Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 1Scott, Walter
History
Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 1
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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