Page:Waverley Novels, vol. 23 (1831).djvu/398

 what Foster shall I be to-morrow when you speak of me to my lord--though all I have done was to obey his own orders?"

"You shall be my protector--a rough one indeed--but still a protector," answered the Countess. "Oh that Janet were but here!"

"She is better where she is," answered Foster--"one of you is enough to perplex a plain head. But will you taste any refreshment?"

"Oh no, no--my chamber--my chamber! I trust," she said apprehensively, "I may secure it on the inside?"

"With all my heart," answered Foster, "so I may secure it on the outside;" and taking a light, he led the way to a part of the building where Amy had never been, and conducted her up a stair of great height, preceded by one of the old women with a lamp. At the head of the stair, which seemed of almost immeasurable height, they crossed a short wooden gallery, formed of black oak, and very narrow, at the farther end of which was a strong oaken door, which opened and admitted them into the miser's apartment, homely in its accommodations in the very last degree, and, except in name, little different from a prison-room.

Foster stopped at the door, and gave the lamp to the Countess, without either offering or permitting the attendance of the old woman who had carried it. The lady stood not on ceremony, but taking it hastily, barred the door, and secured it with the ample means provided on the inside for that purpose.

Varney, meanwhile, had lurked behind on the