RATHER UNIMPORTANT.
``I was turned back,'' said Fergus to Edward as they galloped from Preston to Pinkie-house, ``by a message from the Prince.
But, I suppose you know the value of this most noble Colonel Talbot as a prisoner.He is held one of the best officers among the red-coats; a special friend and favourite of the Elector himself, and of that dreadful hero the Duke of Cumberland, who has been summoned from his triumphs at Fontenoy, to come over and devour us poor Highlanders alive.Has he been telling you how the bells of St.James's ring? Not `turn again, Whittington,' like those of Bow, in the days of yore?''
``Fergus!'' said Waverley, with a reproachful look.
``Nay, I cannot tell what to make of you,'' answered the Chief of Mac-Ivor, ``you are blown about with every wind of doctrine.Here have we gained a victory, unparalleled in history ---and your behaviour is praised by every living mortal to the skies---and the Prince is eager to thank you in person---and all our beauties of the White Rose are pulling caps for you,---and you, the _preux chevalier_ of the day, are stooping on your horse's neck like a butter-woman riding to market, and looking as black as a funeral.''
``I am sorry for poor Colonel Gardiner's death: he was once very kind to me.''
``Why, then, be sorry for five minutes, and then be glad again;his chance to-day may be ours to-morrow.And what does it signify?---the next best thing to victory is honourable death;but it is a _pis-aller,_ and one would rather a foe had it than one's self.''
``But Colonel Talbot has informed me that my father and uncle are both imprisoned by government on my account.''
``We'll put in bail, my boy; old Andrew Ferrara<*> shall lodge * Note X.Andrea di Ferrara.<! p318>
his security; and I should like to see him put to justify it in Westminster Hall.''
``Nay, they are already at liberty, upon bail of a more civic disposition.''
``Then why is thy noble spirit cast down, Edward? Dost think that the Elector's Ministers are such doves as to set their enemies at liberty at this critical moment, if they could or durst confine and punish them? Assure thyself that either they have no charge against your relations on which they can continue their imprisonment, or else they are afraid of our friends, the jolly cavaliers of old England.At any rate, you need not be apprehensive upon their account; and we will find some means of conveying to them assurances of your safety.''
Edward was silenced but not satisfied with these reasons.
He had now been more than once shocked at the small degree of sympathy which Fergus exhibited for the feelings even of those whom he loved, if they did not correspond with his own mood at the time, and more especially if they thwarted him while earnest in a favourite pursuit.Fergus sometimes indeed observed that he had offended Waverley, but, always intent upon some favourite plan or project of his own, he was never sufficiently aware of the extent or duration of his displeasure, so that the reiteration of these petty offences somewhat cooled the volunteer's extreme attachment to his officer.
The Chevalier received Waverley with his usual favour, and paid him many compliments on his distinguished bravery.
He then took him apart, made many inquiries concerning Colonel Talbot, and when he had received all the information which Edward was able to give concerning him and his connexions, he proceeded,---``I cannot but think, Mr.Waverley, that since this gentleman is so particularly connected with our worthy and excellent friend, Sir Everard Waverley, and since his lady is of the house of Blandeville, whose devotion to the true and loyal principles of the Church of England is so generally known, the Colonel's own private sentiments cannot be unfavourable to us, whatever mask he may have assumed to accommodate himself to the times.''
``If I am to judge from the language he this day held to me, I am under the necessity of differing widely from your Royal Highness.''
``Well, it is worth ****** a trial at least.I therefore entrust you with the charge of Colonel Talbot, with power to act concerning him as you think most advisable;---and I hope you will find means of ascertaining what are his real dispositions towards our Royal Father's restoration.''
``I am convinced,'' said Waverley, bowing, ``that if Colonel Talbot chooses to grant his parole, it may be securely depended upon; but if he refuses it, I trust your Royal Highness will devolve on some other person than the nephew of his friend, the task of laying him under the necessary restraint.''
``I will trust him with no person but you,'' said the Prince smiling, but peremptorily repeating his mandate: ``it is of importance to my service that there should appear to be a good intelligence between you, even if you are unable to gain his confidence in earnest.You will therefore receive him into your quarters, and in case he declines giving his parole, you must apply for a proper guard.I beg you will go about this directly.We return to Edinburgh to-morrow.''
