 he was constitutionally subject, - »if I
had heard him, I would have torn the tongue out of his throat before all his
pets and minions, and Highland bullies into the bargain. Why did not Ashton run
him through the body?«
    »Capote me if I know,« said the Captain. »He deserved it sure enough; but he
is an old man, and a minister of state, and there would be more risk than credit
in meddling with him. You had more need to think of making up to Miss Lucy
Ashton the disgrace that's like to fall upon her, than of interfering with a man
too old to fight, and on too high a stool for your hand to reach him.«
    »It shall reach him, though,« one day, said Bucklaw, »and his kinsman
Ravenswood to boot. In the meantime, I'll take care Miss Ashton receives no
discredit for the slight they have put upon her. It's an awkward job, however,
and I wish it were ended; I scarce know how to talk to her, - but fill a bumper,
Craigie, and we'll drink her health. It grows late, and a night-cowl of good
claret is worth all the considering-caps in Europe.«
 

                             Chapter Twenty-Eighth

 It was the copy of our conference.
 In bed she slept not, for my urging it;
 At board she fed not, for my urging it;
 Alone, it was the subject of my theme;
 In company I often glanced at it.
                                                               Comedy of Errors.
 
The next morning saw Bucklaw, and his faithful Achates, Craigengelt, at
Ravenswood Castle. They were most courteously received by the knight and his
lady, as well as by their son and heir, Colonel Ashton. After a good deal of
stammering and blushing, - for Bucklaw, notwithstanding his audacity in other
matters, had all the sheepish bashfulness common to those who have lived little
in respectable society, - he contrived at length to explain his wish to be
admitted to a conference with Miss Ashton, upon the subject of their approaching
union. Sir William and his son looked at Lady Ashton, who replied with the
greatest composure, »that Lucy would wait upon Mr. Hayston directly. I hope,«
she added with a smile, »that as Lucy is very young, and has been lately
trepanned into an engagement, of which she is now heartily ashamed, our dear
Bucklaw will excuse her wish, that I should be present at their interview?«
    »In truth, my dear lady
