 far more
natural and graceful cluster of close black curls than ever were exposed to sale
in Bond Street.
    An air of openness and affability increased the favourable impression
derived from this handsome and dignified exterior. Yet a skilful physiognomist
would have been less satisfied with the countenance on the second than on the
first view. The eyebrow and upper lip bespoke something of the habit of
peremptory command and decisive superiority. Even his courtesy, though open,
frank, and unconstrained, seemed to indicate a sense of personal importance;
and, upon any check or accidental excitation, a sudden, though transient, lour
of the eye, showed a hasty, haughty, and vindictive temper, not less to be
dreaded because it seemed much under its owner's command. In short, the
countenance of the Chieftain resembled a smiling summer's day, in which,
notwithstanding, we are made sensible by certain, though slight signs, that it
may thunder and lighten before the close of evening.
    It was not, however, upon their first meeting that Edward had an opportunity
of making these less favourable remarks. The Chief received him as a friend of
the Baron of Bradwardine, with the utmost expression of kindness, and obligation
for the visit; upbraided him gently with choosing so rude an abode as he had
done the night before; and entered into a lively conversation with him about
Donald Bean's housekeeping, but without the least hint as to his predatory
habits, or the immediate occasion of Waverley's visit, a topic which, as the
Chief did not introduce it, our hero also avoided. While they walked merrily on
towards the house of Glennaquoich, Evan, who now fell respectfully into the
rear, followed with Callum Beg and Dugald Mahony.
    We shall take the opportunity to introduce the reader to some particulars of
Fergus Mac-Ivor's character and history, which were not completely known to
Waverley till after a connection, which, though arising from a circumstance so
casual, had for a length of time the deepest influence upon his character,
actions, and prospects. But this, being an important subject, must form the
commencement of a new chapter.
 

                              Chapter Nineteenth.

                           The Chief and His Mansion.

The ingenious licentiate, Francisco de Ubeda, when he commenced his history of
La Picara Justina Diez, - which, by the way, is one of the most rare books of
Spanish literature, - complained of his pen having caught up a hair, and
forthwith begins, with more eloquence than common sense, an affectionate
expostulation with that useful implement, upbraiding it with being the quill of
a goose,
