AN OLD AND A NEW ACQUAINTANCE

While he was deep sunk in his reverie, the rustle of tartans was heard behind him, a friendly arm clasped his shoulders, and a friendly voice exclaimed,

‘Said the Highland prophet sooth?—­or must second-sight go for nothing?’

Waverley turned, and was warmly embraced by Fergus Mac-Ivor.  ’A thousand welcomes to Holyrood, once more possessed by her legitimate sovereign!  Did I not say we should prosper, and that you would fall into the hands of the Philistines if you parted from us?’

‘Dear Fergus!’ said Waverley, eagerly returning his greeting, ’it is long since I have heard a friend’s voice.  Where is Flora?’

‘Safe, and a triumphant spectator of our success.’

‘In this place?’ said Waverley.

‘Aye, in this city at least,’ answered his friend, ’and you shall see her; but first you must meet a friend whom you little think of, who has been frequent in his inquiries after you.’

Thus saying, he dragged Waverley by the arm out of the guard-chamber, and, ere he knew where he was conducted, Edward found himself in a presence-room, fitted up with some attempt at royal state.

A young man, wearing his own fair hair, distinguished by the dignity of his mien and the noble expression of his well-formed and regular features, advanced out of a circle of military gentlemen and Highland chiefs, by whom he was surrounded.  In his easy and graceful manners Waverley afterwards thought he could have discovered his high birth and rank, although the star on his breast, and the embroidered garter at his knee, had not appeared as its indications.

‘Let me present to your Royal Highness,’ said Fergus, bowing profoundly—­

’The descendant of one of the most ancient and loyal families in England,’ said the young Chevalier, interrupting him.  ’I beg your pardon for interrupting you, my dear Mac-Ivor; but no master of ceremonies is necessary to present a Waverley to a Stuart.’

Thus saying, he extended his hand to Edward with the utmost courtesy, who could not, had he desired it, have avoided rendering him the homage which seemed due to his rank, and was certainly the right of his birth.  ’I am sorry to understand, Mr. Waverley, that, owing to circumstances which have been as yet but ill explained, you have suffered some restraint among my followers in Perthshire, and on your march here; but we are in such a situation that we hardly know our friends, and I am even at this moment uncertain whether I can have the pleasure of considering Mr. Waverley as among mine.’