It is impossible for a writer to speak of his own productions, without exposing himself to imputations of either egotism or affected modesty; the Author therefore will merely add, that he trusts that most readers may discover something to attract in these volumes, which depict from the life the stirring events and all the romance of warfare, with the various lights and shades of military service, the principal characters being members of one of those brave regiments, which, from their striking garb, national feelings, romantic sentiments, and _esprit de corps_, are essentially different from the generality of our troops of the line. EDINBURGH, _Nov._ 1846. *CONTENTS* Chapter I. Introductory II. Interviews III. A True Highlander IV. The Departure V. Edinburgh Castle VI. Foreign Service VII. Merida VIII. An Adventure IX. Donna Catalina X. Flirtation XI. Alice Lisle.—News from Home XII. The Condé XIII. The Duel XIV. Muleteers XV. The Banditti XVI. A Siege XVII. A Meeting *THE ROMANCE OF WAR.* *CHAPTER I.* *INTRODUCTORY.* "Still linger in our northern clime Some remnants of the good old time; And still within our valleys here We hold the kindred title dear; Even though perchance its far-fetched claim, To Southron ear, sounds empty name; For course of blood, our proverbs deem, Is warmer than the mountain stream." _Marmion_, canto vi. In the Highlands of Perthshire a deadly feud had existed, from time immemorial, between the Lisles of Inchavon and the Stuarts of Lochisla. In the days when the arm of the law was weak, the proprietors had often headed their kinsmen and followers in encounters with the sword, and for the last time during the memorable civil war of 1745-6. But between the heads of the families, towards the latter end of the last century, (the period when our tale commences,) although the era of feudal ideas and outrages had passed away, the spirit of transmitted hatred, proud rivalry and revenge, lurked behind, and a feeling of most cordial enmity existed between Stuart and Lisle, who were ever engaged in vexatious law-suits on the most frivolous pretences, and constantly endeavouring to cross each other’s interests and intentions,—quarrelling at public meetings,—voting on opposite sides,—prosecuting for trespasses, and opposing each other every where, "as if the world was not wide enough for them both;" and on one occasion a duel would have ensued but for the timely interference of the sheriff.