'But perhaps there is, in the popular evidence, something of that fancy which creates what it sees.

Certainly, as other families have peculiarities by which they are distinguished, this of Redgauntlet is marked in most individuals by a singular indenture of the forehead, supposed to be derived from the son of Alberick, their ancestor, and brother to the unfortunate Edward, who had perished in so piteous a manner.

It is certain there seems to have been a fate upon the House of Redgauntlet, which has been on the losing side in almost all the civil broils which have divided the kingdom of Scotland from David Bruce's days, till the late valiant and unsuccessful attempt of the Chevalier Charles Edward.' He concluded with a deep sigh, as one whom the subject had involved in a train of painful reflections.
'And am I then,' I exclaimed, 'descended from this unhappy race?
Do you belong to it?
And if so, why do I sustain restraint and hard usage at the hands of a relation ?' 'Inquire no further for the present,' he said.

'The line of conduct which I am pursuing towards you is dictated, not by choice but by necessity.

You were withdrawn from the bosom of your family and the care of your legal guardian, by the timidity and ignorance of a doting mother, who was incapable of estimating the arguments or feelings of those who prefer honour and principle to fortune, and even to life.