That moment made a singular and instantaneous revolution in his character.

The depth of despair to which his love and fortunes were reduced, the peril in which his life appeared to stand, the transference of Edith's affections, her intercession in his favour, which rendered her fickleness yet more galling, seemed to destroy every feeling for which he had hitherto lived, but, at the same time, awakened those which had hitherto been smothered by passions more gentle though more selfish.

Desperate himself, he determined to support the rights of his country, insulted in his person.
His character was for the moment as effectually changed as the appearance of a villa, which, from being the abode of domestic quiet and happiness, is, by the sudden intrusion of an armed force, converted into a formidable post of defence.
We have already said that he cast upon Edith one glance in which reproach was mingled with sorrow, as if to bid her farewell for ever; his next motion was to walk firmly to the table at which Colonel Grahame was seated.
"By what right is it, sir," said he firmly, and without waiting till he was questioned,--"By what right is it that these soldiers have dragged me from my family, and put fetters on the limbs of a free man ?" "By my commands," answered Claverhouse; "and I now lay my commands on you to be silent and hear my questions." "I will not," replied Morton, in a determined tone, while his boldness seemed to electrify all around him.

"I will know whether I am in lawful custody, and before a civil magistrate, ere the charter of my country shall be forfeited in my person." "A pretty springald this, upon my honour!" said Claverhouse.
"Are you mad ?" said Major Bellenden to his young friend.

"For God's sake, Henry Morton," he continued, in a tone between rebuke and entreaty, "remember you are speaking to one of his majesty's officers high in the service." "It is for that very reason, sir," returned Henry, firmly, "that I desire to know what right he has to detain me without a legal warrant.