, just like
the Laird o' Kittlegab's French cook, wi' his turnspit doggie trindling ahint
him, and I am as hungry as a gled, my bonnie dow; sae bid Kate set on the broo',
and do ye put on your pinners, for ye ken Vich Ian Vohr winna sit down till ye
be at the head o' the table; - and dinna forget the pint bottle o' brandy, my
woman.«
    This hint produced dinner. Mrs. Flockhart, smiling in her weeds like the sun
through a mist, took the head of the table, thinking within herself, perhaps,
that she cared not how long the rebellion lasted, that brought her into company,
so much above her usual associates. She was supported by Waverley and the Baron,
with the advantage of the Chieftain vis-à-vis. The men of peace and of war, that
is, Bailie Macwheeble and Ensign Maccombich, after many profound congés to their
superiors and each other, took their places on each side of the Chieftain. Their
fare was excellent, time, place, and circumstances considered, and Fergus's
spirits were extravagantly high. Regardless of danger, and sanguine from temper,
youth, and ambition, he saw in imagination all his prospects crowned with
success, and was totally indifferent to the probable alternative of a soldier's
grave. The Baron apologised slightly for bringing Macwheeble. They had been
providing, he said, for the expenses of the campaign. »And, by my faith,« said
the old man, »as I think this will be my last, so I just end where I began - I
hae evermore found the sinews of war, as a learned author calls the caisse
militaire, mair difficult to come by than either its flesh, blood, or bones.«
    »What! have you raised our only efficient body of cavalry, and got ye none
of the louis-d'or out of the Doutelle,74 to help you?«
    »No, Glennaquoich; cleverer fellows have been before me.«
    »That's a scandal,« said the young Highlander; »but you will share what is
left of my subsidy: it will save you an anxious thought to-night, and will be
all one to-morrow, for we shall all be provided for, one way or other, before
the sun sets.« Waverley, blushing deeply, but with great earnestness, pressed
the same request.
    »I thank ye baith, my good lads,« said the Baron, »but I will not infringe