[Waverley by Sir Walter Scott]@TWC D-Link bookWaverley CHAPTER XLIII 3/10
He accompanied Fergus with downcast eyes, tingling ears, and the feelings of the criminal, who, while the melancholy cart moves slowly through the crowds that have assembled to behold his execution, receives no clear sensation either from the noise which fills his ears, or the tumult on which he casts his wandering look. Flora seemed a little--a very little--affected and discomposed at his approach.
'I bring you an adopted son of Ivor,' said Fergus. 'And I receive him as a second brother,' replied Flora. There was a slight emphasis on the word, which would have escaped every ear but one that was feverish with apprehension.
It was, however, distinctly marked, and, combined with her whole tone and manner, plainly intimated, 'I will never think of Mr.Waverley as a more intimate connexion.' Edward stopped, bowed, and looked at Fergus, who bit his lip; a movement of anger, which proved that he also had put a sinister interpretation on the reception which his sister had given his friend. 'This, then, is an end of my day-dream!' Such was Waverley's first thought, and it was so exquisitely painful as to banish from his cheek every drop of blood. 'Good God!' said Rose Bradwardine, 'he is not yet recovered!' These words, which she uttered with great emotion, were overheard by the Chevalier himself, who stepped hastily forward, and, taking Waverley by the hand, inquired kindly after his health, and added, that he wished to speak with him.
By a strong and sudden effort, which the circumstances rendered indispensable, Waverley recovered himself so far as to follow the Chevalier in silence to a recess in the apartment. Here the Prince detained him some time, asking various questions about the great Tory and Catholic families of England, their connexions, their influence, and the state of their affections towards the house of Stuart.
To these queries Edward could not at any time have given more than general answers, and it may be supposed that, in the present state of his feelings, his responses were indistinct even to confusion.
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