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.

ROB ROY. 143
tious scheme of plundering-his benefactor, what prospect is there that I can
find means of frustrating a plan so deeply laid?"'The prospect," she replied, "indeed, may be uncertain; but, on the
other hand, there is no possibility of your doing any service to your father
by remaining here. Remember, had you been on the post destined for you,
this disaster could not have happened: hasten to that which is now pointed
out, and it may possibly be retrieved. - Yet stay - do not leave this room
until I return."
She left me in confusion and amazement; amid which, however, I could
find a lucid interval to admire the firmness, composure, and presence of
mind which Miss Vernon seemed to possess on every crisis, however sudden.
In a few minutes she returned with a sheet of paper in her hand, folded
and sealed like a letter, but without address. "I trust. you," she said,
" with this proof of my friendship, because -I have the most perfect confidence in your honour. If I understand the nature of your distress rightly,
the funds in Rashleigh's possession must be recovered by a certain daythe 12th of September, I think, is named-in order that they may be applied
to pay the bills in question; and, consequently, that if adequate funds be
provided before that period, your father's credit is safe from the apprehended calamity."
"Certainly-I so understand Mr. Tresham"-I looked at your father's
letter again, and added, " There cannot be a doubt of it."
"Well," said Diana, "in that case my little Pacolet may be of use to you.
You have heard of a spell contained in a letter. Take this packet; do not
open it until other and ordinary means have failed. If you succeed by your
own exertions, I trust to your honour for destroying it without opening or
suffering it to be opened; —but if not, you may break the seal within ten
days of the fated day, and you will find directions which may possibly be
of service to you. Adieu, Frank; we never meet more —but sometimes
think of your friend Die Vernon."
She extended her hand, but I clasped her to my bosom. She sighed as
she extricated herself from the embrace which she permitted -escaped to
the door which led to her own apartment,-and I saw her no more.
And hurry, hurry, off they rode,
As fast as fast might be;
Hurra, hurra, the dead can ride,
Dost fear to ride with me?
BURGER.
TnERE is one advantage in an accumulation of evils, differing in cause
and character, that the distraction which they afford'by their contradictory
operation prevents the patient from being overwhelmed under either. I
was deeply grieved at my separation from Miss Vernon, yet not so much so
as I should have been, had not my father's apprehended distresses forced
themselves on my attention; and I was distressed by the news of Mr. Tresham, yet less so than if they had fully occupied my mind. I was neither
a false' lover nor an unfeeling son; but man can give but a certain portion
of distressful emotions to the causes which demand them; and if two operate
at once, our sympathy, like the funds of a compounding bankrupt, can only
be divided between them. Such were my reflections when I gained my