,
I thought he was not called on to interfere; and finally, I received, on the
same day on which I observed myself superseded in the Gazette, a second letter
from Colonel Gardiner, commanding me to join the regiment - an order which,
owing to my absence, already mentioned and accounted for, I received too late to
be obeyed. If there were any intermediate letters - and certainly from the
Colonel's high character I think it probable that there were - they have never
reached me.«
    »I have omitted, Mr. Waverley,« continued Major Melville, »to inquire after
a matter of less consequence, but which has, nevertheless, been publicly talked
of to your disadvantage. It is said that a treasonable toast having been
proposed in your hearing and presence, you, holding his Majesty's commission,
suffered the task of resenting it to devolve upon another gentleman of the
company. This, sir, cannot be charged against you in a court of justice; but if,
as I am informed, the officers of your regiment requested an explanation of such
a rumour, as a gentleman and soldier, I cannot but be surprised that you did not
afford it to them.«
    This was too much. Beset and pressed on every hand by accusations, in which
gross falsehoods were blended with such circumstances of truth as could not fail
to procure them credit - alone, unfriended, and in a strange land, Waverley
almost gave up his life and honour for lost, and leaning his head upon his hand,
resolutely refused to answer any further questions, since the fair and candid
statement he had already made had only served to furnish arms against him.
    Without expressing either surprise or displeasure at the change in
Waverley's manner, Major Melville proceeded composedly to put several other
queries to him. »What does it avail me to answer you?« said Edward sullenly.
»You appear convinced of my guilt, and wrest every reply I have made to support
your own preconceived opinion. Enjoy your supposed triumph, then, and torment me
no further. If I am capable of the cowardice and treachery your charge burdens
me with, I am not worthy to be believed in any reply I can make to you. If I am
not deserving of your suspicion - and God and my own conscience bear evidence
with me that it is so - then I do not see why I should by my candour lend my
accusers arms against my innocence. There is no reason I should answer a word
more, and I am determined to abide by this resolution.« And again he
