The Scottish Cavalier: An Historical Romance, Volume 3 (of 3)Grant, James
History
The Scottish Cavalier: An Historical Romance, Volume 3 (of 3)
Grant, James
Scotland -- History -- 1649-1660 -- Fiction
"Fenton--Walter Fenton, of Dunbarton's Foot."
"No kinsman, I hope, of Fenton of that ilk, who is so active in his
treason against us?"
"Alas, no!" replied Walter, colouring in painful humility; "may it
please your Majesty I am but a poor protegée of the noble Dunbarton.
I know not my family, my name, or my origin."
"It matters not--I shall render honour to all who deserve it; arise
_Sir_ Walter Fenton, Knight Banneret--of this power, at least, my son
William cannot deprive me."
Startled by the suddenness of the action, Walter, whose heart leaped
within him at the words of the King, could only kiss his hand and
resume his place in the ranks of his cavalier comrades, who with
difficulty repressed a shout of applause. Walter felt giddy and
confused; the King still seemed to be addressing him.
The temporary excitement which had led James through this painful
interview, now passed away, and his features became overclouded with
a sad and bitter expression, as he went slowly along the line asking
each officer his name, inserting it in his note book, and returning
him personal thanks. Meanwhile the troop of huntsmen, equerries, and
whippers-in, with their packs of panting-hounds, were grouped about
the terrace, and quite forgotten in the excitement of this sorrowful
review.
"Your name, Sir--yesterday you were at my levée in a garb more
suitable to your rank," said James, to a tall and very handsome man,
whose fashionably curled wig consorted ill with the coarse looped hat
and plain blue coat of a French musqueteer; "your name, Sir, if you
please?"
"John Ogilvie, of the house of Airly--late a captain in your
Majesty's Life Guard."
"Sir, I thank you--the day may come when you shall command that Life
Guard," replied James, writing down his name; "and yours, Sir?" he
asked of the next.
"Grant of Dunlugais--a captain of Mar's Fusiliers."
"Then you have lost an estate in my service?"
"I have lost nothing that I can regret in such a cause."
"May I live to requite it! 'Tis an ancient house, and one of
unblemished honour. Are you Catholic?"
"No, I am a Presbyterian."
"Then the greater honour is due to you for disinterested loyalty.
And yours, Sir?"
"Douglas of Finland--a lieutenant under the Lord Dunbarton."
"Another forfeiture!" exclaimed James, striking his breast; "and
yours, Sir?"
"Drumquhasel--first major to the same noble earl," replied the tali
cavalier, on whose breast sparkled the cross of St. Louis.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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