 the altar. In a small niche, over the arched doorway, stood a stone
image of Saint Hubert, with the bugle-horn around his neck, and a leash of
greyhounds at his feet. The situation of the chapel in the midst of a park or
chase, so richly stocked with game, made the dedication to the Sainted Huntsman
peculiarly appropriate.6
    Towards this little devotional structure the old man directed his steps,
followed by young Durward; and, as they approached, the priest, dressed in his
sacerdotal garments, made his appearance, in the act of proceeding from his cell
to the chapel, for the discharge, doubtless, of his holy office. Durward bowed
his body reverently to the priest, as the respect due to his sacred office
demanded; whilst his companion, with an appearance of still more deep devotion,
kneeled on one knee to receive the holy man's blessing, and then followed him
into church, with a step and manner expressive of the most heartfelt contrition
and humility.
    The inside of the chapel was adorned in a manner adapted to the occupation
of the patron-saint while on earth. The richest furs of such animals as are made
the objects of the chase in different countries, supplied the place of tapestry
and hangings around the altar and elsewhere, and the characteristic
emblazonments of bugles, bows, quivers, and other emblems of hunting, surrounded
the walls, and were mingled with the heads of deer, wolves, and other animals
considered beasts of sport. The whole adornments took an appropriate and silvan
character; and the mass itself, being considerably shortened, proved to be of
that sort which is called a hunting-mass, because in use before the noble and
powerful, who, while assisting at the solemnity, are usually impatient to
commence their favourite sport.
    Yet, during this brief ceremony, Durward's companion seemed to pay the most
rigid and scrupulous attention; while Durward, not quite so much occupied with
religious thoughts, could not forbear blaming himself in his own mind, for
having entertained suspicions derogatory to the character of so good and so
humble a man. Far from now holding him as a companion and accomplice of robbers,
he had much to do to forbear regarding him as a saint-like personage.
    When mass was ended, they retired together from the chapel, and the elder
said to his young comrade, »It is but a short walk from hence to the village -
you may now break your fast with an unprejudiced conscience - follow me.«
    Turning to the right, and proceeding along a path which seemed gradually to
