Government, and that it might possibly, if the professions of his
new friend corresponded in sincerity with the earnestness of his expression, be
of some service to himself. He therefore ran briefly over most of the events
with which the reader is already acquainted, suppressing his attachment to
Flora, and, indeed, neither mentioning her nor Rose Bradwardine in the course of
his narrative.
    Mr. Morton seemed particularly struck with the account of Waverley's visit
to Donald Bean Lean. »I am glad,« he said, »you did not mention this
circumstance to the Major. It is capable of great misconstruction on the part of
those who do not consider the power of curiosity and the influence of romance as
motives of youthful conduct. When I was a young man like you, Mr. Waverley, any
such hair-brained expedition (I beg your pardon for the expression) would have
had inexpressible charms for me. But there are men in the world who will not
believe that danger and fatigue are often incurred without any very adequate
cause, and therefore who are sometimes led to assign motives of action entirely
foreign to the truth. This man Bean Lean is renowned through the country as a
sort of Robin Hood, and the stories which are told of his address and enterprise
are the common tales of the winter fireside. He certainly possesses talents
beyond the rude sphere in which he moves; and being neither destitute of
ambition nor encumbered with scruples, he will probably attempt by every means
to distinguish himself during the period of these unhappy commotions.« Mr.
Morton then made a careful memorandum of the various particulars of Waverley's
interview with Donald Bean Lean, and the other circumstances which he had
communicated.
    The interest which this good man seemed to take in his misfortunes - above
all, the full confidence he appeared to repose in his innocence - had the
natural effect of softening Edward's heart, whom the coldness of Major Melville
had taught to believe that the world was leagued to oppress him. He shook Mr.
Morton warmly by the hand, and assuring him that his kindness and sympathy had
relieved his mind of a heavy load, told him, that whatever might be his own
fate, he belonged to a family who had both gratitude and the power of displaying
it.
    The earnestness of his thanks called drops to the eyes of the worthy
clergyman, who was doubly interested in the cause for which he had volunteered
his services, by observing the genuine and undissembled feelings of his young
friend.
    Edward now inquired if Mr. Morton knew what was likely to be his
destination.
    »Stirling Castle