Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/21

Rh rudely framed tallow-candles, such as in those days were only used by the peasantry, hooped in paltry clasps of wire, which served for candlesticks. He then disappeared, and presently entered with two earthen flagons, (the china, he said, had been little used since my lady's time,) one filled with canary wine, the other with brandy. The canary sack, unheeding an probabilities of detection, he declared had been twenty years in the cellars of Wolf's Crag, "though it was not for him to speak before their honours; the brandy,—it was weel ken'd liquor, as mild as mead, and as strong as Sampson—it had been in the house ever since the memorable revel, in which auld Mickletob had been slain at the head of the stair by Jamie of Jenklebrae, on account of the honour of the worshipful Lady Muirend, wha was in some sort an ally of the family; natheless"

"But to cut that matter short, Mr Caleb," said the Keeper, "perhaps you will favour me with a ewer of water."