s in presence of some of the Jacobites
that he prayed for Prince Charles Edward in the terms quoted in the
text.] I shall willingly give my parole not to attempt an escape without
your knowledge, since, in fact, it was to meet you that I came to
Scotland; and I am glad it has happened even under this predicament. But
I suppose we shall be 'but a short time together. Your Chevalier (that
is a name we may both give to him), with his plaids and blue-caps, will,
I presume, be continuing his crusade southward?'

'Not as I hear; I believe the army makes some stay, in Edinburgh, to
collect reinforcements.'

'And to besiege the Castle?' said Talbot, smiling sarcastically. 'Well,
unless my old commander, General Preston, turn false metal, or the
Castle sink into the North Loch, events which I deem equally probable,
I think we shall have some time to make up our acquaintance. I have a
guess that this gallant Chevalier has a design that I should be your
proselyte; and, as I wish you to be mine, there cannot be a more fair
proposal than to afford us fair conference together. But as I spoke
to-day under the influence of feelings I rarely give way to, I hope
you will excuse my entering again upon controversy till we are somewhat
better acquainted.'

CHAPTER LI

INTRIGUES OF LOVE AND POLITICS

It is not necessary to record in these pages the triumphant entrance of
the Chevalier into Edinburgh after the decisive affair of Preston. One
circumstance, however, may be noticed, because it illustrates the
high spirit of Flora Mac-Ivor. The Highlanders, by whom the Prince was
surrounded, in the licence and extravagance of this joyful moment,
fired their pieces repeatedly, and one of these having been accidentally
loaded with ball, the bullet grazed the young lady's temple as she waved
her handkerchief from a balcony. [See Note 30.] Fergus, who beheld the
accident, was at her side in an instant; and, on seeing that the wound
was trifling, he drew his broadsword, with the purpose of rushing down
upon the man by whose carelessness she had incurred so much danger,
when, holding him by the plaid, 'Do not harm the poor fellow,' she
cried; 'for Heaven's sake, do not harm him! but thank God with me that
the accident happened to Flora Mac-Ivor; for had it befallen a Whig,
they would have pretended that the shot was fired on purpose.'

Waverley escaped the alarm which this accident would have occasioned
to him, as he was unavoidably delayed