Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/263

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THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.
253

mean is, that being in some measure under my guardianship"——

"I must take the liberty to say, my lord," answered Ravenswood—and the tone in which he interrupted the Marquis boded no long duration to the friendship of the noble relatives, when he himself was fortunately interrupted by the little sexton, who came puffing after them, to ask if their honours would chuse music at the change-house to make up for short cheer.

"We want no music," said the Master, abruptly.

"Your honour disna ken what ye're refusing, then," said the fiddler, with the impertinent freedom of his profession. "I can play, 'Will't thou do't again,' and 'the Auld Man's Mear's Dead,' sax times better than ever Pattie Birnie. I'll get my fiddle in the turning of a coffin-screw."

"Take yourself away, sir," said the Marquis.

"And if your honour be a north-country gentleman," said the persevering min-