 period, to acquire to
himself in absolute property.
    The old time-serving lord winced excessively under this requisition,
protesting to God, that he saw no occasion the lad could have for the instant
possession of the land, seeing he would doubtless now recover the bulk of his
estate from Sir William Ashton, to which he was ready to contribute by every
means in his power, as was just and reasonable; and finally declaring, that he
was willing to settle the land on the young gentleman, after his own natural
demise.
    But all these excuses availed nothing, and he was compelled to disgorge the
property, on receiving back the sum for which it had been mortgaged. Having no
other means of making peace with the higher powers, he returned home sorrowful
and malcontent, complaining to his confidants, »that every mutation or change in
the state had hitherto been productive of some sma' advantage to him in his ain
quiet affairs; but that the present had (pize upon it!) cost him one of the best
pen-feathers o' his wing.«
    Similar measures were threatened against others who had profited by the
wreck of the fortune of Ravenswood; and Sir William Ashton, in particular, was
menaced with an appeal to the House of Peers against the judicial sentences
under which he held the Castle and Barony of Ravenswood. With him, however, the
Master, as well for Lucy's sake as on account of the hospitality he had received
from him, felt himself under the necessity of proceeding with great candour. He
wrote to the late Lord Keeper, for he no longer held that office, stating
frankly the engagement which existed between him and Miss Ashton, requesting his
permission for their union, and assuring him of his willingness to put the
settlement of all matters between them upon such a footing, as Sir William
himself should think favourable.
    The same messenger was charged with a letter to Lady Ashton, deprecating any
cause of displeasure which the Master might unintentionally have given her,
enlarging upon his attachment to Miss Ashton, and the length to which it had
proceeded, and conjuring the lady, as a Douglas in nature as well as in name,
generously to forget ancient prejudices and misunderstandings; and to believe
that the family had acquired a friend, and she herself a respectful and attached
humble servant, in him who subscribed himself Edgar, Master of Ravenswood.
    A third letter Ravenswood addressed to Lucy, and the messenger was
instructed to find some secret and secure means of delivering it into her own
hands. It contained the strongest protestations of continued affection, and
dwelt upon the approaching change
