You cannot think of injuring her--you cannot think of marrying her ?" "My lord," replied Menteith, "you have repeatedly urged this jest, for so I trust it is meant, somewhat beyond bounds.

Annot Lyle is of unknown birth,--a captive,--the daughter, probably, of some obscure outlaw; a dependant on the hospitality of the M'Aulays." "Do not be angry, Menteith," said the Marquis, interrupting him; "you love the classics, though not educated at Mareschal-College; and you may remember how many gallant hearts captive beauty has subdued:-- Movit Ajacem, Telamone natum, Forma captivae dominum Tecmessae.
In a word, I am seriously anxious about this--I should not have time, perhaps," he added very gravely, "to trouble you with my lectures on the subject, were your feelings, and those of Annot, alone interested; but you have a dangerous rival in Allan M'Aulay; and there is no knowing to what extent he may carry his resentment.

It is my duty to tell you that the King's service may be much prejudiced by dissensions betwixt you." "My lord," said Menteith, "I know what you mean is kind and friendly; I hope you will be satisfied when I assure you, that Allan M'Aulay and I have discussed this circumstance; and that I have explained to him, that it is utterly remote from my character to entertain dishonourable views concerning this unprotected female; so, on the other hand, the obscurity of her birth prevents my thinking of her upon other terms.

I will not disguise from your lordship, what I have not disguised from M'Aulay,--that if Annot Lyle were born a lady, she should share my name and rank; as matters stand, it is impossible.

This explanation, I trust, will satisfy your lordship, as it has satisfied a less reasonable person." Montrose shrugged his shoulders.