‘How can I?’ said Waverley; ’I, who have so lately held that commission which is now posting back to those that gave it?  My accepting it implied a promise of fidelity, and an acknowledgment of the legality of the government.’

‘A rash promise,’ answered Fergus, ’is not a steel handcuff, it may be shaken off, especially when it was given under deception, and has been repaid by insult.  But if you cannot immediately make up your mind to a glorious revenge, go to England, and ere you cross the Tweed you will hear tidings that will make the world ring; and if Sir Everard be the gallant old cavalier I have heard him described by some of our honest gentlemen of the year one thousand seven hundred and fifteen, he will find you a better horse-troop and a better cause than you have lost.’

‘But your sister, Fergus?’

‘Out, hyperbolical fiend!’ replied the Chief, laughing; ’how vexest thou this man!  Speak’st thou of nothing but of ladies?’

‘Nay, be serious, my dear friend,’ said Waverley; ’I feel that the happiness of my future life must depend upon the answer which Miss Mac-Ivor shall make to what I ventured to tell her this morning.’

‘And is this your very sober earnest,’ said Fergus, more gravely, ‘or are we in the land of romance and fiction?’

’My earnest, undoubtedly.  How could you suppose me jesting on such a subject?’

‘Then, in very sober earnest,’ answered his friend, ’I am very glad to hear it; and so highly do I think of Flora, that you are the only man in England for whom I would say so much.  But before you shake my hand so warmly, there is more to be considered.  Your own family—­will they approve your connecting yourself with the sister of a high-born Highland beggar?’

‘My uncle’s situation,’ said Waverley, ’his general opinions, and his uniform indulgence, entitle me to say, that birth and personal qualities are all he would look to in such a connection.  And where can I find both united in such excellence as in your sister?’

‘O nowhere! cela va sans dire,’ replied Fergus, with a smile.  ’But your father will expect a father’s prerogative in being consulted.’

’Surely; but his late breach with the ruling powers removes all apprehension of objection on his part, especially as I am convinced that my uncle will be warm in my cause.’

‘Religion perhaps,’ said Fergus, ’may make obstacles, though we are not bigotted Catholics.’

’My grandmother was of the Church of Rome, and her religion was never objected to by my family.  Do not think of my friends, dear Fergus; let me rather have your influence where it may be more necessary to remove obstacles—­I mean with your lovely sister.’