'
This was too much. Beset and pressed on every hand by accusations, in
which gross falsehoods were blended with such circumstances of truth
as could not fail to procure them credit,--alone, unfriended, and in a
strange land, Waverley almost gave up his life and honour for lost, and,
leaning his head upon his hand, resolutely refused to answer any further
questions, since the fair and candid statement he had already made had
only served to furnish arms against him.
Without expressing either surprise or displeasure at the change in
Waverley's manner, Major Melville proceeded composedly to put several
other queries to him. 'What does it avail me to answer you?' said
Edward, sullenly. 'You appear convinced of my guilt, and wrest every
reply I have made to support your own preconceived opinion. Enjoy your
supposed triumph, then, and torment me no further. If I am capable of
the cowardice and treachery your charge burdens me with, I am not worthy
to be believed in any reply I can make to you. If I am not deserving of
your suspicion--and God and my own conscience bear evidence with me
that it is so--then I do not see why I should, by my candour, lend my
accusers arms against my innocence.
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