"I trust so too, Mr. Sampson," said Pleydell; "but we must use the means; and I am afraid we shall have more difficulty in procuring them than I at first thought.--But a faint heart never won a fair lady--and, by the way (apart to Miss Mannering, while Bertram was engaged with his sister), there's a vindication of Holland for you! what smart fellows do you think Leyden and Utrecht must send forth, when such a very genteel and handsome young man comes from the paltry schools of Middleburgh?" "Of a verity," said the Dominie, jealous of the reputation of the Dutch seminary,--"of a verity, Mr. Pleydell, but I make it known to you that I myself laid the foundation of his education." "True, my dear Dominie," answered the advocate, "that accounts for his proficiency in the graces, without question--but here comes your carriage, Colonel. Adieu, young folks: Miss Julia, keep your heart till I come back again--let there be nothing done to prejudice my right, whilst I am non volens agere." Their reception at Hazlewood House was more cold and formal than usual; for in general the Baronet expressed great respect for Colonel Mannering, and Mr. Pleydell, besides being a man of good family and of high general estimation, was Sir Robert's old friend. But now he seemed dry and embarrassed in his manner. "He would willingly," he said, "receive bail, notwithstanding that the offence had been directly perpetrated, committed, and done, against young Hazlewood of Hazlewood; but the young man had given himself a fictitious description, and was altogether that sort of person, who should not be liberated, discharged, or let loose upon society; and therefore--" "I hope, Sir Robert Hazlewood," said the Colonel, you do not mean to doubt my word, when I assure you that he served under me as a cadet in India?" "By no means or account whatsoever. But you call him a cadet; now he says, avers, and upholds, that he was a captain, or held a troop in your regiment." "He was promoted since I gave up the command." "But you must have heard of it?" "No. I returned on account of family circumstances from India, and have not since been solicitous to hear particular news from the regiment; the name of Brown, too, is so common, that I might have seen his promotion in the Gazette without noticing it. But a day or two will bring letters from his commanding officer." "But I am told and informed, Mr. Pleydell," answered Sir Robert, still hesitating, "that he does not mean to abide by this name of Brown, but is to set up a claim to the estate of Ellangowan, under the name of Bertram." "Ay, who says that?" said the counsellor. "Or," demanded the soldier, "whoever says so, does that give a right to keep him in prison?" "Hush, Colonel," said the lawyer; "I am sure you would not, any more than I, countenance him, if he prove an impostor. --And, among friends, who informed you of this, Sir Robert?"