During these proceedings, Master Graham had stood apart, strictly
confining himself to the duty imposed upon him, and taking little
heed of anything beyond. He stepped forward now as a richly-
dressed gentleman on foot, followed by a single attendant, was seen
advancing up the hill.
As this person drew nearer, the crowd stopped their clamour, and
bent forward with eager looks. Master Graham standing alone in the
gateway, and the stranger coming slowly towards him, they seemed,
as it were, set face to face. The nobleman (for he looked one) had
a haughty and disdainful air, which bespoke the slight estimation
in which he held the citizen. The citizen, on the other hand,
preserved the resolute bearing of one who was not to be frowned
down or daunted, and who cared very little for any nobility but
that of worth and manhood. It was perhaps some consciousness on
the part of each, of these feelings in the other, that infused a
more stern expression into their regards as they came closer
together.
'Your rapier, worthy sir!'
At the instant that he pronounced these words Graham started, and
falling back some paces, laid his hand upon the dagger in his belt.
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