Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 1 - 1819.djvu/297

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THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR.
287

of yore to the Master's grandmother, and had figured in the court-balls of Henrietta Maria, went to attend her as lady's-maid. He next enquired after Bucklaw, and understanding he was at the Change-house with the huntsmen and some companions, he desired Caleb to call there and acquaint him how he was circumstanced at Wolf's-Crag—to intimate to him it would be most convenient if he could find a bed in the hamlet, as the elder guest must necessarily be quartered in the secret chamber, the only spare bed-room which could be made fit to receive him. The Master saw no hardship in passing the night by the hall fire, wrapt in his campaign-cloak; and to Scottish domestics of the day, even of the highest rank, nay, to young men of family or fashion, on any pinch, clean straw, or a dry hay-loft, was always held good night-quarters.

For the rest, Lockhard had his master's orders to bring some venison from the inn, and Caleb was to trust to his wits for the