The monastery; The abbot.

806 WAVE-R LEY NOVELS.
been called pickthank and tale-pyet for my pains, as when I told of Roland
Greme shooting the wild swan."
Master Wingate was somewhat dismayed at perceiving, that the details
which he had given of his far-sighted political views had produced on his
hearer rather suspicion of his fidelity, than admiration of his wisdom, and
endeavoured, as hastily as possible, to apologize and to explain, although
internally extremely offended at the unreasonable view, as he deemed it,
which it had pleased Mistress Lilias Bradbourne to take of his expressions;
*and mentally convinced that her disapprobation of his sentiments arose
solely out of the consideration, that though Father Ambrose, supposing
him to become the master of the castle, would certainly require the services of a steward, yet- those of a waiting-woman would, in the supposed
circumstances, be altogether superfluous.
After his explanation had been received as explanations usually are, the
two friends separated; Lilias to attend the silver whistle which called her
to her mistress's chamber, and the sapient major-domo to the duties of his
own department. They parted with less than their usual degree of reverence and regard; for the steward felt that his worldly wisdom was rebuked
by the more disinterested attachment of the waiting-woman, and Mistress
Lilias Bradbourne was compelled to consider her old friend as something
little better than a time-server.
When I hae a saxpence under my thumb,
Then I get credit in ilka town;
But when I am puir they bid me gae byOh, poverty parts good company!
OLD SONG.
WHILE the departure of the page afforded subject for the conversation
which we have detailed in our last chapter, the late favourite was far
advanced on his solitary journey, without well knowing what was its object,
or what was likely to be its end. lie had rowed the skiff in which he left
the castle, to the side of the lake wnost distant from the village, with the
desire of escaping from the notice of the inhabitants. His pride whispered,
that he would be, in his discarded state, only the subject of their wonder
and compassion; and his generosity told him, that any mark of sympathy
which his situation should excite, might be unfavourably reported at the
castle. A trifling incident convinced him he had little to fear for his friends
on the latter score. He was met by a young man some years older than
himself, who had on former occasions been but too happy to be permitted
to share in his sports in the subordinate character of his assistant. Ralph
Fisher approached to greet him, with all the alacrity of an humble friend.
"What, Master Roland, abroad on this side, and without either hawk or
hound?"
" Hawk or hound," said Roland, " I will never perhaps hollo to again. I
have been dismissed- that is, I have left the castle."
Ralph was surprised. " What! you are to pass into the Knight's service,
and take the black jack and the lance?"
"Indeed," replied Roland Graeme, "I am not — I am now leaving the
service of Avenel for ever."
And whither are you going, then?" said the young peasant.