For the emotion which Edward displayed on approaching Flora and Rose at
the ball of Holyrood, was placed by the Chevalier to the account of the
latter, and he concluded that the Baron's views about the settlement of
his property, or some such obstacle, thwarted their mutual inclinations.
Common fame, it is true, frequently gave Waverley to Miss Mac-Ivor; but
the Prince knew that common fame is very prodigal in such gifts; and,
watching attentively the behaviour of the ladies towards Waverley, he
had no doubt that the young Englishman had no interest with Flora,
and was beloved by Rose Bradwardine. Desirous to bind Waverley to his
service, and wishing also to do a kind and friendly action, the Prince
next assailed the Baron on the subject of settling his estate upon his
daughter. Mr. Bradwardine acquiesced; but the consequence was, that
Fergus was immediately induced to prefer his double suit for a wife and
an earldom, which the Prince rejected in the manner we have seen. The
Chevalier, constantly engaged in his own multiplied affairs, had not
hitherto sought any explanation with Waverley, though often meaning to
do so. But after Fergus's declaration, he saw the necessity of appearing
neutral between the rivals, devoutly hoping that the matter, which now
seemed fraught with the seeds of strife, might be permitted to lie over
till the termination of the expedition.
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