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the little green rail which fenced his desk and stool from the approach of the vulgar. Nothing could give the bailie more annoyance than the idea of his acquaintance being claimed by any of the unfortunate gentlemen who were now so much more likely to need assistance than to afford profit. But this was the rich young Englishman: who knew what might be his situation? He was the Baron's friend, too: what was to be done?

While these reflections gave an air of absurd perplexity to the poor man's visage, Waverley, reflecting on the communication he was about to make to him, of a nature so ridiculously contrasted with the appearance of the individual, could not help bursting out a-laughing as he checked the propensity to exclaim, with Syphax,

Cato 's a proper person to intrust
A love-tale with!

As Mr. Macwheeble had no idea of any person laughing heartily, who was either encircled by peril or oppressed by poverty, the hilarity of Edward's countenance greatly relieved the embarrassment of his own, and, giving him a tolerably hearty welcome to Little Veolan, he asked what he would choose for breakfast. His visitor had, in the first place, something for his private ear, and begged leave to bolt the door. Duncan by no means liked this precaution, which savoured of danger to be apprehended; but he could not now draw back.

Convinced he might trust this man, as he could make it his interest to be faithful, Edward communicated his present situation and future schemes to Macwheeble. The wily agent listened with apprehension when he found Waverley was still in a

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ndel La pen. Lowever, marked bad wdown riesta of paper with an ample marginal fod, wogged down “Dallas of St. Martin's Styles" from a snel, where that venerable work roosted with Hair" "Institutions," Dirleton's "Doubts," Balfour's “Practiques," and a parcel of old accountbooks, opened the volume at the article "Contract of Marriage," and prepared to make what he called # "sma' minute, to prevent parties frae resiling.”

With some difficulty, Waverley made him comprehend that he was going a little too fast. He explained to him that he should want his assistance, in the first place, to make his residence safe

for the time, by writing to the officer at Tully-Veolan that Mr. Stanley, an English gentleman nearly related to Colonel Talbot, was upon a visit of business at Mr. Macwheeble's, and knowing the state of the country, had sent his passport for Captain Foster's inspection. This produced a polite answer from the officer, with an invitation to Mr. Stanley to dine with him, which was declined, as may easily be supposed, under pretence of business.

Waverley's next request was that Mr. Macwheeble would despatch a man and horse to the post-town at which Colonel Talbot was to address him, with directions to wait there until the post should bring a letter for Mr. Stanley, and then to forward it to Little Veolan with all speed. In a moment the bailie was in search of his apprentice (or servitor, as he was called Sixty Years since), Jock Scriever, and in not much greater space of time, Jock was on the back of the white pony.

"Tak care ye guide him weel, sir, for he 's aye been short in the wind since-ahem; Lord be gude to me! [in a low voice] I was gaun to come out wi' since I rode whip and spur to fetch the Chevalier to redd Mr. Wauverley and Vich Ian Vohr; and an uncanny coup I gat for my pains, Lord forgie your honour, I might hae broken my neck. But troth it was in a venture, mae ways nor ane; but this maks amends for a'. Lady Wauverley! ten thousand a-year! Lord be gude unto me!"

"But you forget, Mr. Macwheeble, we want the Baron's consent; the lady's

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"Never fear, I'se be caution for them; I'se gie you my personal warrandice. Ten thousand a-year! It dings Balmawhapple out and out,- a year's rent's

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