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.

492 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
I was ignorant from whence you came, and now, I know not whither you
are going. It is not, perhaps, a very favourable point in your horoscope,
that every thing connected with you is a secret. But as I shall always
think with kindness on him whom I have known so long, so when you remember the old man, you ought not to forget that he has done his duty to
you, to the extent of his means and power, and taught you that noble profession, by means of which, wherever your lot casts you, you may always
gain your bread, and alleviate at the same time, the distresses of your
fellow creatures." Middlemas was excited by the simple kindness of his
master, and poured forth his thanks with the greater profusion, that he was
free from the terror of the emblematical collar and chain, which a moment
before seemed to glisten in the hand of his guardian, and gape to enclose
his neck.
"One word more," said Mr. Gray, producing a small ring-case. " This
valuable ring was forced upon me by your unfortunate mother. I have no
right to it, having been amply paid for my services; and I only accepted it
with the purpose of keeping it for you till this moment should arrive. It
may be useful, perhaps, should there occur any question about your
identity."
" Thanks, once more, my more than father, for this precious relic, which
may indeed be useful. You shall be repaid, if India has diamonds left."
"India, and diamonds!" said Gray. "Is your head turned, child?"
"I mean," stammered Middlemas, "if London has any Indian diamonds."
"Pooh! you foolish lad," answered Gray, "how should you buy diamonds, or what should I do with them, if you gave me ever so many? Get
you gone with you while I am angry." - The tears were glistening in the
old man's eyes-" If I get pleased with you again, I shall not know how to
part with you."
The parting of Middlemas with poor Menie was yet more affecting. Her
sorrow revived in his mind all the liveliness of a first love, and he redeemed
his character for sincere attachment, by not only imploring an instant union,
but even going so far as to propose renouncing his more splendid prospects,
and sharing Mr. Gray's humble toil, if by doing so he could secure his
daughter's hand. But though there was consolation in this testimony of
her lover's faith, Menie Gray was not so unwise as to accept of sacrifices
which might afterwards have been repented of.
" No, Richard," she said, "it seldom ends happily when people alter, in
a moment of agitated feeling, plans which might have been adopted under
mature deliberation. I have long seen that your views were extended far
beyond so humble a station as this place affords promise of. It is natural
they should do so, considering that the circumstances of your birth seemed
connected with riches and with rank. Go, then, seek that riches and rank.
It is possible your mind may be changed in the pursuit, and if so, think no
more about Menie Gray. But if it should be otherwise, we may meet again,
and do not believe for a moment that there can be a change in Menie Gray's
feelings towards you."
At this interview, much more was said than it is necessary to repeat,
much more thought than was actually said. Nurse Jamieson, in whose.chamber it took place, folded her bairns, as she called them, in her arms,
and declared that Heaven had made them for each other, and that she would
not ask of Heaven to live beyond the day when she should see them bridegroom and bride.
At length it became necessary that the parting scene should end; and
Richard Middlemas, mounting a horse which he had hired for the journey,
set off for Edinburgh, to which metropolis he had already forwarded his
heavy baggage. Upon the road the idea more than once occurred to him,
that even yet he had better return to Middlemas, and secure his happiness