"And what will you do, Mr. Mareschal?" said Ratcliffe.
"Why, faith," answered he, smiling, "I hardly know; my spirit is too
great, and my fortune too small, for me to follow the example of the
doughty bridegroom. It is not in my nature, and it is hardly worth my
while."
"Well, then, disperse your men, and remain quiet, and this will be
overlooked, as there has been no overt act."
"Hout, ay," said Elliot, "just let byganes be byganes, and a' friends
again; deil ane I bear malice at but Westburnflat, and I hae gien him
baith a het skin and a cauld ane. I hadna changed three blows of the
broadsword wi' him before he lap the window into the castle-moat, and
swattered through it like a wild-duck. He's a clever fallow, indeed!
maun kilt awa wi' ae bonny lass in the morning, and another at night,
less wadna serve him! but if he disna kilt himsell out o' the country,
I'se kilt him wi' a tow, for the Castleton meeting's clean blawn ower;
his friends will no countenance him."
During the general confusion, Isabella had thrown herself at the feet of
her kinsman, Sir Edward Mauley, for so we must now call the Solitary,
to express at once her gratitude, and to beseech forgiveness for her
father.
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