 have long corresponded on the
subject of the Saxon horn that is preserved in the Minster there; we
interchanged letters for six years, and have only as yet been able to settle the
first line of the inscription. I will write forthwith to this gentleman, Dr.
Dryasdust, and be particular in my inquiries concerning the character, etc., of
your brother's heir, of the gentleman employed in his affairs, and what else may
be likely to further your lordship's inquiries. In the meantime your lordship
will collect the evidence of the marriage, which I hope can still be recovered?«
    »Unquestionably,« replied the Earl: »the witnesses, who were formerly
withdrawn from your research, are still living. My tutor, who solemnized the
marriage, was provided for by a living in France, and has lately returned to
this country as an emigrant, a victim of his zeal for loyalty, legitimacy, and
religion.«
    »That's one lucky consequence of the French revolution, my lord - you must
allow that, at least,« said Oldbuck: »but no offence; I will act as warmly in
your affairs as if I were of your own faith in politics and religion. And take
my advice - If you want an affair of consequence properly managed, put it into
the hands of an antiquary; for as they are eternally exercising their genius and
research upon trifles, it is impossible they can be baffled in affairs of
importance; - use makes perfect - and the corps that is most frequently drilled
upon the parade, will be most prompt in its exercise upon the day of battle.
And, talking upon that subject, I would willingly read to your lordship, in
order to pass away the time betwixt and supper« -
    »I beg I may not interfere with family arrangements,« said Lord Glenallan,
»but I never taste anything after sunset.«
    »Nor I either, my lord,« answered his host, »notwithstanding it is said to
have been the custom of the ancients. But then I dine differently from your
lordship, and therefore am better enabled to dispense with those elaborate
entertainments which my womankind (that is, my sister and niece, my lord) are
apt to place on the table, for the display rather of their own housewifery than
the accommodation of our wants. However, a broiled bone, or a smoked haddock, or
an oyster, or a slice of bacon of our own curing, with a toast and a tankard -
or something or other of that sort, to close the orifice of the stomach
