 paid him many
compliments on his distinguished bravery. He then took him apart, made many
inquiries concerning Colonel Talbot, and when he had received all the
information which Edward was able to give concerning him and his connexions, he
proceeded, - »I cannot but think, Mr. Waverley, that since this gentleman is so
particularly connected with our worthy and excellent friend, Sir Everard
Waverley, and since his lady is of the house of Blandeville, whose devotion to
the true and loyal principles of the Church of England is so generally known,
the Colonel's own private sentiments cannot be unfavourable to us, whatever mask
he may have assumed to accommodate himself to the times.«
    »If I am to judge from the language he this day held to me, I am under the
necessity of differing widely from your Royal Highness.«
    »Well, it is worth making a trial at least. I therefore entrust you with the
charge of Colonel Talbot, with power to act concerning him as you think most
advisable; - and I hope you will find means of ascertaining what are his real
dispositions towards our Royal Father's restoration.«
    »I am convinced,« said Waverley, bowing, »that if Colonel Talbot chooses to
grant his parole, it may be securely depended upon; but if he refuses it, I
trust your Royal Highness will devolve on some other person than the nephew of
his friend, the task of laying him under the necessary restraint.«
    »I will trust him with no person but you,« said the Prince smiling, but
peremptorily repeating his mandate: »it is of importance to my service that
there should appear to be a good intelligence between you, even if you are
unable to gain his confidence in earnest. You will therefore receive him into
your quarters, and in case he declines giving his parole, you must apply for a
proper guard. I beg you will go about this directly. We return to Edinburgh
to-morrow.«
    Being thus remanded to the vicinity of Preston, Waverley lost the Baron of
Bradwardine's solemn act of homage. So little, however, was he at this time in
love with vanity, that he had quite forgotten the ceremony in which Fergus had
laboured to engage his curiosity. But next day a formal Gazette was circulated,
containing a detailed account of the battle of Gladsmuir, as the Highlanders
chose to denominate their victory. It concluded with an account of the Court
afterwards held by the Chevalier at Pinkie-house, which contained this among
other high-flown descriptive paragraphs: - »Since that fatal treaty
