Chapter 33 - Page 2

calling
to account the man who has offered this unparalleled affront to my
family." "Be patient, gentlemen," said Ravenswood, turning sternly
towards them, and waving his hand as if to impose silence on their
altercation. "If you are as weary of your lives as I am, I will find
time and place to pledge mine against one or both; at present, I have no
leisure for the disputes of triflers."

"Triflers!" echoed Colonel Ashton, half unsheathing his sword, while
Bucklaw laid his hand on the hilt of that which Craigengelt had just
reached him.

Sir William Ashton, alarmed for his son's safety, rushed between the
young men and Ravenswood, exclaiming: "My son, I command you--Bucklaw, I
entreat you--keep the peace, in the name of the Queen and of the law!"

"In the name of the law of God," said Bide-the-Bent, advancing also with
uplifted hands between Bucklaw, the Colonel, and the object of their
resentment--"in the name of Him who brought peace on earth and good-will
to mankind, I implore--I beseech--I command you to forbear violence
towards each other! God hateth the bloodthirsty man; he who striketh
with the sword shall perish with the sword."

"Do you take me for a dog, sir" said Colonel Ashton, turning fiercely
upon him, "or something more brutally stupid, to endure this insult in
my father's house? Let me go, Bucklaw! He shall account to me, or, by
Heavens, I will stab him where he stands!"

"You shall not touch him here," said Bucklaw; "he once gave me my
life, and were he the devil come to fly away with the whole house and
generation, he shall have nothing but fair play."

The passions of the two young men thus counteracting each other
gave Ravenswood leisure to exclaim, in a stern and steady voice:
"Silence!--let him who really seeks danger take the fitting time when
it is to be found; my mission here will be shortly accomplished. Is THAT
your handwriting, madam?" he added in a softer tone, extending towards
Miss Ashton her last letter.

A faltering "Yes" seemed rather to escape from her lips than to be
uttered as a voluntary answer.

"And is THIS also your handwriting?" extending towards her the mutual
engagement.

Lucy remained silent. Terror, and a yet stronger and more confused
feeling, so utterly disturbed her understanding that she probably
scarcely comprehended the question that was put to her.

"If you design," said Sir William Ashton, "to found any legal claim on
that paper, sir, do not expect to receive any answer to an extrajudicial
question."

"Sir William Ashton," said Ravenswood, "I