"In respect of your grey hairs," said Jasper, gravely, "I remit the imputation cast upon my fatuity, and forgive the of

fence."

"He hath made a god of Baal," exclaimed Balthazar -" he hath become a follower of Mammon."

"for

"And that," continued Jasper, unmindful of this last interruption, such lengthened period as may be agreeable to both in the point of service, each covenanting to give the other one month's warning in the event of dismissal."

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Agreed, agreed, Jasper," exclaimed the light-hearted Sir Percy, laughing. "And I pray you, in the event of cause for my dismissal, as you term it, chancing to happen, use your power with all proper lenity, and judge me with discretion."

"It is my bounden duty that I should so do to your worship, in respect that I now am, as it were, of your following or household."

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And, as earnest of your future service, accept of a month's pay in advance,"

said Sir Percy, as he pitched a brace of golden nobles to the light-eyed soldado, who caught them with a dexterity which the stiffness of his armour might have warranted one in supposing he could scarcely have exerted in any other cause.

"And these terms being settled to my contentation, as they doubtless also are to that of your honoured worship," said Jasper, "I shall forthwith proceed to enquire into the efficiency of the various equipments pertaining to your estate — in the first place, accompanying this worthy domestic, Master Balthazar by name, to a convenient ensconcement, where a slight refection may be made, and a reasonable quantity of provend stored against the fatigues of the coming enquiry."

As he spoke, the man-at-arms turned round and marched out of the room with the same imperturbable gravity with which he had entered it.

"He seemeth unto me like a partan in its shell," said Balthazar, as with a slow

and measured step he followed his clattering conductor.

"And good Balthazar," the soldier was overheard to say, as he descended the wooden stair, "if ye have aught beside you in the shape of a venison pasty, I shall undertake to shew you in miniature and mimicry, the demolition of the famous fortress of Bangtagen, on the outposts of Bray, and the mode of attack made by the hellicate Emperor, with the position of the two flanking towers thrown up by that flower of chivalry, the renowned Francis, -the whilk, good Master Balthazar, may very appropriately be depicted by two quart flagons of muscatel or sack, and —”

The voice died away in the distance, being only occasionally interrupted by the slow and methodical attempts of Balthazar to stay the volubility of the speaker.

"It is an absurd and foolish accusation," Sir Percy at length uttered, as he turned abruptly round to face the old man.

"The saints defend us, Sir Percy!—what

mean you?" said Polwarth, crossing himself, and looking apprehensively around.

That you do not believe in the truth of the accusation, Polwarth, nor in the existence of this fancied crime."

"Pater noster qui es-" exclaimed the old man, mumbling his prayers with fearful rapidity, and repeating the sign of the cross as fast as his trembling hands could

move.

"I pray, of you, young man, avoid such language in this house. Heaven defend us!-you know not who may hear."

"I know this one thing, however, Polwarth," said the heedless youth, "that your fancied witchcraft is the undoubted effect of either melancholy, madness, or some other disease of a morbid brain;and this I also know, that, in my day at least, the fair Lady Glammis was neither mad nor melancholy.”

"No-No," answered the old man, shaking his head" you are wrong, Sir Percy far, far wrong. No human being naturally mad was ever guilty of the fear

ful plunge. The devil by his allurements only seduces those who can freely consent to the damnation of their own souls."

"Pshaw! nonsense, old man!" exclaimed Sir Percy impatiently; can you for an instant imagine that one so fair and beautiful, on whose heart and life the stamp of angel purity was imprest, could enter into compacts with Satan, or consent to the damnation of her own soul? Truly I believe you are bewitched yourself.”

"It matters not - it matters not," said the old man "she is accused — that is

enough enough in all conscience, for none so accused were ever known to escape. Sir Percy, be advised, and do not run your head into the lion's mouth. Your name, your family, are banished from the land, and what good can your interference do?"

"But James," said Sir Percy," is a just and gracious monarch. I have not been banished I have done him no injury, and he will not visit the sins of the fathers upon their children."

"He hath sworn that, while he lives,