CHAPTER THIRTEENTH.
-- The time was that I hated thee, And yet it is not that I bear thee love.
Thy company, which erst was irksome to me, I will endure-- But do not look for further recompense.
As You Like It.
Miss Isabella Wardour's complexion was considerably heightened, when, after the delay necessary to arrange her ideas, she presented herself in the drawing-room.
"I am glad you are come, my fair foe," said the Antiquary greeting her with much kindness, "for I have had a most refractory, or at least negligent auditor, in my young friend here, while I endeavoured to make him acquainted with the history of Knockwinnock Castle.

I think the danger of last night has mazed the poor lad.

But you, Miss Isabel,--why, you look as if flying through the night air had been your natural and most congenial occupation; your colour is even better than when you honoured my hospitium yesterday.

And Sir Arthur--how fares my good old friend ?" "Indifferently well, Mr.Oldbuck; but I am afraid, not quite able to receive your congratulations, or to pay--to pay--Mr.Lovel his thanks for his unparalleled exertions." "I dare say not--A good down pillow for his good white head were more meet than a couch so churlish as Bessy's-apron, plague on her!" "I had no thought of intruding," said Lovel, looking upon the ground, and speaking with hesitation and suppressed emotion; "I did not--did not mean to intrude upon Sir Arthur or Miss Wardour the presence of one who--who must necessarily be unwelcome--as associated, I mean, with painful reflections." "Do not think my father so unjust and ungrateful," said Miss Wardour.

"I dare say," she continued, participating in Lovel's embarrassment--"I dare say--I am certain--that my father would be happy to show his gratitude--in any way--that is, which Mr.Lovel could consider it as proper to point out." "Why the deuce," interrupted Oldbuck, "what sort of a qualification is that ?--On my word, it reminds me of our minister, who, choosing, like a formal old fop as he is, to drink to my sister's inclinations, thought it necessary to add the saving clause, Provided, madam, they be virtuous.