Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 252: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

? _— SS) L- >. i - 4 oF at . ih ck ed > J ee me i. wel 3 JOSEPH WILMOT; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT. 239 a a... SS a a will be sent forth in honour of Sir Alexander Carrondale, —who will then be escorted to the Castle. ‘6 A festival worthy of the hospitalities of Inch Meth- glin, will be provided in the grand banqueting-room at seyen in the evening. An hour later, a repast will be given in the servants’ hall, to which every dependant of Inch Metbglin shall be freely welcome.” I have given this programme in its entirety, because its inflated pompousness and the rigid rules of etiquette therein laid down, will perhaps afford the reader a better insight into the true character of the Chief, than all I have yet written of him has been enabled to convey. The arrange- ments for the meeting of the two greatest poten- tates of the earth, could not haye been more seriously laid down nor more gravely detailed, than these for the interview of the Chief of Inch Methelin and Sir Alexander Carrondale. The hereditary feud was so intimately connected and so closely interwoven with all the traditions of the Inch Methglin family, that the Chief, in consenting to -yenounce it, evidently studied to perform his | sacrifice of some portion of his family pride. part with the least possible sacrifice of his own pride. He was to receive a sort of expiatory homage from Sir Alexander Carrondale, who was to make the first offer of the hand of friendship, and was to take a dozen paces towards Mr. Ven- nachar for every one that Mr. Vennachar was to take towards him. I must confess that, in my own heart, I was infinitely disgusted with the whole proceeding as laid down in the programme: but it was nevertheless cheering on the other hand to thin that I should witness the spectacle of a reconciliation between the representatives of two families which for ages past had been at daggers-drawn. Moreover I longed to behold this Sir Alexander Carrondale, of whom I had heard so much, and concerning whom my sympathies had been so profoundly excited. “As a matter of course,” said one of the do- ee Cameron, “ assured the Chief that no person bear- ing the name of Stuart might be expected at Inch Methglin.” During the few days which were to elapse ere the grand one fixed for the meeting, immense preparations were made at the castle for the ap-’ proaching ceremony. Messengers were despatched not merely to Perth, but lkewise to Edinburgh, to procure all conceivable kinds of delicacies, to be served up at the banqnet; the butler and his assistant passed hours in the cellar, selecting spe- cimens from the choicest bins; the barge was fitted up with new cushions: the banqueting- room was decorated with all the insignia—shields, banners, and escutcheons—of the Inch Methglin family: in short, it was evident enough that Mr. Vennachar was resolved to display all the pomps and ostentations of his hospitality on a scale so splendid and stupendous as to produce what he hoped would be the grandest effect. He was in @ measure indemnifying himself for the His honour had not permitted him to refuse the boon Donald Stuart claimed at his hand; and therefore had he found himself compelled to renounce that traditionary antipathy—or at least its outward manifestations—which was as much a part of his heritage as the castle and domains themselves. But in making these concessions, he not merely modelled the etiquette of the meeting so as to give it the appearance of a superior potentate re- ceiving the homage and the submission of a suc-’ cumbing rival,—but he was now bent upon over- whelming that rival with the dazzling glare and splendid substantialities of his. magnificent hos- pitality. During the few days which elapsed since I had given Miss Vennachar Donald’s note and received her answer to enclose for him, I had no oppor- tunity of observing how she looked, nor of judging mestics, while a group of us was engaged in read- | by her aspect to what extent she still entertained ing the programme, “ Mr. Stuart himself will not | the hopes which her lover’s communication had accompany Sir Alexander as one of his suite, evidently encouraged. The castle was thronged although it is believed he is the Baronet’s private | with guests; and Emmeline, as the only lady of secretary.” “ Of course he can’t come!” exclaimed Cameron, almost indignant at the idea of there being any doubt upon the subject. “Why do you speak so positively, Cameron ?” I asked, drawing him aside. the Chief’s household, had enough to do in per- forming the honours of the mansion. The eventful day arrived. At that season of the year, the weather in the Highlands is seldom favourable, but for the most part raw and misty. “F am well aware | Such too it had been for the last few days: but it that Mr. Stuart’s proper feelings of delicacy will | appeared as if heaven itself purposed to smile prevent him from intruding at Inch Methglin | —and not merely his delicacy, but also his pride.” “ Pride indeed!” ejaculated Cameron contemptu- ously: “ what pride can such a beggar as he pos- sess? I should lke him to show his nose here: the right-about ! speak so positively on the point? Because I over- heard the Chief say to Mr. Lennpx that in the letter he had written to Sir Alexander Carrondale, he had intimated that Sir Alexander’s suite, how- ever numerous, would find hospitable accommoda- tion at the castle—but that for certain reasons, it was requested Mr. Stuart might not be included in that suite.” - © Well, Sir Alexander Carrondale’s answer came this morning,” I observed; “and it was imme- diately followed by the issue of the programme.” Sir Alexander Carrondale’s letter,” continued | I think Mr. Lennox would very, soon send him to | traordinary power for that season; and the lake But you asked me how I could | j expected visitor, it was everywhere removed in the upon the deeds of the one that now dawned. The morning mists were gradually dispersed by a fresh bracing breeze: the clouds rolled away from the face of the sky, leaving it the semblance of a canopy of purest blue. The sun shone with ex- in its ripples seemed wreathing with smiles. That the appearance of the programme posted about the premises, might not give offence to the morning of the memorable day: but its details were impressed on the minds of all who had any concern in obeying it. Soon after eleven o’clock the twelve bargemen entered the state-boat, at the’ head of which a flag was flying; and they rowed across the loch to the jetty on that bank. The Chief, Lennox, Emmeline, and the numerous com- pany, not forgetting Ivor and Lochiel, were all arrayed in their best and gayest-apparel: while Oe a ED a i 0)(0Y0) <S (CO) im