It is a matter which never struck me as being of the least consequence--for if worldly possessions could alleviate misery, I have enough and to spare.

But now I shall regret it, if it throws any difficulty in the way of our inquiries--and I bethink me that it may; for in case of my having a lawful son of my body, and my brother dying without issue, my father's possessions stood entailed upon my son.

It is not therefore likely that this heir, be he who he may, will afford us assistance in making a discovery which may turn out so much to his own prejudice." "And in all probability the steward your lordship mentions is also in his service," said the Antiquary.
"It is most likely; and the man being a Protestant--how far it is safe to entrust him"-- "I should hope, my lord," said Oldbuck gravely, "that a Protestant may be as trustworthy as a Catholic.

I am doubly interested in the Protestant faith, my lord.

My ancestor, Aldobrand Oldenbuck, printed the celebrated Confession of Augsburg, as I can show by the original edition now in this house." "I have not the least doubt of what you say, Mr.Oldbuck," replied the Earl, "nor do I speak out of bigotry or intolerance; but probably the Protestant steward will favour the Protestant heir rather than the Catholic--if, indeed, my son has been bred in his father's faith--or, alas! if indeed he yet lives." "We must look close into this," said Oldbuck, "before committing ourselves.