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.

THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL. 45
" You would say," said Lord Nigel, c" he is no fit messenger to a King's
presence?- Surely he is not; but what could I do? Every attempt I had
made to lay my case before the King had miscarried, and my petitions got
no farther than the budgets of clerks and secretaries; this fellow pretended
he had a friend in the household that would bring him to the King's presence,-and so —"
"I understand," said lHeriot; " but my lord, why should you not, in right
of your rank and birth, have appeared at court, and required an audience,
which could not have been denied to you?"
The young lord blushed a little, and looked at his dress, which was very
plain; and though in perfect good order, had the appearance of having seen
service.
"I know not why I should be ashamed of speaking the truth," he said,
after a momentary hesitation, -" I had no dress suitable for appearing at
court. I am determined to incur no expenses which I cannot discharge;
and I think you, sir, would not advise me to stand at the palace-door, in
person, and deliver my petition, along with those who are in very deed
pleading their necessity, and begging an alms."
"That had been, indeed, unseemly," said the citizen; " but yet, my lord,
my mind runs strangely that there must be some mistake. - Can I speak
with your domestic?"
"I see little good it can do," answered the young lord, " but the interest
you take in my misfortunes seems sincere, and therefore" -He stamped
on the floor, and in a few seconds afterwards Moniplies appeared, wiping
from his beard and mustaches the crumbs of bread, and the froth of the
ale-pot, which plainly showed how he had been employed. - "Will your
lordship grant permission," said IHeriot, "that I ask your groom a few
questions?"
"His lordship's page, Master George," answered Moniplies, with a nod
of acknowledgment, "if you are minded to speak according to the letter."
"HIold your saucy tongue," said his master, " and reply distinctly to the
questions you are to be asked."
"And truly, if it like your pageship," said the citizen, "for you may
remember I have a gift to discover falset."
" Weel, weel, weel," replied the domestic, somewhat embarrassed, in spite
of his effrontery -" though I think that the sort of truth that serves my
master, may weel serve ony ane else."
" Pages lie to their masters by right of custom," said the citizen; "and
you write yourself in that band, though I think you be among the oldest
of such springalds; but to me you must speak truth, if you would not have
it end in the whipping-post."
"And that's e'en a bad resting-place," said the well-grown page; "so
come away with your questions, Master George."
" Well, then," demanded the citizen, " I am given to understand that you
yesterday presented to his Majesty's hand a supplication, or petition, from
this honourable lord your master."
"Troth, there's nae gainsaying that, sir," replied Moniplies; "there was
enow to see it besides me."
" And you pretend that his Majesty flung it from him With contempt?"
said the citizen. " Take heed, for I have means of knowing the truth; and
you were better up to the neck in the Nor-Loch, which you like so well, than
tell a leasing where his Majesty's name is concerned."
"There is nae occasion for leasing-making about the matter," answered
Moniplies firmly; " his Majesty e'en flung it frae him as if it had dirtied
his fingers."
"You hear, sir," said Olifaunt, addressing Heriot.
" Hush!" said the sagacious citizen; "this fellow is not ill-named - lie
has more plies than one in his cloak.-Stay, fellow," for ND4niplies, mutter