‘At least,’ said the Prince, who was obviously pleased with this proposal, ’allow me the pleasure of arming you after the Highland fashion.’  With these words, he unbuckled the broadsword which he wore, the belt of which was plated with silver, and the steel basket-hilt richly and curiously inlaid, ‘The blade,’ said the Prince, ’is a genuine Andrea Ferrara; it has been a sort of heirloom in our family; but I am convinced I put it into better hands than my own, and will add to it pistols of the same workmanship.—­Colonel Mac-Ivor, you must have much to say to your friend; I will detain you no longer from your private conversation; but remember, we expect you both to attend us in the evening.  It may be perhaps the last night we may enjoy in these halls, and as we go to the field with a clear conscience, we will spend the eve of battle merrily.’

Thus licensed, the Chief and Waverley left the presence-chamber.

CHAPTER XLI

THE MYSTERY BEGINS TO BE CLEARED UP

‘How do you like him?’ was Fergus’s first question, as they descended the large stone staircase.

‘A prince to live and die under,’ was Waverley’s enthusiastic answer.

’I knew you would think so when you saw him, and I intended you should have met earlier, but was prevented by your sprain.  And yet he has his foibles, or rather he has difficult cards to play, and his Irish officers, [See note 24.] who are much about him, are but sorry advisers,—­they cannot discriminate among the numerous pretensions that are set up.  Would you think it—­I have been obliged for the present to suppress an earl’s patent, granted for services rendered ten years ago, for fear of exciting the jealousy, forsooth, of C—­ and M—.  But you were very right, Edward, to refuse the situation of aide de camp.  There are two vacant, indeed, but Clanronald and Lochiel, and almost all of us, have requested one for young Aberchallader, and the Lowlanders and the Irish party are equally desirous to have the other for the Master of F—.  Now, if either of these candidates were to be superseded in your favour, you would make enemies.  And then I am surprised that the Prince should have offered you a majority, when he knows very well that nothing short of lieutenant-colonel will satisfy others, who cannot bring one hundred and fifty men to the field.  “But patience, cousin, and shuffle the cards!” It is all very well for the present, and we must have you regularly equipped for the evening in your new costume; for, to say truth, your outward man is scarce fit for a court.’

‘Why,’ said Waverley, looking at his soiled dress, ’my shooting-jacket has seen service since we parted; but that, probably, you, my friend, know as well or better than I.’

‘You do my second-sight too much honour,’ said Fergus, ’We were so busy, first with the scheme of giving battle to Cope, and afterwards with our operations in the Lowlands, that I could only give general directions to such of our people as were left in Perthshire to respect and protect you, should you come in their way.  But let me hear the full story of your adventures, for they have reached us in a very partial and mutilated manner.’