sing events had affected him. He had recovered his natural manner, which was that of the English gentleman and soldier, manly, open, and generous, but not unsusceptible of prejudice against those of a different country, or who opposed him in political tenets. When Waverley acquainted Colonel Talbot with the Chevalier's purpose to commit him to his charge, "I did not think to have owed so much obligation to that young gentleman," he said,

as is implied in this destination. I can at least willingly join in the prayer of the honest presbyterian clergyman, that as he has come among us seeking an earthly crown, his labours may be speedily rewarded with a heavenly one. I shall willingly give my parole not to attempt an escape without your knowledge, since, in fact, it. was to meet you I came to Scotland; and I am glad it has happened even under this predicament. But I suppose we shall be but a short time together. Your Chevalier, (that is a name we may both give to him)

with his plaids and blue caps, will, I presume, be continuing his crusade southwards?"

Not as I hear; I believe the army makes some stay in Edinburgh, to collect reinforcements."

up

"And besiege the Castle?" said Talbot, smiling sarcastically; "well, unless my old commander, General Guest, turn false metal, or the castle sink into the North Loch, events which I deem equally probable, I think we shall have some time to make our acquaintance. I have a guess that this gallant Chevalier has a design that I should be your proselyte, and, as I wish you to be mine, there cannot be a more fair propo sal. But, as I spoke to-day under the influence of feelings I rarely give way to, I hope you will excuse my entering again" upon controversy, till we are somewhat better acquainted."

CHAPTER IV.

Intrigues of Love and Politics..

IT is not necessary to record in these pages the triumphant entrance of the Che valier into Edinburgh after the decisive affair of Preston. One circumstance, how; ever, may be noticed, because it illustrates the high spirit of Flora Mac-Ivor. The Highlanders, by whom the Prince was sur rounded, in the license and extravagance of this joyful moment, fired their pieces repeatedly, and one of these having been accidentally loaded with ball, the bullet grazed the young lady's temple as she wa ved her handkerchief from a balcony. Fergus, who beheld the accident, was at her side in an instant; and, on seeing that the wound was trifling, he drew his broad

sword, with the purpose of rushing down upon the man by whose carelessness she had incurred so much danger, when, holding him by the plaid, "Do not harm the poor fellow," she cried," for Heaven's sake do not harm him! but thank God with me that the accident happened to Flora Mac-Ivor; for had it befallen a whig, they would have pretended that the shot was fired on purpose."

Waverley escaped the alarm which this accident would have occasioned to him, as he was unavoidably delayed by the ne cessity of accompanying Colonel Talbot to Edinburgh.

4

They performed the journey together on horseback, and for some time, as if to sound each other's feelings and sentiments, they conversed upon general and ordinary topics.

the

When Waverley again entered upon subject which he had most at heart, the situation namely of his father and his un cle, Colonel Talbot seemed now rather de

sirous to alleviate than to aggravate his anxiety. This appeared particularly to be the case when he had heard Waverley's history, which he did not scruple to confide to him." And so," said the Colonel, "there has been no malice prepense, as lawyers, I think, term it, in this rash step of yours; and you have been trepanned into the service of this Italian knight-errant by a few civil speeches from him and one or two of his Highland recruiting serjeants? It is sadly foolish to be sure, but not nearly so bad as I was led to expect. However, you cannot desert at the pres sent moment, that seems impossible. But I have little doubt that, in the dissensions incident to this heterogeneous mass of wild and desperate men, some opportunity may arise, by availing yourself of which, you mays extricate yourself honourably from your rash engagement before the bubble burst. If this can be managed, I would have you go to a place of safety in Flanders, which I shall point out. And I