"We are on the road to Leith, I observe," answered Morton. "Can I not be permitted to see my friends ere I leave my native land".
"Your uncle," replied Grahame, "has been spoken with, and declines visiting you. The good gentleman is terrified, and not without good reason, that the crime of your treason may extend itself over his lands and tenements—he sends you, however, his blessing and a small sum of money. Lord Evandale continues extremely indisposed. Major Bellenden is at Tillietudlem putting matters in order. The scoundrels have made great havoc there with Lady Margaret's muniments of antiquity, and have destroyed what the good lady called the Throne of his most Sacred Majesty. Is there any one else whom you would wish to see?"
Morton sighed deeply as he answered "No—it would avail nothing—but my preparations, small as they are, some must be necessary."
