 little Tom Alibi, the
solicitor, who manages all my law affairs - must keep on the windy side - the
mob were very uncivil the last time I mounted in Old Palace Yard - all Whigs and
Roundheads every man of them, Williamites and Hanover rats.«
    The next day Mr. Pembroke again called on the publisher, but found Tom
Alibi's advice had determined him against undertaking the work. »Not but what I
would go to - (what was I going to say?) to the Plantations for the church with
pleasure - but, dear doctor, I have a wife and family; but, to show my zeal,
I'll recommend the job to my neighbour Trimmel - he is a bachelor, and leaving
off business, so a voyage in a western barge would not inconvenience him.« But
Mr. Trimmel was also obdurate, and Mr. Pembroke, fortunately perchance for
himself, was compelled to return to Waverley-Honour with his treatise in
vindication of the real fundamental principles of church and state safely packed
in his saddle-bags.
    As the public were thus likely to be deprived of the benefit arising from
his lucubrations by the selfish cowardice of the trade, Mr. Pembroke resolved to
make two copies of these tremendous manuscripts for the use of his pupil. He
felt that he had been indolent as a tutor, and, besides, his conscience checked
him for complying with the request of Mr. Richard Waverley, that he would
impress no sentiments upon Edward's mind inconsistent with the present
settlement in church and state. But now, thought he, I may, without breach of my
word, since he is no longer under my tuition, afford the youth the means of
judging for himself, and have only to dread his reproaches for so long
concealing the light which the perusal will flash upon his mind. While he thus
indulged the reveries of an author and a politician, his darling proselyte,
seeing nothing very inviting in the title of the tracts, and appalled by the
bulk and compact lines of the manuscript, quietly consigned them to a corner of
his travelling trunk.
    Aunt Rachel's farewell was brief and affectionate. She only cautioned her
dear Edward, whom she probably deemed somewhat susceptible, against the
fascination of Scottish beauty. She allowed that the northern part of the island
contained some ancient families, but they were all Whigs and Presbyterians
except the Highlanders; and respecting them she must needs say, there could be
no great delicacy among the ladies, where the gentlemen's usual attire was, as
she had been assured, to say the least
