, went back to his dressing-room,
and sat down once again before the fire, at which he gazed for a long time, in
earnest meditation.
    »This happens fortunately,« he said, breaking into a smile, »and promises
well. Let me see. My relative and I, who are the most Protestant fellows in the
world, give our worst wishes to the Roman Catholic cause; and to Saville, who
introduces their bill, I have a personal objection besides; but as each of us
has himself for the first article in his creed, we cannot commit ourselves by
joining with a very extravagant madman, such as this Gordon most undoubtedly is.
Now really, to foment his disturbances in secret, through the medium of such a
very apt instrument as my savage friend here, may further our real ends; and to
express at all becoming seasons, in moderate and polite terms, a disapprobation
of his proceedings, though we agree with him in principle, will certainly be to
gain a character for honesty and uprightness of purpose, which cannot fail to do
us infinite service, and to raise us into some importance. Good! So much for
public grounds. As to private considerations, I confess that if these vagabonds
would make some riotous demonstration (which does not appear impossible), and
would inflict some little chastisement on Haredale as a not inactive man among
his sect, it would be extremely agreeable to my feelings, and would amuse me
beyond measure. Good again! Perhaps better!«
    When he came to this point, he took a pinch of snuff; then beginning slowly
to undress, he resumed his meditations, by saying with a smile:
    »I fear, I do fear exceedingly, that my friend is following fast in the
footsteps of his mother. His intimacy with Mr. Dennis is very ominous. But I
have no doubt he must have come to that end any way. If I lend him a helping
hand, the only difference is, that he may, upon the whole, possibly drink a few
gallons, or puncheons, or hogsheads, less in this life than he otherwise would.
It's no business of mine. It's a matter of very small importance!«
    So he took another pinch of snuff, and went to bed.
 

                                  Chapter XLI

From the workshop of the Golden Key, there issued forth a tinkling sound, so
merry and good-humoured, that it suggested the idea of some one working
blithely, and made quite pleasant music. No man who hammered on at a dull
monotonous duty, could have brought such
