The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

332 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
the wisest and most patriotic measure which they could adopt in the circumstances, when all ranks and classes of men were seeking refuge from
the uncertainty and varied oppression attending the repeated contests
between the factions of Westminster Hall and of Wallingford House. Accordingly he joined with Sir Geoffrey, with less enthusiasm indeed, but with
equal sincerity, taking such measures as seemed proper to secure their part
of the country on the King's behalf, which was done as effectually and peaceably as in other parts of England. The neighbours were both at Chesterfield, when news arrived that the King had landed in England; and Sir
Geoffrey instantly announced his purpose of waiting upon'his Majesty, even
before his return to the Castle of Martindale.
"Who knows, neighbour," he said, "whether Sir Geoffrey Peveril will
ever return to Martindale? Titles must be going amongst them yonder,
and I have deserved something among the rest.-Lord Peveril would sound
well-or stay, Earl of Martindale —no, not of Martindale-Earl of the Peak.
-Meanwhile, trust your affairs to me-I will see you secured-I would you
had been no Presbyterian, neighbour — a knighthood,- I mean a knightbachelor, not a knight-baronet, - would have served your turn well."
"I leave these things to my betters, Sir Geoffrey," said the Major, " and
desire nothing so earnestly as to find all well at Martindale when I return."
"You will - you will find them all well," said -the Baronet; "'Julian,
Alice, Lady Peveril, and all of them - Bear my commendations to them,
and kiss them all, neighbour, Lady Peveril and all-you may kiss a Countess
when I come back; all will go well with you now you are turned honest
man."
"I always meant to be so, Sir Geoffrey," said Bridgenorth, calmly.
"Well, well, well-no offence meant," said the Knight, "all is well now
- so you to Moultrassie Hall, and I to Whitehall. Said I well, aha i So
ho, mine host, a stoup of Canary to the King's health ere we get to horse —
I forgot, neighbour - you drink no healths."
"I wish the King's health, as sincerely as if I drank a gallon to it,"
replied the Major; " and I wish you, Sir Geoffrey, all success on your
journey, and a safe return."
Why then, we will have bellowing of beeves,
Broaching of barrels, brandishing of spigots;
Blood shall flow freely, but it shall be gore
Of herds and flocks, and venison and poultry,
Join'd to the brave heart's-blood of John-a-Barleycorn!
OLD PLAY.
W\HATEVER rewards Charles might have condescended to bestow in acknowledgment of the sufferings and loyalty of Peveril of the Peak, he had none
in his disposal equal to the pleasure which Providence had reserved for
Bridgenorth on his return to Derbyshire. The exertion to which he had
been summoned, had had the usual effect of restoring to a certain extent
the activity and energy of his character, and he felt it would be unbecoming
to relapse into the state of lethargic melancholy from which it had roused
him. Time also had its usual effect in mitigating the subjects of his regret;
and when he had passed one day at the Hall in regretting that he could not
expect the indirect news of his daughter's health, which Sir Geoffrey used
to communicate in his almost daily call, he reflected that it would be in
every respect becoming that he should pay a personal visit at Martindale