Marjorie Bowen

“ I see that we have to struggle against a man whose genius has made him arbitrator of Europe—and he has linked himself with William Carstairs—"
"A Scotch minister of no birth!" interrupted Delia.
"One of the cleverest men in the kingdom," said Jerome, "and the Master of Stair is another—if you consider the Highlands, you may add Breadalbane for a fourth—call them devils, if you will, but they are men impossible to defeat." ”

“ I have seen it—as I intrigued and waited and watched in London—while half the men of note would go over again to King James and the other half follow if he was here—while the people grumble and curse the Dutchman—while promises of anything may be had for the asking, still three men hold us in check—three men whom every one joins in loathing—but, by Heaven, they hold the three countries with a power we cannot shake! ”

“ He brought the last words out so fiercely that the others started.
"They defeat me at every turn, these men," he continued passionately. "But, by God, they shall not get the Highlands!" He turned the soft face that was at variance with his speech toward Perseus. "That is the question of issue now," he said. "The Highlanders must take the oaths, the government decrees it."
"Ay," answered Sir Perseus, "and the government does not want the decree carried out. ”

“ And he fell to his busy writing again.
"Why not?" echoed the girl impatiently. "I think, Perseus, there are many reasons why a gentleman in King James's service may not cross England and Scotland in perfect safety."
"I have perfect confidence in Jerome Caryl," answered her brother, this time without an upward look. "A man who has been an adventurer all his life knows how to play the spy." ”