John Buchan

“ Kyd's face, stayed longer on Alastair's and came to rest on Sir Christopher's, which was little less gloomy than his own.
"You, sir," he said, "you know the would-be bridegroom. Will you assist me to rescue the bride?"
The baronet for a moment did not reply and hope flickered in the other's eyes. Then it died, for the young man brought down his fist on the table with an oath.
"No, by God. If my lord thinks the business not for him, 'tis a million times too delicate for me. You're an honest man, Mr. usher, and shall hear my reason. I loved Miss Grevel, and for two years I dared to hope. ”

“ But you and me, my lord, are bachelors and speak only from hearsay."
The tutor from Chastlecote seemed to be astounded at the reception of his news.
"You do not know the man," he cried. "It is no case of a youthful escapade. I have made inquiries, and learned that he is no better than a knave. If he is a Jacobite it is for gain, if he weds Miss Grevel it is for her estate." ”

“ In some measure, my lord. You must know that Miss Grevel is ardent in politics, and, like many gentlewomen, has a strong sentiment for the young Prince now in Scotland. She has often declared that if she had been a man she would long ago have hastened to his standard, and she was wont to rage against the apathy of the Oxfordshire squires. A scrap of news from the North would put her into a fury or an exaltation. There was one gentleman of the neighbourhood who was not apathetic and who was accordingly most welcome at Chastlecote. ”

“ It's a noble-hearted creature, and we would all be better if we were liker him. Courage, did you say? The man with that habit of body, that jogs all day on a horse for the sake of a woman that has done nothing but clout his lugs, is a hero. ”

“ As he stood among them Alastair was amazed alike at his shabbiness and his self-possession.
"You will stay the night here, sir? The hour is late and a bed is at your disposal."
"I thank you, my lord, but my duties do not permit of sleep. I return to Chastlecote, and if I can get no helpers I must e'en seek for the lady alone. I am debtor to your lordship for a hospitality upon which I will not further encroach. May I beg the favour of a light to the stable?"
Alastair picked up a branched candlestick and preceded the tutor into the windless night. ”