Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 1 - 1819.djvu/233

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.
223

the castle, or as if I couldna serve the turn of ony o' them that are out o' the gate."

"Alas! Caleb, we should want little, if your ability were equal to your will," replied his master.

"And I hope your lordship disna want that muckle," said Caleb; "for considering a' things, I trust we support the credit of the family as weel as things will permit of. Only Bucklaw is aye sae frank and sae forward, and there he has brought out your lordship's palfrey without the saddle, being decored wi' the broidered sumpter-cloth, and I could have brushed it in a minute."

"It is all very well," said his master, escaping from him, and descending the narrow and steep winding stair-case, which led to the court-yard.

"It may be a' very weel," said Caleb, somewhat peevishly; "but if your lordship wad tarry a bit, I will tell you what will not be very weel."

"And what is that?" said Ravenswood impatiently, but stopping at the same time.