Oldbuck observed, that the dress he wore belonged to a deep mourning suit, and a coat of the same colour hung on a chair near to him.

As the Antiquary entered, Lovel arose and came forward to welcome him.
"This is very kind," he said, shaking him by the hand, and thanking him warmly for his visit--"this is very kind, and has anticipated a visit with which I intended to trouble you.

You must know I have become a horseman lately." "I understand as much from Mrs.Hadoway--I only hope, my good young friend, you have been fortunate in a quiet horse.

I myself inadvertently bought one from the said Gibbie Golightly, which brute ran two miles on end with me after a pack of hounds, with which I had no more to do than the last year's snow; and after affording infinite amusement, I suppose, to the whole hunting field, he was so good as to deposit me in a dry ditch--I hope yours is a more peaceful beast ?" "I hope, at least, we shall make our excursions on a better plan of mutual understanding." "That is to say, you think yourself a good horseman ?" "I would not willingly," answered Lovel, "confess myself a very bad one." "No--all you young fellows think that would be equal to calling yourselves tailors at once--But have you had experience?
for, crede experto, a horse in a passion is no joker." "Why, I should be sorry to boast myself as a great horseman; but when I acted as aide-de-camp to Sir----in the cavalry action at--, last year, I saw many better cavaliers than myself dismounted." "Ah! you have looked in the face of the grisly god of arms then ?--you are acquainted with the frowns of Mars armipotent?
That experience fills up the measure of your qualifications for the epopea! The Britons, however, you will remember, fought in chariots--covinarii is the phrase of Tacitus;--you recollect the fine description of their dashing among the Roman infantry, although the historian tells us how ill the rugged face of the ground was calculated for equestrian combat; and truly, upon the whole, what sort of chariots could be driven in Scotland anywhere but on turnpike roads, has been to me always matter of amazement.

And well now--has the Muse visited you ?--have you got anything to show me ?" "My time," said Lovel, with a glance at his black dress, "has been less pleasantly employed." "The death of a friend ?" said the Antiquary.
"Yes, Mr.Oldbuck--of almost the only friend I could ever boast of possessing." "Indeed?
Well, young man," replied his visitor, in a tone of seriousness very different from his affected gravity, "be comforted.