cognized the voice of the old steward. He rose
abruptly, and stood motionless and aghast; his eyes met those of
Lady Westborough, who, pale and agitated, lost for the moment all her
habitual self-command. The sound increased: Clarence rushed from the
room into the hall; the open door of the apartment revealed to Lady
Westborough, as to him, a sight which allowed her no further time for
hesitation. She hurried after Clarence into the hall, gave one look,
uttered one shriek of horror, and fainted.
CHAPTER LXXVIII.
Iden.--But thou wilt brave me in these saucy terms. Cade.--
Brave thee I ay, by the best blood that ever was broached,
and beard thee too.--SHAKSPEARE.
"You see, my lord," said Mr. Glumford to Lord Ulswater, as they rode
slowly on, "that as long as those rebellious scoundrels are indulged in
their spoutings and meetings, and that sort of thing, that--that there
will be no bearing them."
"Very judiciously remarked, sir," replied Lord Ulswater. "I wish all
gentlemen of birth and consideration viewed the question in the same
calm, dispassionate, and profound light that you do. Would to Heaven
it were left to me to clear the country of those mutinous and dangerous
rascals: I would make speedy and sure work of it."
"I am certain you would, my lord; I am certain you would. It is a
thousand pities that pompous fellow Mordaunt interfered yesterday, with
his moderation, and policy, and all that sort of thing; so foolish,
you know, my lord,--mere theory and romance, and that sort of thing: we
should have had it all our own way, if he had not."
Lord Ulswater played with his riding-whip, but did not reply. Mr.
Glumford continued,--
"Pray, my lord, did your lordship see what an ugly ill-dressed set
of dogs those meetingers were; that Wolfe, above all? Oh, he's a
horrid-looking fellow. By the by, he left the town this very morning; I
saw him take leave of his friends in the street just before I set out.
He is going to some other meeting,--on foot too. Only think of the folly
of talking about the policy and prudence and humanity, and that sort
of thing, of sparing such a pitiful poor fellow as that; can't afford a
chaise, or a stage-coach even, my lord,--positively can't."
"You see the matter exactly in its true light, Mr. Glumford," said his
lordship, patting his fine horse, which was somewhat impatient of the
slow pace of its companion.
"A very beautiful animal of your lordship," said
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