The matted and dishevelled locks of hair which escaped from
under his hat, together with his fixed and unmoved posture, made his
head more resemble that of a marble bust than that of a living man. He
said not a single word, and there was a deep silence in the company for
more than two minutes.
It was broken by Lady Ashton, who in that space partly recovered her
natural audacity. She demanded to know the cause of this unauthorised
intrusion.
"That is a question, madam," said her son, "which I have the best right
to ask; and I must request of the Master of Ravenswood to follow me
where he can answer it at leisure."
Bucklaw interposed, saying, "No man on earth should usurp his previous
right in demanding an explanation from the Master. Craigengelt," he
added, in an undertone, "d--n ye, why do you stand staring as if you saw
a ghost? fetch me my sword from the gallery."
"I will relinquish to none," said Colonel Ashton, "my right of calling
to account the man who has offered this unparalleled affront to my
family." "Be patient, gentlemen," said Ravenswood, turning sternly
towards them, and waving his hand as if to impose silence on their
altercation.
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