Page:Guy Mannering Vol 2.djvu/293

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GUY MANNERING.
283

but with all that, shewing only the formality of manner, by no means that of awkwardness; a countenance, the expressive and somewhat comic features of which were in complete repose,–all shewed a being perfectly different from the choice spirit of the evening before. A glance of shrewd and piercing fire in his eye was the only marked expression which recalled the man of "Saturday at e'en."

"I am come," said he with a very polite address, "to use my regal authority in your behalf in spirituals as well as temporals—can I accompany you to the presbyterian kirk, or episcopal meeting-house?–Tros Tyriusve, a lawyer, you know, is of both religions, or rather I should say of both forms—or can I assist in passing the forenoon otherwise ? You'll excuse my old-fashioned importunity—I was born in a time when a Scotchman was thought inhospitable if he left a guest alone a moment, except when he slept—but I trust you will tell me at once if I intrude."