Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/148

138 by a journey to Edinburgh, or even to London, a new set of Brussels lace, and the soft whispers of half a dozen of lovers, anxious to replace him whom it was convenient she should renounce. This was his provision for the worst view of the case. But, according to its more probable issue, any passing favour she might entertain for the Master of Ravenswood, might require encouragement rather than repression.

This seemed the more likely, as he had that very morning, since their departure from the castle, received a letter, the contents of which he hastened to communicate to Ravenswood. A foot-post had arrived with a packet to the Lord Keeper from that friend whom we have already mentioned, who was labouring hard under-hand to consolidate a band of patriots, at the head of whom stood Sir William's greatest terror, the active and ambitious Marquis of A. The success of this convenient friend had been such, that he