The monastery; The abbot.

136 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
"Now, in good time," said the Sub-Prior, "and here comes the young
huntsman to speak for himself;" for, being placed opposite to the window,
he could observe Halbert as he ascended the little mound on which the tower
was situated.
"Summon him to our presence," said the Lord Abbot; and with an obedient start the two attendant monks went off with emulous alertness. Dame
Glendinning sprung away at the same moment, partly to gain an instant to
recommend obedience to her son, partly to prevail with him to change his
apparel before coming in presence of the Abbot. But the Kitchener and
Refectioner, both speaking at once, had already seized each an arm, and
were leading Halbert in triumph into the apartment, so that she could only
ejaculate, "His will be done; but an he had but had on him his Sunday's
hose!"
Limited and humble as this desire was, the fates did not grant it, for
Halbert Glendinning was hurried into the presence of the Lord Abbot and
his party without a word of explanation, and without a moment's time being
allowed to assume his holiday hose, which, in the language of the time,
implied both breeches and stockings.
Yet, though thus suddenly presented amid the centre of all eyes, there
was something in Halbert's appearance which commanded a certain degree
of respect from the company into which he was so unceremoniously intruded,
and the greater part of whom were disposed to consider him with hauteur
if not with absolute contempt. But his appearance and reception we must
devote to another chapter.
6liaptr t^ lin~tu nntli0
Now choose thee, gallant, betwixt wealth and honour;
There lies the pelf, in sum to bear thee through
The dance of youth,and the turmoil of manhood,
Yet leave enough for age's chimney-corner;
But an thou grasp to it, farewell ambition,
Farewell each hope of bettering thy condition,
And raising thy low rank above the churls
That till the earth for bread.
OLD PLAY.
IT is necessary to dwell for some brief space on the appearance and
demeanour of young Glendinning, ere we proceed to describe his interview
with the Abbot of St. Mary's, at this momentous crisis of his life.
Halbert was now about nineteen years old, tall and active rather than
strong, yet of that hardy conformation of limb and sinew, which promises
great strength when the growth shall be complete, and the system confirmed.
Iie was perfectly well made, and, like most men who have that advantage,
possessed a grace and natural ease of manner and carriage, which prevented
his height from being the distinguished part of his external appearance. It
was not until you had compared his stature with that of those amongst or
near to whom he stood, that you became sensible that the young Glendinning
was upwards of six feet high. In the combination of unusual height with
perfect symmetry, ease, and grace of carriage, the young heir of Glendearg,
notwithstanding his rustic birth and education, had greatly the advantage
even of Sir Piercie Shafton himself, whose stature was lower, and his limbs,
though there was no particular point to object to, were on the whole less
exactly proportioned. On the other hand, Sir Piercie's very handsome
countenance afforded him as decided an advantage over the Scotsman, as