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.

118 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
clined yesterday to answer certain inquiries which he conceived himself
entitled to make respecting a gentleman whom he found in intimate society
with his family."
" May I ask, if you, Mr. Lesley, would have inclined to satisfy interrogatories so haughtily and unceremoniously put to you?"
"Perhaps not; —and therefore, as I know the warmth of my friend
M'Intyre on such occasions, I feel very desirous of acting as peacemaker.
From Mr. Lovel's very gentleman-like manners, every one must strongly
wish to see him repel all that sort of dubious calumny which will attach
itself to one whose situation is not fully explained. If he will permit me,
in friendly conciliation, to inform Captain M'Intyre of his real name, for
we are led to conclude that of Lovel is assumed"
"I beg your pardon, sir, but I cannot admit that inference."
"-Or at least," said Lesley, proceeding, "that it is not the name by
which Mr. Lovol has been at all times distinguished-if Mr. Level will have
the goodness to explain this circumstance, which, in my opinion, he should do
in justice to his own character, I will answer for the amicable arrangement
of this unpleasant business."
"Which is to say, Mr. Lesley, that if I condescend to answer questions
which no man has a right to ask, and which are now put to me under
penalty of Captain M'Intyre's resentment, Captain M'Intyre will condescend to rest satisfied? Mr. Lesley, I have just one word to say on this
subjects-I have no doubt my secret, if I had one, might be safely entrusted
to your honour, but I do not feel called upon to satisfy the curiosity of any
one. Captain M'Intyre met mne in society which of itself was a warrant to
all the world, and particularly ought to be such to him, that I was a gentleman. He has, in my opinion, no right to go any further, or to inquire
the pedigree, rank, or circumstances, of a stranger, who, without seeking
any intimate connexion with him, or his, chances to dine -with his uncle, or
walk in company with his sister."
"In that case, Captain M'Intyre requests you to be informed, that your
farther visits at Monkbarns, and all connexion with t iss M'Intyre, must be
dropt, as disagreeable to him."
"I shall certainly," said Level, "visit IMr. Oldbuck when it suits me,
without paying the least respect to his nephew's threats or irritable feelings. I respect the young lady's name too much (though nothing can be
slighter than our acquaintance) to introduce it into such a discussion."
"Since that is your resolution, sir," answered Lesley, " Captain AM'Intyre
requests that Mr. Lovel, unless he wishes to be announced as a very dubious
character, will favour him with a meeting this evening, at seven, at the
thorn-tree in the little valley close by the ruins of St. Ruth."
"Most unquestionably, I will wait upon him. There is only one difficulty-I must find a friend to accompany me, and where to seek one on this
short notice, as I have no acquaintance in Fairport-I will be on the
spot, however-Captain M'Intyre may be assured of that."
Lesley had taken his hat, and was as far as the door of the apartment,
when, as if moved by the peculiarity of Lovel's situation, he returned, and
thus addressed him: " Mr. Lovel, there is something so singular in all this,
that I cannot help again resuming the argument. You must be yourself
aware at this moment of the inconvenience of your preserving an incognito,
for which, I am convinced, there can be no dishonourable reason. Still,
this mystery renders it difficult for you to procure the assistance of a friend
in a crisis so delicate - nay, let me add, that many persons will even consider it as a piece of Quixotry in M'Intyre to give you a meeting, while
your character and circumstances are involved in such obscurity."
" I understand your inuendo, Mr. Lesley," rejoined Leovel; " and though
I might be offended at its severity, I am not so, because it is meant'kindly.
But, in my opinion, he is entitled to all the privileges of a gentleman, to