France, in his opinion, was a hotbed of infidelity; Italy, of popery; Germany, of socialistic and revolutionary doctrines.

There was safety only in Scotland.

Pondering these things, he resolved that marriage was the proper means to "settle" the lad.

So he entered into communication with an old friend respecting his daughter and his daughter's portion; and one night he laid the result before Colin.
Colin was indignant.

He wanted to marry no woman, and least of all women, Isabel McLeod.
"She'll hae L50,000!" said the laird sententiously.
"I would not sell myself for L50,000." "You'd be a vera dear bargain at half the price to any woman, Colin.
And you never saw Isabel.