The Baron of Bradwardine, being asked what he thought of these recruits, took a long pinch of snuff, and answered drily,'that he could not but have an excellent opinion of them, since they resembled precisely the followers who attached themselves to the good King David at the cave of Adullam--videlicet, every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented, which the vulgate renders bitter of soul; and doubtless,' he said, 'they will prove mighty men of their hands, and there is much need that they should, for I have seen many a sour look cast upon us.' But none of these considerations moved Fergus. He admired the luxuriant beauty of the country, and the situation of many of the seats which they passed. 'Is Waverley-Honour like that house, Edward?' 'It is one-half larger.' 'Is your uncle's park as fine a one as that?' 'It is three times as extensive, and rather resembles a forest than a mere park.' 'Flora will be a happy woman.' 'I hope Miss Mac-Ivor will have much reason for happiness unconnected with Waverley-Honour.' 'I hope so too; but to be mistress of such a place will be a pretty addition to the sum total.' 'An addition, the want of which, I trust, will be amply supplied by some other means.' 'How,' said Fergus, stopping short and turning upon Waverley--'how am I to understand that, Mr. Waverley? Had I the pleasure to hear you aright?' 'Perfectly right, Fergus.' 'And am I to understand that you no longer desire my alliance and my sister's hand?' 'Your sister has refused mine,' said Waverley, 'both directly and by all the usual means by which ladies repress undesired attentions.' 'I have no idea,' answered the Chieftain, 'of a lady dismissing or a gentleman withdrawing his suit, after it has been approved of by her legal guardian, without giving him an opportunity of talking the matter over with the lady. You did not, I suppose, expect my sister to drop into your mouth like a ripe plum the first moment you chose to open it?' 'As to the lady's title to dismiss her lover, Colonel,' replied Edward, 'it is a point which you must argue with her, as I am ignorant of the customs of the Highlands in that particular. But as to my title to acquiesce in a rejection from her without an appeal to your interest, I will tell you plainly, without meaning to undervalue Miss Mac-Ivor's admitted beauty and accomplishments, that I would not take the hand of an angel, with an empire for her dowry, if her consent were extorted by the importunity of friends and guardians, and did not flow from her own free inclination.' '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.'