"
The pensive melancholy of Douglas's countenance at once gave way to
the eager, keen, and startled look of one who expects to hear
something of deep and alarming import.
"I am wearied to the very death of this Castle of Lochleven,"
continued Roland.
"Is that all?" said Douglas; "I know none of its inhabitants who are
much better pleased with it."
"Ay, but I am neither a native of the house, nor a prisoner in it, and
so I may reasonably desire to leave it."
"You might desire to quit it with equal reason," answered Douglas, "if
you were both the one and the other."
"But," said Roland Graeme, "I am not only tired of living in Lochleven
Castle, but I am determined to quit it."
"That is a resolution more easily taken than executed," replied
Douglas.
"Not if yourself, sir, and your Lady Mother, choose to consent,"
answered the page.
"You mistake the matter, Roland," said Douglas; "you will find that
the consent of two other persons is equally essential--that of the
Lady Mary your mistress, and that of my uncle the Regent, who placed
you about her person, and who will not think it proper that she should
change her attendants so soon."
"And must I then remain whether I will or no?" demanded the page,
somewhat appalled at a view of the subject, which would have occurred
sooner to a person of more experience.
"At least," said George Douglas, "you must will to remain till my
uncle consents to dismiss you."
"Frankly," said the page, "and speaking to you as a gentleman who is
incapable of betraying me, I will confess, that if I thought myself a
prisoner here, neither walls nor water should confine me long.
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