’Forgive me, Mr. Waverley—­and remember it is but within this half hour that there existed between us a barrier of a nature to me insurmountable, since I never could think of an officer in the service of the Elector of Hanover in any other light than as a casual acquaintance.  Permit me then to arrange my ideas upon so unexpected a topic, and in less than an hour I will be ready to give you such reasons for the resolution I shall express as may be satisfactory at least, if not pleasing to you.’  So saying Flora withdrew, leaving Waverley to meditate upon the manner in which she had received his addresses.

Ere he could make up his mind whether to believe his suit had been acceptable or no, Fergus re-entered the apartment.  ’What, a la mort, Waverley?’ he cried.  ’Come down with me to the court, and you shall see a sight worth all the tirades of your romances.  An hundred firelocks, my friend, and as many broadswords, just arrived from good friends; and two or three hundred stout fellows almost fighting which shall first possess them.  But let me look at you closer.  Why, a true Highlander would say you had been blighted by an evil eye.  Or can it be this silly girl that has thus blanked your spirit.  Never mind her, dear Edward; the wisest of her sex are fools in what regards the business of life.’

‘Indeed, my good friend,’ answered Waverley, ’all that I can charge against your sister is, that she is too sensible, too reasonable.’

’If that be all, I ensure you for a louis-d’or against the mood lasting four-and-twenty hours.  No woman was ever steadily sensible for that period; and I will engage, if that will please you, Flora shall be as unreasonable to-morrow as any of her sex.  You must learn, my dear Edward, to consider women en mousquetaire.’  So saying, he seized Waverley’s arm and dragged him off to review his military preparations.

CHAPTER XXVII

UPON THE SAME SUBJECT

Fergus Mac-Ivor had too much tact and delicacy to renew the subject which he had interrupted.  His head was, or appeared to be, so full of guns, broadswords, bonnets, canteens, and tartan hose that Waverley could not for some time draw his attention to any other topic.

‘Are you to take the field so soon, Fergus,’ he asked, ’that you are making all these martial preparations?’

’When we have settled that you go with me, you shall know all; but otherwise, the knowledge might rather be prejudicial to you.’

’But are you serious in your purpose, with such inferior forces, to rise against an established government?  It is mere frenzy.’

’Laissez faire a Don Antoine; I shall take good care of myself.  We shall at least use the compliment of Conan, who never got a stroke but he gave one.  I would not, however,’ continued the Chieftain, ’have you think me mad enough to stir till a favourable opportunity:  I will not slip my dog before the game’s afoot.  But, once more, will you join with us, and you shall know all?’