He kept his eye fixed on his friend, as if he waited till he should complete his sentence, and at length exclaimed, "What! cousin, quite _a-la-mort!_ Oh, most judicious Julian! Oh, most precise Peveril! have you bestowed so much wisdom on me that you have none left for yourself?
Come, be frank--tell me name and place--or say but the colour of the eyes of the most emphatic she--or do but let me have the pleasure to hear thee say, 'I love!'-- confess one touch of human frailty--conjugate the verb _amo_, and I will be a gentle schoolmaster, and you shall have, as father Richards used to say, when we were under his ferule, '_licentia exeundi_.'" "Enjoy your pleasant humour at my expense, my lord," said Peveril; "I fairly will confess thus much, that I would fain, if it consisted with my honour and your safety, have two hours at my own disposal; the more especially as the manner in which I shall employ them may much concern the safety of the island." "Very likely, I dare say," answered the Earl, still laughing.

"No doubt you are summoned out by some Lady Politic Wouldbe of the isle, to talk over some of the breast-laws: but never mind--go, and go speedily, that you may return as quickly as possible.

I expect no immediate explosion of this grand conspiracy.

When the rogues see us on our guard, they will be cautious how they break out.

Only, once more make haste." Peveril thought this last advice was not to be neglected; and, glad to extricate himself from the raillery of his cousin, walked down towards the gate of the Castle, meaning to cross over to the village, and there take horse at the Earl's stables, for the place of rendezvous..