, and in the rank to
which she was born, would you object to it, my dear Baron, because it would make
one of your friends the happiest man in the world?« The Baron turned, and looked
at him with great earnestness. »Yes,« continued Edward, »I shall not consider my
sentence of banishment as repealed, unless you will give me permission to
accompany you to the Duchran, and« --
    The Baron seemed collecting all his dignity to make a suitable reply to
what, at another time, he would have treated as the propounding a treaty of
alliance between the houses of Bradwardine and Waverley. But his efforts were in
vain; the father was too mighty for the Baron; the pride of birth and rank were
swept away: in the joyful surprise, a slight convulsion passed rapidly over his
features, as he gave way to the feelings of nature, threw his arms around
Waverley's neck, and sobbed out, - »My son! my son! - if I had been to search
the world, I would have made my choice here.« Edward returned the embrace with
great sympathy of feeling, and for a little while they both kept silence. At
length it was broken by Edward. »But Miss Bradwardine?«
    »She had never a will but her old father's; besides, you are a likely youth,
of honest principles, and high birth; no, she never had any other will than
mine, and in my proudest days I could not have wished a mair eligible espousal
for her than the nephew of my excellent old friend, Sir Everard. - But I hope,
young man, ye deal na rashly in this matter? I hope ye hae secured the
approbation of your ain friends and allies, particularly of your uncle, who is
in loco parentis? Ah! we maun tak heed o' that.« Edward assured him that Sir
Everard would think himself highly honoured in the flattering reception his
proposal had met with, and that it had his entire approbation; in evidence of
which, he put Colonel Talbot's letter into the Baron's hand. The Baron read it
with great attention.
    »Sir Everard,« he said, »always despised wealth in comparison of honour and
birth; and indeed he had no occasion to court the Diva Pecunia. Yet I now wish,
since this Malcolm turns out such a parricide, for I can call him no better, as
to think of alienating the family inheritance - I now wish (his eyes fixed on a
part of the roof which was