His visitor had, in the first place,
something for his private ear, and begged leave to bolt the door. Duncan
by no means liked this precaution, which savoured of danger to be
apprehended; but he could not now draw back.
Convinced he might trust this man, as he could make it his interest to be
faithful, Edward communicated his present situation and future schemes to
Macwheeble. The wily agent listened with apprehension when he found
Waverley was still in a state of proscription; was somewhat comforted by
learning that he had a passport; rubbed his hands with glee when he
mentioned the amount of his present fortune; opened huge eyes when he
heard the brilliancy of his future expectations; but when he expressed
his intention to share them with Miss Rose Bradwardine, ecstasy had
almost deprived the honest man of his senses. The Bailie started from his
three-footed stool like the Pythoness from her tripod; flung his best wig
out of the window, because the block on which it was placed stood in the
way of his career; chucked his cap to the ceiling, caught it as it fell;
whistled 'Tullochgorum'; danced a Highland fling with inimitable grace
and agility, and then threw himself exhausted into a chair, exclaiming,
'Lady Wauverley! ten thousand a year the least penny! Lord preserve my
poor understanding!'
'Amen with all my heart,' said Waverley; 'but now, Mr.
Pages:
815
816
817
818
819
820
821
822
823
824
825
826
827
828
829
830
831
832
833
834
835
836
837
838
839