le to place the weapon on the ground, instead of
dropping it from his hand.

"My poor Henry," said Sir Patrick, "I bring you but cold news; they are
uncertain, however, and, if true, they are such as a brave man like you
should not take too deeply to heart."

"In God's name, my lord," said Henry, "I trust you bring no evil news of
Simon Glover or his daughter?"

"Touching themselves," said Sir Patrick, "no: they are safe and well.
But as to thee, Henry, my tidings are more cold. Kitt Henshaw has, I
think, apprised thee that I had endeavoured to provide Catharine Glover
with a safe protection in the house of an honourable lady, the Duchess
of Rothsay. But she hath declined the charge, and Catharine hath been
sent to her father in the Highlands. What is worst is to come. Thou
mayest have heard that Gilchrist MacIan is dead, and that his son
Eachin, who was known in Perth as the apprentice of old Simon, by the
name of Conachar, is now the chief of Clan Quhele; and I heard from one
of my domestics that there is a strong rumour among the MacIans that the
young chief seeks the hand of Catharine in marriage. My domestic learned
this--as a secret, however--while in the Breadalbane country, on some
arrangements touching the ensuing combat. The thing is uncertain but,
Henry, it wears a face of likelihood."

"Did your lordship's servant see Simon Glover and his daughter?" said
Henry, struggling for breath, and coughing, to conceal from the provost
the excess of his agitation.

"He did not," said Sir Patrick; "the Highlanders seemed jealous, and
refused to permit him to speak to the old man, and he feared to alarm
them by asking to see Catharine. Besides, he talks no Gaelic, nor had
his informer much English, so there may be some mistake in the matter.
Nevertheless, there is such a report, and I thought it best to tell it
you. But you may be well assured that the wedding cannot go on till the
affair of Palm Sunday be over; and I advise you to take no step till we
learn the circumstances of the matter, for certainty is most desirable,
even when it is painful. Go you to the council house," he added, after a
pause, "to speak about the preparations for the lists in the North Inch?
You will be welcome there."

"No, my good lord."

"Well, Smith, I judge by your brief answer that you are discomposed with
this matter; but, after all, women are weathercocks, that is the truth
on't. Solomon and others have proved it before you."

A