I wish I may be able to help you to an interview with him, for he belongs to a set of gentlemen whose duty is strict, and who do not often come out of garrison, unless in the immediate attendance on the King's person .-- And now, young man, answer me one question.

I will wager you are desirous to take service with your uncle in the Scottish Guard.

It is a great thing, if you propose so; especially as you are very young, and some years' experience is necessary for the high office which you aim at." "Perhaps I may have thought on some such thing," said Durward, carelessly; "but if I did, the fancy is off." "How so, young man ?" said the Frenchman, something sternly, "Do you speak thus of a charge which the most noble of your countrymen feel themselves emulous to be admitted to ?" "I wish them joy of it," said Quentin, composedly.

"To speak plain, I should have liked the service of the French King full well; only, dress me as fine and feed me as high as you will, I love the open air better than being shut up in a cage or a swallow's nest yonder, as you call these same grated pepper boxes.

Besides," he added, in a lower voice, "to speak truth, I love not the Castle when the covin tree bears such acorns as I see yonder." [The large tree in front of a Scottish castle was sometimes called so.
It is difficult to trace the derivation; but at that distance from the castle the laird received guests of rank, and thither he conveyed them on their departure.