But the library, into which he was shown by an elderly, respectable-looking man-servant, was a complete contrast to these unpromising appearances.

It was a well-proportioned room, hung with a portrait or two of Scottish characters of eminence, by Jamieson, the Caledonian Vandyke, and surrounded with books, the best editions of the best authors, and in particular an admirable collection of classics.
'These,' said Pleydell, 'are my tools of trade.

A lawyer without history or literature is a mechanic, a mere working mason; if he possesses some knowledge of these, he may venture to call himself an architect.' But Mannering was chiefly delighted with the view from the windows, which commanded that incomparable prospect of the ground between Edinburgh and the sea--the Firth of Forth, with its islands, the embayment which is terminated by the Law of North Berwick, and the varied shores of Fife to the northward, indenting with a hilly outline the clear blue horizon.
When Mr.Pleydell had sufficiently enjoyed the surprise of his guest, he called his attention to Miss Bertram's affairs.

'I was in hopes,' he said, 'though but faint, to have discovered some means of ascertaining her indefeasible right to this property of Singleside; but my researches have been in vain.

The old lady was certainly absolute fiar, and might dispose of it in full right of property.