``And in all probability the steward your lordship mentions is also in his service,'' said the Antiquary.
``It is most likely; and the man being a Protestant--how far it is safe to entrust him''--``I should hope, my lord,'' said Oldbuck gravely, ``that a Protestant may be as trustworthy as a Catholic.I am doubly interested in the Protestant faith, my lord.My ancestor, Aldobrand Oldenbuck, printed the celebrated Confession of Augsburg, as I can show by the original edition now in this house.''
``I have not the least doubt of what you say, Mr.Oldbuck,''
replied the Earl, ``nor do I speak out of bigotry or intolerance;but probably the Protestant steward will favour the Protestant heir rather than the Catholic--if, indeed, my son has been bred in his father's faith--or, alas! if indeed he yet lives.''
``We must look close into this,'' said Oldbuck, ``before committing ourselves.I have a literary friend at York, with whom I have long corresponded on the subject of the Saxon horn that is preserved in the Minster there; we interchanged letters for six years, and have only as yet been able to settle the first line of the inscription.I will write forthwith to this gentleman, Dr.Dryasdust, and be particular in my inquiries concerning the character, etc., of your brother's heir, of the gentleman employed in his affairs, and what else may be likely to further your lordship's inquiries.In the meantime your lordship will collect the evidence of the marriage, which I hope can still be recovered?''
``Unquestionably,'' replied the Earl: ``the witnesses, who were formerly withdrawn from your research, are still living.
My tutor, who solemnized the marriage, was provided for by a living in France, and has lately returned to this country as an emigrant, a victim of his zeal for loyalty, legitimacy, and religion.''
``That's one lucky consequence of the French, revolution, my lord--you must allow that, at least,'' said Oldbuck: ``but no offence; I will act as warmly in your affairs as if I were of your own faith in politics and religion.And take my advice--If you want an affair of consequence properly managed, put it into the hands of an antiquary; for as they are eternally exercising their genius and research upon trifles, it is impossible they can be baffled in affairs of importance;--use makes perfect--and the corps that is most frequently drilled upon the parade, will be most prompt in its exercise upon the day of battle.And, talking upon that subject, I would willingly read to your lordship, in order to pass away the time betwixt and supper''--``I beg I may not interfere with family arrangements,'' said Lord Glenallan, ``but I never taste anything after sunset.''
``Nor I either, my lord,'' answered his host, ``notwithstanding it is said to have been the custom of the ancients.But then Idine differently from your lordship, and therefore am better enabled to dispense with those elaborate entertainments which my womankind (that is, my sister and niece, my lord) are apt to place on the table, for the display rather of their own house-wifery than the accommodation of our wants.However, a broiled bone, or a smoked haddock, or an oyster, or a slice of bacon of our own curing, with a toast and a tankard--or something or other of that sort, to close the orifice of the stomach before going to bed, does not fall under my restriction, nor, I hope, under your lordship's.''
``My no-supper is literal, Mr.Oldbuck; but I will attend you at your meal with pleasure.''