 at old Caxon's, where he lodges. I think you have the same degree
of acquaintance with him as with me, and, as I am sure I should willingly have
rendered you such a service were I not engaged on the other side, I am convinced
he will do so at your first request.«
    »At the thorn-tree, then, Mr. Lesley, at seven this evening - the arms, I
presume, are pistols?«
    »Exactly. M'Intyre has chosen the hour at which he can best escape from
Monkbarns - he was with me this morning by five, in order to return and present
himself before his uncle was up. Good-morning to you, Mr. Lovel.« And Lesley
left the apartment.
    Lovel was as brave as most men; but none can internally regard such a crisis
as now approached, without deep feelings of awe and uncertainty. In a few hours
he might be in another world to answer for an action which his calmer thought
told him was unjustifiable in a religious point of view, or he might be
wandering about in the present like Cain, with the blood of his brother on his
head. And all this might be saved by speaking a single word. Yet pride
whispered, that to speak that word now, would be ascribed to a motive which
would degrade him more low than even the most injurious reasons that could be
assigned for his silence. Every one, Miss Wardour included, must then, he
thought, account him a mean dishonoured poltroon, who gave to the fear of
meeting Captain M'Intyre the explanation he had refused to the calm and handsome
expostulations of Mr. Lesley. M'Intyre's insolent behaviour to himself
personally, the air of pretension which he assumed towards Miss Wardour, and the
extreme injustice, arrogance, and incivility of his demands upon a perfect
stranger, seemed to justify him in repelling his rude investigation. In short,
he formed the resolution which might have been expected from so young a man, -
to shut the eyes, namely, of his calmer reason, and follow the dictates of his
offended pride. With this purpose he sought Lieutenant Taffril.
    The lieutenant received him with the good breeding of a gentleman and the
frankness of a sailor, and listened with no small surprise to the detail which
preceded his request that he might be favoured with his company at his meeting
with Captain M'Intyre. When he had finished, Taffril rose up and walked through
his apartment once or twice. »This is a most singular circumstance,« he said,
»and
