tering to himself, "Worse than THEE, thou poisoning quacksalver and witch-monger, who, if thou art not a bounden slave to the devil, it is only because he disdains such an apprentice! I am a mortal man, and seek by mortal means the gratification of my passions and advancement of my prospects; thou art a vassal of hell itself--So ho, Lambourne!" he called at another door, and Michael made his appearance with a flushed cheek and an unsteady step.
"Thou art drunk, thou villain!" said Varney to him.
"Doubtless, noble sir," replied the unabashed Michael; "We have been drinking all even to the glories of the day, and to my noble Lord of Leicester and his valiant master of the horse. Drunk! odds blades and poniards, he that would refuse to swallow a dozen healths on such an evening is a base besognio, and a puckfoist, and shall swallow six inches of my dagger!"
"Hark ye, scoundrel," said Varney, "be sober on the instant--I command thee. I know thou canst throw off thy drunken folly, like a fool's coat, at pleasure; and if not, it were the worse for thee."
Lambourne drooped his head, left the apartment, and returned in two or three minutes with his face composed, his hair adjusted, his dress in order, and exhibiting as great a difference from his former self as if the whole man had been changed.
"Art thou sober now, and dost thou comprehend me?" said Varney sternly.
Lambourne bowed in acquiescence.
"Thou must presently down to Cumnor Place
