good or evil—Lucy Ashton loves you, Lord of Ravenswood!"

"It is impossible," said the Master.

"A thousand circumstances have proved it to me. Her thoughts have turned on no one else since you saved her from death, and that my experienced judgment has won from her own conversation. Having told you this—if you are indeed a gentleman and your father's son—you will make it a motive for flying from her presence. Her passion will die like a lamp, for want of that the flame should feed upon; but, if you