--. The success
of this convenient friend had been such, that he had obtained from Sir William,
not indeed a directly favourable answer, but certainly a most patient hearing.
This he had reported to his principal, who had replied by the ancient French
adage, »Château qui parle, et femme qui écoute, l'un et l'autre va se rendre.« A
statesman who hears you propose a change of measures without reply, was,
according to the Marquis's opinion, in the situation of the fortress which
parleys, and the lady who listens, and he resolved to press the siege of the
Lord Keeper.
    The packet, therefore, contained a letter from his friend and ally, and
another from himself to the Lord Keeper, frankly offering an unceremonious
visit. They were crossing the country to go to the southward - the roads were
indifferent - the accommodation of the inns as execrable as possible - the Lord
Keeper had been long acquainted intimately with one of his correspondents, and
though more slightly known to the Marquis, had yet enough of his Lordship's
acquaintance to render the visit sufficiently natural, and to shut the mouths of
those who might be disposed to impute it to a political intrigue. He instantly
accepted the offered visit, determined, however, that he would not pledge
himself an inch farther for the furtherance of their views than reason (by which
he meant his own self-interest) should plainly point out to him as proper.
    Two circumstances particularly delighted him - the presence of Ravenswood,
and the absence of his own lady. By having the former under his own roof, he
conceived he might be able to quash all such hazardous and hostile proceedings
as he might otherwise have been engaged in under the patronage of the Marquis;
and Lucy, he foresaw, would make, for his immediate purpose of delay and
procrastination, a much better mistress of his family than her mother, who
would, he was sure, in some shape or other, contrive to disconcert his political
schemes by her proud and implacable temper.
    His anxious solicitations that the Master would stay to receive his kinsman
were of course readily complied with, since the éclaircissement which had taken
place at the Mermaiden's Fountain had removed all wish for sudden departure.
Lucy and Lockhard had, therefore, orders to provide all things necessary in
their different departments for receiving the expected guests, with a pomp and
display of luxury very uncommon in Scotland at that remote period.
 

                               Chapter Twentieth

 Marall. - Sir, the man of honour's come
 Newly alighted --
 Overreach. - In without reply
