Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/27

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THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.
17

desirous, that these should be settled on the most liberal principle?"

The old man kept fast hold of the Master's passive hand as he spoke, and made it impossible for him, be his predetermination what it would, to return any other than an acquiescent reply; and wishing his guest good night, he postponed farther conference until the next morning.

Ravenswood hurried into the hall where he was to spend the night, and for a time traversed its pavement with a disordered and rapid pace. His mortal foe was under his roof, yet his sentiments towards him were neither those of a feudal enemy nor of a true Christian. He felt as if he could neither forgive him in the one character, or follow forth his vengeance in the other, but that he was making a base and dishonourable composition betwixt his resentment against the father and his affection for the daughter. He cursed himself, as he hurried to and fro in the pale moon-light, and more ruddy gleams of the expi-