"
"There is no news from the coast which can amount to certainty of the
King's arrival," said another of the company, in that tone of subdued
and tremulous whisper which implies a failure of resolution.
"Not a line from the Earl of D--, nor a single gentleman from the
southern side of the Border," said a third.
"Who is he that wishes for more men from England," exclaimed Mareschal,
in a theatrical tone of affected heroism,
"My cousin Ellieslaw? No, my fair cousin,
If we are doom'd to die--"
"For God's sake," said Ellieslaw, "spare us your folly at present,
Mareschal."
"Well, then," said his kinsman, "I'll bestow my wisdom upon you instead,
such as it is. If we have gone forward like fools, do not let us go back
like cowards. We have done enough to draw upon us both the suspicion and
vengeance of the government; do not let us give up before we have done
something to deserve it.--What, will no one speak? Then I'll leap the
ditch the first." And, starting up, he filled a beer-glass to the brim
with claret, and waving his hand, commanded all to follow his example,
and to rise up from their seats.
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