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.

PEVERIL OF THE PEAK. 459
the residence of his daughter, and perhaps to convey her altogether out of
his reach.
Having sealed his letter, Julian called his servant, and directed him to'carry it under cover of one addressed to Mrs. Debbitch, to a house in the
town of Rushin, where packets and messages intended for the family at
Black Fort were usually deposited; and for that purpose to take horse immediately. Hle thus got rid of an attendant, who might have been in some
degree a spy on his motions. He then exchanged the dress he usually
wore, for one more suited to travelling; and, having put a change or two.
of linen into a small cloak-bag, selected as arms a strong double-edged
sword and an excellent pair of pistols, which last he carefully loaded with
double bullets. Thus appointed, and with twenty pieces in his purse, and
the bills we have mentioned secured in a private.ocket-book, he was in
readiness to depart as soon as he should receive the Countess's commands.
The buoyant spirit of youth and hope, which had, for a moment, been
chilled by the painful and dubious circumstances in which he was placed,
as well as the deprivation which he was about to undergo, now revived in
full vigour. Fancy, turning from more painful anticipations, suggested to
him that he was now entering upon life, at a crisis when resolution and
talents were almost certain to make the fortune of their possessor. tIow
could he make a more honourable entry on the bustling scene, than sent by,
and acting in behalf of, one of the noblest houses in England; and should he
perform what his charge might render incumbent with the resolution and
the prudence necessary to secure success, how many occurrences might take
place to render his mediation necessary to Bridgenorth; and thus enable
him, on -the most equal and honourable terms, to establish a claim to his
gratitude and to his daughter's hand.
Whilst he was dwelling on such pleasing, though imaginary prospeCts,
he could not help exclaiming aloud_ -" Yes, Alice, I will -win thee nobly'"
The words had scarce escaped his lips, when he heard at the door of his
apartment, which the servant had left ajar, a sound like a deep sigh, which
was instantly succeeded by a gentle tap-" Come in," replied Julian, somewhat ashamed of his exclamation, and not a little afraid that it had been
caught up by some eavesdropper -" Come in," he again repeated; but his
command was not obeyed; on the contrary, the knock was repeated somewhat louder. He opened the door, and Fenella stood before him.
With eyes that seemed red with recent tears, and with a look of the deepest dejection, the little mute, first touching her bosom, and beckoning with
h,.er finger, made to him the usual sign that the Countess desired to see him
-- then turned, as if to usher him to her apartment. As he followed her
through the long gloomy vaulted passages which afforded communication
betwixt the various apartments of the catle, he could not but observe that
her usual light trip was exchanged for a tardy and mournful step, which
she accompanied with low inarticulate moaning, (which she was probably
the less able to suppress, because she could not judge how far it Nwas
audible,) and also with wringing of the hands, and other marks of extreme
affliction.
At this moment a thought came across Peveril's mind, which, in spite of
his better reason, made him shudder involuntarily. As a Peaksman, and
a long resident in the Isle of Man, he was well acquainted with many a
superstitious legend, and particularly with a belief, which attached to the
powerful family of the Stanleys, for their peculiar demon, a Banshie, or
female spirit, who was wont to shriek "foreboding evil times;" and who
was generally seen weeping and bemoaning herself before the death of any
person of distinction belonging to the family. For an instant, Julian could
scarcely divest himself of the belief that the wailing, jibbering form, which
glided before him, with a lamp in her hand, was the genius of his mother's
race, come to announce to him his predestined doom. It instantly occurred