It is probable that this long audience was partly
meant to further the idea which the Prince desired should be entertained
among his followers, that Waverley was a character of political
influence. But it appeared, from his concluding expressions, that he had
a different and good-natured motive, personal to our hero, for prolonging
the conference. 'I cannot resist the temptation,' he said, 'of boasting
of my own discretion as a lady's confidant. You see, Mr. Waverley, that I
know all, and I assure you I am deeply interested in the affair. But, my
good young friend, you must put a more severe restraint upon your
feelings. There are many here whose eyes can see as clearly as mine, but
the prudence of whose tongues may not be equally trusted,'
So saying, he turned easily away and joined a circle of officers at a few
paces' distance, leaving Waverley to meditate upon his parting
expression, which, though not intelligible to him in its whole purport,
was sufficiently so in the caution which the last word recommended.
Making, therefore, an effort to show himself worthy of the interest which
his new master had expressed, by instant obedience to his recommendation,
he walked up to the spot where Flora and Miss Bradwardine were still
seated, and having made his compliments to the latter, he succeeded, even
beyond his own expectation, in entering into conversation upon general
topics.
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