a sort of consequence annexed to the near
relative of such a person as Flora Mac-Ivor; and where there is such a justling
of claims and requests, a man must use every fair means to enhance his
importance.«
    There was something in this last sentence which grated on Waverley's
feelings. He could not bear that Flora should be considered as conducing to her
brother's preferment, by the admiration which she must unquestionably attract;
and although it was in strict correspondence with many points of Fergus's
character, it shocked him as selfish, and unworthy of his sister's high mind,
and his own independent pride. Fergus, to whom such manoeuvres were familiar, as
to one brought up at the French court, did not observe the unfavourable
impression which he had unwarily made upon his friend's mind, and concluded by
saying, »that they could hardly see Flora before the evening, when she would be
at the concert and ball, with which the Prince's party were to be entertained.
She and I had a quarrel about her not appearing to take leave of you. I am
unwilling to renew it, by soliciting her to receive you this morning; and
perhaps my doing so might not only be ineffectual, but prevent your meeting this
evening.«
    While thus conversing, Waverley heard in the court, before the windows of
the parlour, a well-known voice. »I aver to you, my worthy friend,« said the
speaker, »that it is a total dereliction of military discipline; and were you
not as it were a tyro, your purpose would deserve strong reprobation. For a
prisoner of war is on no account to be coerced with fetters, or detained in
ergastulo, as would have been the case had you put this gentleman into the pit
of the peel-house at Balmawhapple. I grant, indeed, that such a prisoner may for
security be coerced in carcere, that is, in a public prison.«
    The growling voice of Balmawhapple was heard as taking leave in displeasure,
but the word »land-louper,« alone was distinctly audible. He had disappeared
before Waverley reached the house, in order to greet the worthy Baron of
Bradwardine. The uniform in which he was now attired, a blue coat, namely, with
gold lace, a scarlet waistcoat and breeches, and immense jack-boots, seemed to
have added fresh stiffness and rigidity to his tall, perpendicular figure; and
the consciousness of military command and authority had increased, in the same
proportion, the self-importance of his demeanour,