WHAT'S TO BE DONE NEXT?
It was twilight when they arrived in town; and having shaken off his companions, and walked through a good many streets to avoid the possibility of being traced by them, Edward took a hackney-coach and drove to Colonel Talbot's house, in one of the principal squares at the west end of the town.

That gentleman, by the death of relations, had succeeded since his marriage to a large fortune, possessed considerable political interest, and lived in what is called great style.
When Waverley knocked at his door, he found it at first difficult to procure admittance, but at length was shown into an apartment where the Colonel was at table.

Lady Emily, whose very beautiful features were still pallid from indisposition, sat opposite to him.

The instant he heard Waverley's voice, he started up and embraced him.

'Frank Stanley, my dear boy, how d'ye do ?--Emily, my love, this is young Stanley.' The blood started to the lady's cheek as she gave Waverley a reception, in which courtesy was mingled with kindness, while her trembling hand and faltering voice showed how much she was startled and discomposed.
Dinner was hastily replaced, and while Waverley was engaged in refreshing himself, the Colonel proceeded--'I wonder you have come here, Frank; the doctors tell me the air of London is very bad for your complaints.