THE BETROTHED appeared in June 1825 as one of the "Tales of the Crusaders." On account of certain scruples of James Ballantyne and Mr Constable, Sir Walter had nearly consented to cancel the sheets, after the tale, excepting the two last chapters, had been printed off. Subsequently, he consented to prepare the tale of the "Talisman" which might accompany its entrance into the world. Both tales appeared together, and their success left nothing to be desired. The accompanying illustration represents a striking scene in the novel. While the monk and the Fleming slept soundly under the shade of the battlement, Eveline Berenger could forbear no longer in breaking silence. "Men, my beloved Rose," she said, "are happy; their anxious thoughts were either diverted by toil, or drowned in the insensibility which follows it; they may encounter wounds or death, but women feel a keener anguish than the body knows; and in the gnawing sense of present ill, and fear of future misery, suffer a living death more cruel than that which ends our woes at once." In vain Rose endeavoured to assuage her grief; she answered, "You have a father to fight and watch for you; mine-my kind, noble, and honoured parent, lies dead on yonder field." So saying, she sunk down on the banquette, murmuring to herself, "He is gone for ever!" One hand grasped unconsciously the weapon which she held, and served at the same time to prop her forehead, while tears, by which she was now relieved, flowed in torrents from her eyes, and her sobs seemed so convulsive, that Rose almost feared her heart was bursting. [Illustration: 110-111] [Illustration: 112] THE HIGHLAND WIDOW. THE tale of the "Highland Widow" was included in the first series of the "Chronicles of the Canongate." It appeared in November 1827, subsequent to the breaking up of Constable's publishing house. In the accompanying illustration is presented the striking scene where Hamish Bean Mac Tavish was urged by his mother to fire upon the military party who sought to apprehend him. It was evening; the gigantic shadows of the mountains streamed in darkness towards the east, while their western peaks were still glowing with crimson and gold. From the road which wound round Ben Cruachan, five Highland soldiers were fully visible at the door of the bothy. One walked a little before the others; this was Serjeant Cameron, who called out, "Hamish Bean Mac Tavish, lay down your arms and surrender!" At the door of the bothy Hamish stood like a statue holding his firelock, while his mother standing behind him, and almost driven to frenzy by the violence of her passions, reproached him for want of resolution and faintness of heart. Her words increased the bitter gall which was arising in his spirit, as he saw his late comrades making towards him like hounds towards the stag at bay. "The scourge, the scourge, my son, beware the scourge," whispered the mother. It was enough. Hamish fired his piece, and Serjeant Cameron dropped dead.