Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/88

78 failed to have won the faithful retainer's heart, but for Thomas the Rhymer, and the successful law-suit against his master. As it was, he might have adopted the language of the Duke, in As you like it—

Ravenswood was at the lady's bridle-rein, encouraging her timidity, and guiding her horse carefully down the rocky path which led to the moor, when one of the servants announced from the rear that Caleb was calling loudly after them, desiring to speak with his master. Ravenswood felt it would look singular to neglect this summons, although inwardly cursing Caleb for his impertinent officiousness; therefore he was compelled to relinquish to Mr Lockhard the agreeable duty in which he was engaged, and to ride back to the gate of the court-yard. Here he was beginning, somewhat peevishly, to ask Caleb the cause of his clamour, when the good