'Miss Mac-Ivor, I perceive, thinks the knight unworthy
of her encouragement and favour,' said he, somewhat bitterly.
'Not so, Mr. Waverley,' she replied, with great sweetness. 'Why should I
refuse my brother's valued friend a boon which I am distributing to his
whole clan? Most willingly would I enlist every man of honour in the
cause to which my brother has devoted himself. But Fergus has taken his
measures with his eyes open. His life has been devoted to this cause
from his cradle; with him its call is sacred, were it even a summons to
the tomb. But how can I wish you, Mr. Waverley, so new to the world, so
far from every friend who might advise and ought to influence you,--in
a moment too of sudden pique and indignation,--how can I wish you to
plunge yourself at once into so desperate an enterprise?'
Fergus, who did not understand these delicacies, strode through the
apartment biting his lip, and then, with a constrained smile, said,
'Well, sister, I leave you to act your new character of mediator between
the Elector of Hanover and the subjects of your lawful sovereign and
benefactor,' and left the room.
There was a painful pause, which was at length broken by Miss Mac-Ivor.
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