'
'An angel, with the dowry of an empire,' repeated Fergus, in a tone of
bitter irony, 'is not very likely to be pressed upon a ----shire squire.
But, sir,' changing his tone, 'if Flora Mac-Ivor have not the dowry of an
empire, she is MY sister; and that is sufficient at least to secure her
against being treated with anything approaching to levity.'
'She is Flora Mac-Ivor, sir,' said Waverley, with firmness, 'which to me,
were I capable of treating ANY woman with levity, would be a more
effectual protection.'
The brow of the Chieftain was now fully clouded; but Edward felt too
indignant at the unreasonable tone which he had adopted to avert the
storm by the least concession. They both stood still while this short
dialogue passed, and Fergus seemed half disposed to say something more
violent, but, by a strong effort, suppressed his passion, and, turning
his face forward, walked sullenly on. As they had always hitherto walked
together, and almost constantly side by side, Waverley pursued his course
silently in the same direction, determined to let the Chief take his own
time in recovering the good-humour which he had so unreasonably
discarded, and firm in his resolution not to bate him an inch of dignity.
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