Before breakfast, Lord Glenallan, who appeared in better spirits than he had evinced in the former evening, went particularly through the various circumstances of evidence which the exertions of Oldbuck had formerly collected; and pointing out the means which he possessed of completing the proof of his marriage, expressed his resolution instantly to go through the painful task of collecting and restoring the evidence concerning the birth of Eveline Neville, which Elspeth had stated to be in his mother's possession.
``And yet, Mr.Oldbuck,'' he said, ``I feel like a man who receives important tidings ere he is yet fully awake, and doubt whether they refer to actual life, or are not rather a continuation of his dream.This woman--this Elspeth,--she is in the extremity of age, and approaching in many respects to dotage.
Have I not--it is a hideous question--have I not been hasty in the admission of her present evidence, against that which she formerly gave me to a very--very different purpose?''
Mr.Oldbuck paused a moment, and then answered with firmness--``No, my lord; I cannot think you have any reason to suspect the truth of what she has told you last, from no apparent impulse but the urgency of conscience.Her confession was voluntary, disinterested, distinct, consistent with itself, and with all the other known circumstances of the case.I would lose no time, however, in examining and arranging the other documents to which she has referred; and I also think her own statement should be taken down, if possible in a formal manner.
We thought of setting about this together.But it will be a relief to your lordship, and moreover have a more impartial appearance, were I to attempt the investigation alone in the capacity of a magistrate.I will do this--at least I will attempt it, so soon as I shall see her in a favourable state of mind to undergo an examination.''
Lord Glenallan wrung the Antiquary's hand in token of grateful acquiescence.``I cannot express to you,'' he said, ``Mr.Oldbuck, how much your countenance and cooperation in this dark and most melancholy business gives me relief and confidence.I cannot enough applaud myself for yielding to the sudden impulse which impelled me, as it were, to drag you into my confidence, and which arose from the experience I had formerly of your firmness in discharge of your duty as a magistrate, and as a friend to the memory of the unfortunate.Whatever the issue of these matters may prove,--and I would fain hope there is a dawn breaking on the fortunes of my house, though Ishall not live to enjoy its light,--but whatsoever be the issue, you have laid my family and me under the most lasting obligation.''
``My lord,'' answered the Antiquary, ``I must necessarily have the greatest respect for your lordship's family, which I am well aware is one of the most ancient in Scotland, being certainly derived from Aymer de Geraldin, who sat in parliament at Perth, in the reign of Alexander II., and who by the less vouched, yet plausible tradition of the country, is said to have been descended from the Marmor of Clochnaben.Yet, with all my veneration for your ancient descent, I must acknowledge that I find myself still more bound to give your lordship what assistance is in my limited power, from sincere sympathy with your sorrows, and detestation at the frauds which have so long been practised upon you.--But, my lord, the matin meal is, Isee, now prepared--Permit me to show your lordship the way through the intricacies of my _cenobitium,_ which is rather a combination of cells, jostled oddly together, and piled one upon the top of the other, than a regular house.I trust you will make yourself some amends for the spare diet of yesterday.''
But this was no part of Lord Glenallan's system.Having saluted the company with the grave and melancholy politeness which distinguished his manners, his servant placed before him a slice of toasted bread, with a glass of fair water, being the fare on which he usually broke his fast.While the morning's meal of the young soldier and the old Antiquary was despatched in much more substantial manner, the noise of wheels was heard.
``Your lordship's carriage, I believe,'' said Oldbuck, stepping to the window.``On my word, a handsome _quadriga,_--for such, according to the best _scholium,_ was the _vox signata_ of the Romans for a chariot which, like that of your lordship, was drawn by four horses.''
``And I will venture to say,'' cried Hector, eagerly gazing from the window, ``that four handsomer or better-matched bays never were put in harness--What fine forehands!--what capital chargers they would make!--Might I ask if they are of your lordship's own breeding?''
``I--I--rather believe so,'' said Lord Glenallan; ``but I have been so negligent of my domestic matters, that I am ashamed to say I must apply to Calvert'' (looking at the domestic).
``They are of your lordship's own breeding,'' said Calvert, ``got by Mad Tom out of Jemina and Yarico, your lordship's brood mares.''
``Are there more of the set?'' said Lord Glenallan.
``Two, my lord,--one rising four, the other five off this grass, both very handsome.''
``Then let Dawkins bring them down to Monkbarns to-morrow,''
said the Earl--``I hope Captain M`Intyre will accept them, if they are at all fit for service.''
Captain M`Intyre's eyes sparkled, and he was profuse in grateful acknowledgments; while Oldbuck, on the other hand, seizing the Earl's sleeve, endeavoured to intercept a present which boded no good to his corn-chest and hay-loft.
