Page:Waverley Novels, vol. 23 (1831).djvu/51

 custom of the lady; and then you may learn more of her condition than I or any other can tell you."

"True--very true," answered Wayland, for he it was; "an excellent device, but methinks something dangerous--for, say Foster should return?"

"Very possible indeed," replied the host.

"Or say," continued Wayland, "the lady should render me cold thanks for my exertions?"

"As is not unlikely," replied Giles Gosling. "I marvel Master Tressilian will take such heed of her that cares not for him."

"In either case I were foully sped," said Wayland, "and therefore I do not, on the whole, much relish your device."

"Nay, but take me with you, good master serving-man," replied mine host. "This is your master's business, and not mine, you best know the risk to be encountered, or how far you are willing to brave it. But that which you will not yourself hazard, you cannot expect others to risk."

"Hold, hold," said Wayland; "tell me but one thing--goes yonder old man up to Cumnor?"

"Surely, I think so?" said the landlord; "their servant said he was to take their baggage thither. But the ale-tap has been as potent for him as the sack-spigot has been for Michael."

"It is enough," said Wayland, assuming an air of resolution. "I will thwart that old villain's projects; my affright at his baleful aspect begins to abate, and my hatred to arise. Help me on with my pack, good mine host.--And look to thyself, old Albumazar; there is a malignant influen