INTRIGUE OF LOVE AND POLITICS.
It is not necessary to record in these pages the triumphant entrance of the Chevalier into Edinburgh after the decisive affair of Preston.One circumstance, however, may be noticed, because it illustrates the high spirit of Flora Mac-Ivor.The Highlanders, by whom the Prince was surrounded, in the license and extravagance of this joyful moment, fired their pieces repeatedly, and one of these having been accidentally loaded with ball, the bullet grazed the young lady's temple as she waved her handkerchief from a balcony.<*> Fergus, who beheld * Note Y.Miss Nairne.<! p322>
the accident, was at her side in an instant; and, on seeing that the wound was trifling, he drew his broadsword, with the purpose of rushing down upon the man by whose carelessness she had incurred so much danger, when, holding him by the plaid, ``Do not harm the poor fellow,'' she cried; ``for Heaven's sake do not harm him! but thank God with me that the accident happened to Flora Mac-Ivor; for had it befallen a Whig they would have pretended that the shot was fired on purpose.''
Waverley escaped the alarm which this accident would have occasioned to him, as he was unavoidably delayed by the necessity of accompanying Colonel Talbot to Edinburgh.
They performed the journey together on horseback, and for some time, as if to sound each other's feelings and sentiments, they conversed upon general and ordinary topics.
When Waverley again entered upon the subject which he had most at heart, the situation, namely, of his father and his uncle, Colonel Talbot seemed now rather desirous to alleviate than to aggravate his anxiety.This appeared particularly to be the case when he heard Waverley's history, which he did not scruple to confide to him.
``And so,'' said the Colonel, ``there has been no malice prepense, as lawyers, I think, term it, in this rash step of yours;and you have been trepanned into the service of this Italian knight-errant by a few civil speeches from him, and one or two of his Highland recruiting sergeants? It is sadly foolish, to be sure, but not nearly so bad as I was led to expect.However, you cannot desert, even from the Pretender, at the present moment,---that seems impossible.But I have little doubt that, in the dissensions incident to this heterogeneous mass of wild and desperate men, some opportunity may arise, by availing yourself of which, you may extricate yourself honourably from your rash engagement before the bubble burst.If this can be managed, I would have you go to a place of safety in Flanders, which I shall point out.And I think I can secure your pardon from Government after a few months' residence abroad.''
``I cannot permit you, Colonel Talbot,'' answered Waverley, ``to speak of any plan which turns on my deserting an enterprise in which I may have engaged hastily, but certainly voluntarily, and with the purpose of abiding the issue.''
``Well,'' said Colonel Talbot, smiling, ``leave me my thoughts and hopes at least at liberty, if not my speech.But have you never examined your mysterious packet?''
``It is in my baggage,'' replied Edward; ``we shall find it in Edinburgh.''
In Edinburgh they soon arrived.Waverley's quarters had been assigned to him, by the Prince's express orders, in a handsome lodging, where there was accommodation for Colonel Talbot.His first business was to examine his portmanteau, and, after a very short search, out tumbled the expected packet.
Waverley opened it eagerly.Under a blank cover, simply addressed to E.Waverley, Esq., he found a number of open letters.The uppermost were two from Colonel Gardiner, addressed to himself.The earliest in date was a kind and gentle remonstrance for neglect of the writer's advice respecting the disposal of his time during his leave of absence,---the renewal of which, he reminded Captain Waverley, would speedily expire.
``Indeed,'' the letter proceeded, ``had it been otherwise, the news from abroad, and my instructions from the War-office, must have compelled me to recall it, as there is great danger, since the disaster in Flanders, both of foreign invasion and insurrection among the disaffected at home.I therefore entreat you will repair, as soon as possible, to the head-quarters of the regiment; and I am concerned to add, that this is still the more necessary, as there is some discontent in your troop, and I postpone inquiry into particulars until I can have the advantage of your assistance.''
The second letter, dated eight days later, was in such a style as might have been expected from the Colonel's receiving no answer to the first.It reminded Waverley of his duty as a man of honour, an officer, and a Briton; took notice of the increasing dissatisfaction of his men, and that some of them had been heard to hint that their captain encouraged and approved of their mutinous behaviour; and, finally the writer expressed the utmost regret and surprise that he had not obeyed his commands by repairing to head-quarters, reminded him that his leave of absence had been recalled, and conjured him, in a style in which paternal remonstrance was mingled with military authority, to redeem his error by immediately joining his regiment.
``That I may be certain,'' concluded the letter, ``that this actually reaches you, I despatch it by Corporal Tims, of your troop, with orders to deliver it into your own hand.''
Upon reading these letters, Waverley, with great bitterness of feeling, was compelled to make the _amende honorable_ to the memory of the brave and excellent writer; for surely, as Colonel Gardiner must have had every reason to conclude they had come safely to hand, less could not follow, on their being neglected, than that third and final summons, which Waverley actually received at Glennaquoich, though too late to obey it.
