# Chapter XXXVII explained — Waverley

> Chapter companion for Waverley by Walter Scott.

## What happens

Edward Waverley visits Bailie Macwheeble at Little Veolan to secure his safety and plan his future. He reveals his intention to marry Rose Bradwardine, causing the Bailie to ecstatically anticipate a prosperous match. Edward arranges for his residence under the alias Mr. Stanley and sends for post. A packet from Colonel Talbot arrives containing official protections for both the Baron of Bradwardine and Edward, pardoning them for their involvement in the rebellion.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loyalty and Allegiance

Colonel Talbot's loyalty to Edward and Sir Everard leads him to risk his commission to secure Edward's pardon, while the Bailie's cautious allegiance shifts with the political tide.

### Change and Transition

Edward transitions from a proscribed rebel to a free man with a future, and the Bailie adapts his appearance and behavior to the new political order.

### Social Class and Hierarchy

The Bailie's ecstatic reaction to Edward's ten-thousand-a-year fortune and the prospect of a title ('Lady Wauverley') underscores the importance of wealth and status in marriage and society.

## Character check-ins

### Bailie Macwheeble

Found in his office at Little Veolan, eating porridge and brandy; he is cautious but overjoyed at Edward's news of marrying Rose Bradwardine, and assists Edward with his plans.

### Edward Waverley

Visits Macwheeble under the alias Mr. Stanley, communicates his proscription and future expectations, and receives a protection from Colonel Talbot.

### Colonel Talbot

Writes to Edward from London, detailing his successful negotiation with the Prince for Edward's and the Baron's protections, and grants Edward leave to escort the Baron to Duchran.

### Baron of Bradwardine

Receives a protection from the Prince through Colonel Talbot's efforts, allowing him to stay at Duchran.

### Rose Bradwardine

Mentioned as residing at Duchran; Edward intends to share his fortune with her and seeks to marry her.

### Fergus MacIvor

Mentioned as being imprisoned in Carlisle Castle and awaiting trial; Macwheeble expresses hope he will not return to the Highlands.

## Key lines

> Now is Cupid a child of conscience—he makes restitution.

Love is now acting with a sense of right and wrong, restoring what was lost.

_Epigraph from Shakespeare, setting the tone for Edward's resolution to marry Rose and make amends._

> Lady Wauverley! ten thousand a year the least penny! Lord preserve my poor understanding!

Lady Waverley! At least ten thousand pounds a year! May God keep my wits about me!

_Bailie Macwheeble's ecstatic reaction to Edward's wealth and marriage plans._

> Protection by his Royal Highness to the person of Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, Esq., of that ilk, commonly called Baron of Bradwardine, forfeited for his accession to the late rebellion.

A document from the Prince granting safety to Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, known as the Baron of Bradwardine, who had been forfeited for joining the recent rebellion.

_The official protection for the Baron, delivered in Colonel Talbot's packet._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/waverley_se/chapters