'The sooner the better,' answered Waverley.
'You are right, since go you must, or rather, since go you will: I will take Flora's pony, and ride with you as far as Bally-Brough.—Callum Beg, see that our horses are ready, with a pony for yourself, to attend and carry Mr. Waverley's baggage as far as—(naming a small town), where he can have a horse and guide to Edinburgh. Put on a Lowland dress, Callum, and see you keep your tongue close, if you would not have me cut it out: Mr. Waverley rides Dermid,' Then turning to Edward, 'You will take leave of my sister?'
'Surely—that is, if Miss Mac-Ivor will honour me so far.'
'Cathleen, let my sister know that Mr. Waverley wishes to bid her farewell before he leaves us.—But Rose Bradwardine,—her situation must be thought of. I wish she were here. And why should she not? There are but four red-coats at Tully-Veolan, and their muskets would be very useful to us.'
To these broken remarks Edward made no answer; his ear indeed received them, but his soul was intent upon the expected entrance of Flora. The door opened—it was but Cathleen, with her lady's excuse, and wishes for Captain Waverley's health and happiness.
CHAPTER XXIX
WAVERLEY'S RECEPTION IN THE LOWLANDS AFTER HIS HIGHLAND TOUR
It was noon when the two friends stood at the top of the pass of Bally-Brough. 'I must go no farther,' said Fergus Mac-Ivor, who during the journey had in vain endeavoured to raise his friend's spirits, 'If my cross-grained sister has any share in your dejection, trust me she thinks highly of you, though her present anxiety about the public cause prevents her listening to any other subject. Confide your interest to me; I will not betray it, providing you do not again assume that vile cockade.'
'No fear of that, considering the manner in which it has been recalled. Adieu, Fergus; do not permit your sister to forget me.'