Let me beg you will return to your own country; and, having publicly freed yourself from every tie to the usurping government, I trust you will see cause, and find opportunity, to serve your injured sovereign with effect, and stand forth, as your loyal ancestors, at the head of your natural followers and adherents, a worthy representative of the house of Waverley.' 'And should I be so happy as thus to distinguish myself, might I not hope'-- 'Forgive my interruption,' said Flora.

'The present time only is ours, and I can but explain to you with candour the feelings which I now entertain; how they might be altered by a train of events too favourable perhaps to be hoped for, it were in vain even to conjecture: only be assured, Mr.Waverley, that, after my brother's honour and happiness, there is none which I shall more sincerely pray for than for yours.' With these words she parted from him, for they were now arrived where two paths separated.

Waverley reached the castle amidst a medley of conflicting passions.

He avoided any private interview with Fergus, as he did not find himself able either to encounter his raillery, or reply to his solicitations.

The wild revelry of the feast, for Mac-Ivor kept open table for his clan, served in some degree to stun reflection.