Annie placed the hand of Lilian within that of Clermistonlee; he pressed her to his heart, and she did not withdraw it; but burst into a passion of tears. He then threw his splendid chain, with its medal, around her bending neck, and pressed her to his breast, and so sudden was the revulsion of feeling that Lilian fainted.
An hour afterwards Clermistonlee, with all his embroidery glittering in the sun, was seen galloping back to the city like a madman; he dashed through the Portsburgh, and reined up near the Bowfoot, where, at the summit of a ten-storied edifice, dwelt Mr. Ichabod Bummel, minister of the Gospel.
"The father of confusion take your long stair! Why, Mr. Bummel, 'tis like a rascally old steeple," said the lord, breaking breathlessly in upon the lank-haired and long-visaged pastor, who was intent upon "The Hind let loose" of Alexander Sheills.
"Yea, a tower of Babel--but what hath procured me the honour of your lordship's visit?"
"By all the devils, don't think I am come to drub thee for that lecture on the cutty stool--ha, ha! I am about to be married, man--and want you to proclaim the banns and so forth--but my Lord Mersington will see after them for me."
"As my _Bombshell_ saith, marriage is an honourable and godly estate----"
"But a deuced poor one, sometimes, Mr. Ichabod. I am about to be married to Lilian, of Bruntisfield, and thou shalt espouse us, because the citizens hold thee to be their first preacher, and it will increase my influence among them."
"But, my Lord," began Mr. Ichabod, bowing.
"_But_ me nothing--'tis my non-attendance at kirk and my old tricks you aim at--pho! I am a thorough Reformado--but, Mr. Ichabod, hast never a drop of wine about thee?--'tis a hot forenoon."
"My dwelling contains nothing but water, and it is a plack the runlet in these dear years; but, my Lord," continued the divine, after sundry gasps and contortions of visage, "if I lend all my influence to render popular this intended espousal, whilk I perceive to be the main object of your visit, may I crave your Lordship's favour in another particular?"
"Command me in all things save my purse, for 'tis a mere vacuum, if thy philosophy will admit of such a thing. Say forth, my Apostle!"