for, if the common and ordinary tradition be rejected. In short,
all the rest of this striking locality is so true to the historical
fact, that I think it may well bear out the additional circumstance
of the blood on the floor."

"I profess to you," answered Mrs. Baliol, "that I am very willing
to be converted to your faith. We talk of a credulous vulgar, without
always recollecting that there is a vulgar incredulity, which, in
historical matters as well as in those of religion, finds it easier
to doubt than to examine, and endeavours to assume the credit of
an esprit fort, by denying whatever happens to be a little beyond
the very limited comprehension of the sceptic. And so, that point
being settled, and you possessing, as we understand, the open
sesamum into these secret apartments, how, if we may ask, do you
intend to avail yourself of your privilege? Do you propose to pass
the night in the royal bedchamber?"

"For what purpose, my dear lady? If to improve the rheumatism, this
east wind may serve the purpose."

"Improve the rheumatism! Heaven forbid! that would be worse than
adding colours to the violet. No, I mean to recommend a night on the
couch of the nose of Scotland, merely to improve the imagination. Who
knows what dreams might be produced by a night spent in a mansion
of so many memories! For aught I know, the iron door of the postern
stair might open at the dead hour of midnight, and, as at the time
of the conspiracy, forth might sally the phantom assassins, with
stealthy step and ghastly look, to renew the semblance of the deed.
There comes the fierce fanatic Ruthven, party hatred enabling him
to bear the armour which would otherwise weigh down a form extenuated