Marjorie Bowen

“ Macdonald gazed into her eyes: she did not wince, but suddenly smiled; the color came into her cheeks.
"Ye have a wonderful face, Helen Fraser," he said. "Are you a princess of the clan?"
"I am Lord Eraser's daughter," she answered, "and heiress of our family."
"They should be proud of you," said Macdonald. "Are you a maid or wife?"
"I am unwed," she said, "and am ever like to be, for I do find it hard to love." ”

“ The thick peat smoke, that circled round the hut before it found the rude aperture that served as a chimney, made her cough and shudder.
"Where are we now?" she asked.
"By the entrance to Glenorchy," he answered, gazing hard at her.
"Ah," she said, "Jock Campbell's lands—his castle lies there, you said?"
She was leaning against the wall; her eyes indifferently on the smoke and flame; then suddenly she lifted them and Macdonald started; they were such a vivid color, green as those of a wildcat. ”

“ Outside the rain was coming down less heavily, but the wind had risen and they could hear the rocking of the fir-trees.
She spoke at last, in her quiet voice: "Do you go to the conference Breadalbane holds at Glenorchy?" she asked. "You know he calls the Highlands thither to treat of peace—and loyalty to the new King."
Macdonald laughed:
"And the gold he hath to buy us fills his own coffers—there will be no peace while Jock Campbell treats," he answered.
"But many great chiefs have gone," she said, "And the whole force of the new King is behind Breadalbane—"
"We may go," replied Macdonald. ”