 the object of your attachment, a
heart whose principal delight should be in augmenting your domestic felicity,
and returning your affection, even to the height of romance. To a man of less
keen sensibility, and less enthusiastic tenderness of disposition, Flora
Mac-Ivor might give content, if not happiness; for were the irrevocable words
spoken, never would she be deficient in the duties which she vowed.«
    »And why - why, Miss Mac-Ivor, should you think yourself a more valuable
treasure to one who is less capable of loving, of admiring you, than to me?«
    »Simply because the tone of our affections would be more in unison, and
because his more blunted sensibility would not require the return of enthusiasm
which I have not to bestow. But you, Mr. Waverley, would for ever refer to the
idea of domestic happiness which your imagination is capable of painting, and
whatever fell short of that ideal representation would be construed into
coolness and indifference, while you might consider the enthusiasm with which I
regarded the success of the royal family as defrauding your affection of its due
return.«
    »In other words, Miss Mac-Ivor, you cannot love me?« said her suitor
dejectedly.
    »I could esteem you, Mr. Waverley, as much, perhaps more, than any man I
have ever seen; but I cannot love you as you ought to be loved. O! do not, for
your own sake, desire so hazardous an experiment! The woman whom you marry ought
to have affections and opinions moulded upon yours. Her studies ought to be your
studies; - her wishes, her feelings, her hopes, her fears, should all mingle
with yours. She should enhance your pleasures, share your sorrows, and cheer
your melancholy.«
    »And why will not you, Miss Mac-Ivor, who can so well describe a happy union
- why will not you be yourself the person you describe?«
    »Is it possible you do not yet comprehend me?« answered Flora. »Have I not
told you that every keener sensation of my mind is bent exclusively towards an
event, upon which, indeed, I have no power but those of my earnest prayers?«
    »And might not the granting the suit I solicit,« said Waverley, too earnest
on his purpose to consider what he was about to say, »even advance the interest
to which you have devoted yourself? My family is wealthy and powerful, inclined
in principles to the Stuart race, and should a favourable opportunity« --
    »A favourable opportunity
