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.

666 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
and defence of a fortified place. The danger, in short, whatever might have
been its actual degree, had disappeared as suddenly as a bubble upon the
water, when broken by a casual touch, and had left as little trace behind
it. It became, therefore, matter of much doubt, whether it had ever actually
existed.
While various reports were making from without, and while their tenor
was discussed by the King, and such nobles and statesmen as he thought
proper to consult on the occasion, a gradual sadness and anxiety mingled
with, and finally silenced, the mirth of the evening. All became sensible
that something unusual was going forward; and the unwonted distance
which Charles maintained from his guests, while it added greatly to the
dulness that began to predominate in the presence-chamber, gave intimation
that something unusual was labouring in the King's mind.
Thus play was neglected - the music was silent, or played without being
heard- gallants ceased to make compliments, and ladies to expect them;
and a sort of apprehensive curiosity pervaded the circle. Each asked the
others why they were grave; and no answer was returned, any more than
could have been rendered by a herd of cattle instinctively disturbed by the
approach of a thunder-storm.
To add to the general apprehension, it began to be whispered, that one or
two of the guests, who were desirous of leaving the palace, had been informed no one could be permitted to retire until the general hour of dismissal. And these, gliding back into the hall, commnunicated in whispers
that the sentinels at the gates were doubled, and that there was a troop of
the Horse Guards drawn up in the court - circumstances so unusual, as to
excite the most anxious curiosity.
Such was the state of the Court, when wheels were heard without, and
the bustle which took place denoted the arrival of some person of consequence.
"Here comes Chiffinch," said the King, " with his prey in his clutch."
It was indeed the Duke of Buckingham; nor did he approach the royal
presence without emotion. On entering the court, the fiambeaux which
were borne around the carriage gleamed on the scarlet coats, laced hats,
and drawn broadswords of the Horse Guards - a sight unusual, and calculated to strike terror into a conscience which was none of the clearest.
The Duke alighted from the carriage, and only said to the officer, whom
he saw upon duty, "You are late under arms to-night, Captain Carleton."
"Such are our orders, sir," answered Carleton, with military brevity; and
then commanded the four dismounted sentinels at the under gate to make
way for the Duke of Buckingham. His Grace had no sooner entered, than
he heard behind him the command, " Move close up, sentinels - closer yet
to the gate." And he felt as if all chance of rescue were excluded by the
sound.
As he advanced up the grand staircase, there were other symptoms of
alarm and precaution. The Yeomen of the Guard were mustered in unusual
numbers, and carried carabines instead of their halberds; and the Gentlemen Pensioners, with their partisans, appeared also in proportional force.
In short, all that sort of defence which the royal household possesses within
itself, seemed, for some hasty and urgent reason, to have been placed under
arms, and upon duty.
Buckingharn ascended the royal staircase with an eye attentive to these
preparations, and a step steady and slow, as if he counted each step on
which he trode. "Who," he asked himself, " shall ensure Christian's fidelity?
Let him but stand fast and we are secure. Otherwise- "
As he shaped the alternative, he entered the presence-chamber.
The King stood in the midst of the apartment, surrounded by the personages with whom he had been consulting. The rest of the brilliant assembly,
scattered into groups, looked on at some distance. All were silent when