] The borders
of this romantic reservoir corresponded in beauty; but it was beauty
of a stern and commanding cast, as if in the act of expanding into
grandeur. Mossy banks of turf were broken and interrupted by huge
fragments of rock, and decorated with trees and shrubs, some of which
had been planted under the direction of Flora, but so cautiously, that
they added to the grace, without diminishing the romantic wildness of
the scene.
Here, like one of those lovely forms which decorate the landscapes
of Poussin, Waverley found Flora, gazing on the waterfall. Two paces
further back stood Cathleen, holding a small Scottish harp, the use of
which had been taught to Flora by Rory Dall, one of the last harpers of
the Western Highlands. The sun, now stooping in the west, gave a rich
and varied tinge to all the objects which surrounded Waverley, and
seemed to add more than human brilliancy to the full expressive darkness
of Flora's eye, exalted the richness and purity of her complexion, and
enhanced the dignity and grace of her beautiful form. Edward thought
he had never, even in his wildest dreams, imagined a figure of such
exquisite and interesting loveliness.
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