Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — CompleteScott, Walter
History
Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Complete
Scott, Walter
Historical fiction; Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746 -- Fiction; Scotland -- History -- 18th century -- Fiction
Miss Bradwardine, such as we have described her, with all the
simplicity and curiosity of a recluse, attached herself to the
opportunities of increasing her store of literature which Edward's
visit afforded her. He sent for some of his books from his quarters,
and they opened to her sources of delight of which she had hitherto had
no idea. The best English poets, of every description, and other works
on belles-lettres, made a part of this precious cargo. Her music, even
her flowers, were neglected, and Saunders not only mourned over, but
began to mutiny against, the labour for which he now scarce received
thanks. These new pleasures became gradually enhanced by sharing them
with one of a kindred taste. Edward's readiness to comment, to recite,
to explain difficult passages, rendered his assistance invaluable; and
the wild romance of his spirit delighted a character too young and
inexperienced to observe its deficiencies. Upon subjects which
interested him, and when quite at ease, he possessed that flow of
natural, and somewhat florid eloquence, which has been supposed as
powerful even as figure, fashion, fame, or fortune, in winning the
female heart. There was, therefore, an increasing danger in this
constant intercourse to poor Rose's peace of mind, which was the more
imminent as her father was greatly too much abstracted in his studies,
and wrapped up in his own dignity, to dream of his daughter's incurring
it. The daughters of the house of Bradwardine were, in his opinion,
like those of the house of Bourbon or Austria, placed high above the
clouds of passion which might obfuscate the intellects of meaner
females; they moved in another sphere, were governed by other feelings,
and amenable to other rules than those of idle and fantastic affection.
In short, he shut his eyes so resolutely to the natural consequences of
Edward's intimacy with Miss Bradwardine, that the whole neighbourhood
concluded that he had opened them to the advantages of a match between
his daughter and the wealthy young Englishman, and pronounced him much
less a fool than he had generally shown himself in cases where his own
interest was concerned.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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