wearied wi' majoring yonder afore the muckle pier-glass, and that grey auld stoor carle, the Baron o' Bradwardine, that shot young Ronald of Ballankeiroch, he's coming down the close wi' that droghling coghling baillie body they ca' Macwhupple, just like the Laird of Kittlegab's French cook, wi' his turnspit doggie trindling ahint him, and I am as hungry as a gled, my bonny dow; sae bid Kate set on the broo', and do ye put on your pinners, for ye ken Vich Ian Vohr winna sit down till ye be at the head o' the table;-and dinna forget the pint bottle o' brandy, my woman.">

This hint produced dinner, Mrs Flockhart, smiling in her weeds like the sun through a mist, took the head of the table, thinking within herself perhaps, that she cared not how long the rebellion lasted, that brought her into company so much above her usual associates. She was supported by Waverley and the Baron, with the advantage of the Chieftain vis-à-vis. The men of peace and of war, that is, Baillie Macwheeble and Ensign Maccombich, after many profound congés to their superiors and each other, took their places on each side of the Chieftain. Their fare was excellent, time, place, and circumstances considered, and Fergus's spirits were extravagantly high. Regardless of danger, and sanguine from temper, youth, and ambition, he saw in imagination all his prospects crowned with success, and

was totally indifferent to the probable alternative of a soldier's grave. The Baron apologized slightly for bringing Macwheeble. They had been providing, he said, for the expences of the campaign. «And, by my faith," said the old man, « as I think this will be my last, so I just end where I began-I hae ever more found the sinews of war, as a learned author calls the caisse militaire, mair difficult to come by than either its flesh, blood, or bones.»

What, have you raised our only efficient body of cavalry, and got ye none of the louis d'ors out of the Doutelle to help you?»>

No, Glenna'quoich; cleverer fellows have been before me.»

«That's a scandal,» said the young Highlander; «< but you will share what is left of my subsidy: It will save you an anxious thought to-night, and be all one to-morrow, for we shall all be provided for one way or other before the sun sets. » Waverley, blushing deeply, but with great earnestness, pressed the same request. << I thank ye baith, my good lads,» said the Baron, «but I will not infringe upon your peculium. Baillie Macwheeble has provided the sum which is necessary.»>

Here the baillie shifted, and fidgetted about in his seat, and appeared extremely uneasy. At length, after several preliminary hems, and much tautological expression of his devotion to his honour's service, by night or day, living

or dead, he began to insinuate, «< that the banks had removed a' their ready cash into the Castle;-that, nae doubt, Sandie Goldie, the silversmith, would do mickle for his honour; but there was little time to get the wadset made out; and, doubtless, if his honour Glennaquoich, or Mr Waverley, could accommodate

<< Let me hear of no such nonsense, sir,» said the Baron in a tone which rendered Macwheeble mute, «but proceed as we accorded before dinner, if it be your wish to remain in my service. >>

To this peremptory order the baillie, though he felt as if condemned to suffer a transfusion of blood from his own veins into those of the Baron, did not presume to make any reply. After fidgetting a little while longer, however, he addressed himself to Glennaquoich, and told him, if his honour had mair ready siller than was sufficient for his occasions in the field, he could put it out at use for his honour in safe hands, and at great profit, at this time. At this proposal Fergus laughed heartily, and answered, when he had recovered his breath,

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Many thanks, baillie; but you must know it is a general custom among us soldiers to make our land lady our banker. Here, Mrs Flockhart,» said he, taking four or five broad pieces out of a well-filled purse, and tossing the purse itself, with its remaining contents, into

her apron, «< these will serve my occasions; do you take the rest: be my banker if I live, and my executor if I die; but take care to give something to the Highland cailliachs that shall cry the coronach loudest for the last Vich Ian Vohr.»

<< It is the testamentum militare,» quoth the Baron, «< whilk, amang the Romans, was privilegiate to be nuncupative;» but the soft heart of Mrs Flockhart was melted within her at the chieftain's speech; she set up a lamentable blubbering, and positively refused to touch the bequest, which Fergus was therefore obliged

to resume.

"Well, then," said the Chief, «if

I fall, it will go to the grenadier that knocks my brains out, and I shall take care he works hard for it. >>

Baillie Macwheeble was again tempted to put in his oar, for where cash was concerned, he did not willingly remain silent. Perhaps he had better carry the goud to Miss MacIvor, in case of mortality, or accidents of war. It might take the form of a mortis causa donation in the young leddie's favour, and wad cost but the scrape of a pen to make it out. >>

«The young lady," said Fergus, «should such an event happen, will have other matters to think of than these wretched louis d'ors.»

True- undeniable- there's nae doubt o' that; but your honour kens that a full sor

row">

« Is endurable by most folks more easily than a hungry one. True, baillie, very true; and I believe there may even be some who would be consoled by such a reflection for the loss of the whole existing generation; but there is a sorrow which knows neither hunger nor thirst; and poor Flora »>-He paused, and the whole company sympathised in his emotion.

The Baron's thoughts naturally reverted to the unprotected state of his daughter, and the big tear came to the veteran's eye. « If I fall, Macwheeble, you have all my papers, and know all my affairs; be just to Rose.">

The baillie was a man of earthly mould after all; a good deal of dirt and dross about him undoubtedly, but some kindly and just feelings he had, especially where the Baron or his young mistress were concerned. He set up a lamentable howl. « If that doleful day should come, while Duncan Macwheeble had a boddle, it should be Miss Rose's. He wad scroll for a plack the sheet, or she ken'd what it was to want; if indeed a' the bonnie baronie o' Bradwardine and Tully-Veolan, with the fortalice and manor-place thereof (he kept sobbing and whining at every pause), tofts, crofts, mosses, muirs-outfield, infield-buildings-orchards-dove-cotes-with the rights of net and coble in the water and loch of Veolan-tiends, parsonage and vicarage-annexis, connexis — rights of pasturage — fuel,

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