Sure had the Lady Arabella but been a man, we should scarce have welcomed so gladly this son of Mary Stuart as our monarch." "Have a care, my children, and talk not rank treason in such open fashion," said a deep voice behind them, and the daughters started to see the tall form of their father in the room behind them.

"We Trevlyns are none too safe from suspicion that we need endanger ourselves wilfully.

Whatever else James Stuart may be, he has shown that he means to be a monarch as absolute as any who have gone before him.

Wherefore it behoves us to be cautious even in the sanctuary of this peaceful home.
"What is the matter, Kate, that thou art thus scornful towards his majesty?
In what has he offended thee, my saucy princess ?" As Kate stepped within the room, followed by her brother, it was plain from the lighting of her father's eyes that she was the favourite daughter with him.

He laid his hand lightly on her shoulder, and she stood up close beside him, her bright face upraised, a saucy gleam in her eyes, and both her attitude and bearing bespoke an affectionate confidence between father and child less common in those ceremonious days than it has since become.
"Father, we were talking of Cuthbert.