which they held upright in the air

But when he sent blunt old Lindesay, he knew he would speak to a misguided woman, as her former misdoings and her present state render necessary. I sought not this employment — it has been thrust upon me; and I will not cumber myself with more form in the discharge of it, than needs must be tacked to such an occupation.” So saying, Lord Lindesay threw himself from horseback, and wrapping his riding-cloak around him, lay down at lazy length upon the sward, to await the arrival of the boat, which was now seen rowing from the castle towards the shore. Sir Robert Melville, who had also dismounted, walked at short turns to and fro upon the bank, his arms crossed on his breast, often looking to the castle, and displaying in his countenance a mixture of sorrow and of anxiety. The rest of the party sate like statues on horseback, without moving so much as the points of their lances, which they held upright in the air. As soon as the boat approached a rude quay or landing-place, near to which they had stationed themselves, Lord Lindesay started up from his recumbent posture, and asked the person who steered, why he had not brought a larger boat with him to transport his retinue. “So please you,” replied the boatman, “because it is the order of our lady, that we bring not to the castle more than four persons.” “Thy lady is a wise woman,” said Lindesay, “to suspect me of treachery!— Or, had I intended it, what was to hinder us from throwing you and your comrades into the lake, and filling the boat with my own fellows?” The steersman, on hearing this, made a hasty signal to his men to back their oars, and hold off from the shore which they were approaching.