est in date was a kind and gentle remonstrance for neglect of the
writer's advice respecting the disposal of his time during his leave
of absence, the renewal of which, he reminded Captain Waverley, would
speedily expire. 'Indeed,' the letter proceeded, 'had it been otherwise,
the news from abroad, and my instructions from the War-office, must have
compelled me to recall it, as there is great danger, since the disaster
in Flanders, both of foreign invasion and insurrection among the
disaffected at home. I therefore entreat you will repair, as soon as
possible, to the head-quarters of the regiment; and I am concerned to
add, that this is still the more necessary, as there is some discontent
in your troop, and I postpone inquiry into particulars until I can have
the advantage of your assistance.'

The second letter, dated eight days later, was in such a style as might
have been expected from the Colonel's receiving no answer to the first.
It reminded Waverley of his duty as a man of honour, an officer, and a
Briton; took notice of the increasing dissatisfaction of his men, and
that some of them had been heard to hint that their Captain encouraged
and approved of their mutinous behaviour; and, finally, the writer
expressed the utmost regret and surprise that he had not obeyed his
commands by repairing to head-quarters, reminded him that his leave
of absence had been recalled, and conjured him, in a style in which
paternal remonstrance was mingled with military authority, to redeem
his error by immediately joining his regiment. 'That I may be certain,'
concluded the letter, 'that this actually reaches you, I dispatch it by
Corporal Timms, of your troop, with orders to deliver it into your own
hand.'

Upon reading these letters, Waverley, with great bitterness of feeling,
was compelled to make the AMENDE HONORABLE to the memory of the brave
and excellent writer; for surely, as Colonel Gardiner must have had
every reason to conclude they had come safely to hand, less could not
follow, on their being neglected, than that third and final summons,
which Waverley actually received at Glennaquoich, though too late
to obey it. And his being superseded, in consequence of his apparent
neglect of this last command, was so far from being a harsh or severe
proceeding, that it was plainly inevitable. The next letter he unfolded
was from the Major of the regiment, acquainting him that a report, to
the disadvantage of his reputation, was