son 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 chuse 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 state of proscription was somewhat comforted by learning that he had a passport-rubbed his hands with glee when he mentioned the amount of his present fortune-opened his huge eyes when he heard the brilliancy of his future expectationsbut when he expressed his intention to share them with Miss Rose Bradwardine, ecstacy had almost deprived the honest man of his senses. The Baillie started from his three-footed stool like the Pythoness from her tripod; flung his best wig out of the window, because the block on which it was placed stood in the way of his career; chucked his cap to the ceiling, caught it as it fell; whistled Tullochgorum; danced a

Highland fling with inimitable grace and agility, and then threw himself exhausted into a chair, exclaiming, «Lady Wauverley!—ten thousand a-year, the least penny!-Lord preserve my poor understanding!»—

« Amen, with all my heart,» said Waverley; << but now, Mr Macwheeble, let us proceed to business." This word had somewhat a sedative effect, but the Baillie's bead, as he expressed himself, was still « in the bees." He mended his pen, however, marked half a dozen sheets of paper with an ample marginal fold, whipped down Dallas of St Martin's Styles from a shelf, where that venerable work roosted with Stair's Institutions, Dirleton's Doubts, Balfour's Practiques, and a parcel of old account-books-opened the volume at the article Contract of Marriage, and prepared to make what he called a «sma' minute, to prevent parties frae resileing.»

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

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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 Baillie 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 poney.

«Tak care ye guide him weel, Sir, for he 's aye been short in the wind since-a henLord be gude to me! (in a low voice), I was going 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 got 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 us!»

« But you forget, Mr Macwheeble, we want the Baron's consent-the lady's->>

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 worth a' Balmawhapple, fee and life rent! Lord make us thankful!»>

To turn the current of his feelings, Edward inquired if he had heard any thing lately of the Chieftain of Glennaquoich?

«Not one word,» answered Macwheeble, << but that he was still in Carlisle Castle, and was soon to be pannelled for his life. I dinna wish the young gentleman ill,” he said, << but I hope that they that hae got him will keep him, and no let him back to this Hieland border to plague us wi' black-mail, and a' manner o' violent, wrongous, and masterfu' oppression and spoliation, both by himself and others of his causing, sending, and hounding out; and he couldna tak care o' the siller when he had gotten it neither, but flang it a' into yon idle quean's lap at Edinburgh—but light come light gane. For my part, I never wish to see a kilt in the country again, nor a red-coat, nor a gun, for that matter, unless it were to shoot a patrick:-they're a' tarr'd wi' ae stick; and when they've done ye wrang, even when ye hae gotten decreet of spulzie, oppression, and violent profits against them, what better are ye? -they have na a plack to pay you; ye need

never extract it.»

With such discourse, and the intervening topics of business, the time passed until dinner, Macwheeble meanwhile promising to devise some mode of introducing Edward at

the Duchran, where Rose at present resided, without risk of danger or suspicion; which seemed no very easy task, since the laird was a very zealous friend to government. The poultry-yard had been laid under requisition, and cocky-leeky and Scotch collops soon reeked in the Baillie's little parlour. The landlord's corkscrew was just introduced into the muzzle of a pint-bottle of claret (cribbed possibly from the cellars of Tully-Veolan), when the sight of the grey poney passing the window at full trot, induced the Baillie, but with due precaution, to place it aside for the moment. Enter Jock Scriever with a packet for Mr Stanley; it is Colonel Talbot's seal; and Edward's fingers tremble as he undoes it. Two official papers, folded, signed, and sealed in all formality, dropt out. They were hastily picked up by the Baillie, who had a natural respect for every thing resembling a deed, and glancing slily on their titles, his eyes, or rather spectacles, are greeted with << Protection by his Royal Highness to the person of Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, Esq. of that ilk, commonly called Baron of Bradwardine, forfeited for his accession to the late rebellion." The other proves to be a protection of the same tenor in favour of Edward Waverley, Esq. Colonel Talbot's letter was in these words:

« MY DEAR EDWARD,

« I am just arrived here, and yet I have