Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-14
CHAPTER III.
Between Mother and Lover.

Paisley to the amaZement OF the district
and the fierce indignation of Lady Coch-
rane During that time the soldiers made
sudden journeys in various directions. but
if they arrested any Covenanters they were
never brought to Paisley. and although
Lady Cochrane prophesied the murder of
the saints every day, no new atrocity was
laid to her guests charge. Once or twice
he went out with him men himself, but he
mostly contented himself with directing
their operations. and he occupied his time
with writing long dispatches on the case Of
Sir John Cochrane and the state of affairs
in Scotland He was not so busy, however,
that he had no leisure for the duties of a
guest. and now that he had missed Pollock
and had found out all he wanted about Sir
John. he never came thousand miles with
In controversy. He was studiously cour-
teous to the servants at the castle, who had
regarded his coming with absolute terror;
he Gained and gentled the timid old earl,
and drew him out to tell stories of the
days of the commonwealth. when one of
Cromwelfs troopers pulled the minister
out Of the pulpit of the abbey kirk. and
held forth himself on the sins both of
Preacy and Presbytery. declaring that he
was as good priest as any man. Ciaver-
house made no objection when the minister
of the abbey. who had taken the indulgence
and was on good terms with the govern
ment but whom Lady Cochrane deteSted
and considered to be a mere Gallo, came
He attended the service himself. and ex-
planned that he always had prayers when
he at home, and that he generally had
a chaplain with him. When he was not
shut up in his room reading or writing
dispatches he mingled freely with the
family and suited himself to each ones
taste with great tact and good nature. 1t
was not long since he had returned from
court at LCndon. where he was now a popu-
lar and influential person, and he had many
good tales for young Lord CocErane. about
bunting with the Duke of York, cock fight
ing and other sports in vogue and all the
doings of the royal circle. For Jean he had
endless interesting gossip from the capital
about the great ladies and famous men,
and the amusements of the court and the
varied life of London. But he was careful
never to tell any of those tales which
buZZed through the land about the ways
of Charles but which were not fit for a
malden's ears From time to time, also, as
they walked together III the pleasaunCe of
the castle. they touched on deeper things,
and Jean marked that. although tn.s man
had lived a soldiers life and had been
much with people who were far removed
from Puritanism. he was free from the
coarseness of the day. and that. although
he might be capable of severity and even
cruelty. he was of more fastidious and
chivalrouS temper than any one else she
had met among the Covenanters, except
Henry Pollock. tnconsciously Jean began
to compare the two men and to weigh
their types of character. There was moth
manliness. though the one was minister
Of the Evangel and the other colonel of
his majesty's horse, but they were differ
ent. Pollock. with all his narrowness OF
faith and extravaganza of action, was a
saint and no one could say that of Claver-
house. even though they might admit he
was not the devil of the Covenanting ,imaSi-
nation. But John Graham was more
human; he might not see visions and there
never came into his face that light of the
other world which she had seen on Pol
locks, but he knew when woman was
walking by his side. and his eyes caressed
her His voice never had that indescrib
able accent of eternity which thrilled Henry
Pollock's hearers, and was to them as a
message from God but Graham'S speech
could turn from grave and courteous mock
cry, which was very taking in its way, to
a gentle Difference and respectful appeal
which, from a strong man with so daZ-
cling reputation. was irresistible to a
womans heart Then, no one could deny
that his person beautiful-a rare thing
to say of manor that his manner was
gracious. and Jean began to admit 10 her
self that If he set himself he would be
successful lover. The very contradiction
of the man-with so fraceful a form and so
high spirit with so evil name for per
secution and SO engaging a presence, with
such a high tone of authority among the
men in power and modest carriage
toward maidens-made him captivating
guest and dangerous to womens hearts.
There was also natural sympathy be-
tween John Graham and Jean Cochrane,
because though they had been brought up
under different traditions and were on OPP
posite sides they were both resolute, hon
est. independent and loyal No word or
hint of love passed between them during
those days. but Jean knew that for the first
time her heart had been touched, and
Claverhouse, who had seen all kinds OF
women and had been Indifferent to them
all, and who for the beauty of him had
been tempted at court quite shamelessly
and had remained cold as ice. understood at
last the attraction of a maid for man and
also realized that Jean Cochrane was fit
mate for him because her spirit was as
high as his own.
They were trying days for Lady Coch-
rane in her sef-enforced seclusion and her
temper was not improved by the news,
brought diligently to her by her waiting
maid, that her daughter was doing her ut
most to make the prosecutors time pass
plea sanity. Her mother had no suspicion
at this point that Jean was really wayer-
ing in loyalty to the good cause. but as a
woman with insight and discernment she
knew the danger to which Jean was eX-
posed and blamed herself for her own in
convenient pride. What if by way of put
ting slight on this arch enemy she were
to sacrifice her own child? 1t was impos-
sible. of course, that any daughter Of hers
should ever allow her affections to be en-
tangled by the murderer Of the saints. and
Claverhouse dared not. if lie would. marry
a Cochrane. for he might as we'll throw
up his commission and join Henry Pollock
at the next preaching on the moors. But
foolish ideas might come into the girls
head. and it was said that Claverhouse
could appear as angel of Light 1t
might be as we'll to strengthen and safe
guard her daughter against the Wiles of
the wicked one. she summoned her to
her room. and. as her manner was dealt
with Jean in a straightforward and faith
full fashion. Lady Cochrane had. however.
learned that her daughter could not be
browbeaten or captured by direct assault,
but that, however thorough might be lrer
own mind and uncompromising her Will,
she would have to walk warily with Jean.
lit was an i'll wind that blew that evil
man to this castle, and ill work, l
make no doubt, he has been after in this
district He came like a bloodhound to
catch Henry Pollock. and like fox to get
what news he could about Sir John What
he fingers foE his master only knows, but
it grieyes me, lassie that ye have had the
burden of him on your shoulders. They are
too light, though they may be stronger
than most for such weight: / will not
deny your spirit, but he, as the Proverb
goes must have a lang spoon to sup wi
the dell. Has he spoken civilly'-and Lady
Cochrane eyed her daughter keenly-"or
has he been saying evil of our house and
the cause?"
"Claverhouse has said no evil of any
man that | can mind Of motheF," replied
Jean coldly; land what he did say about
Mr. Henry Pollock would have rather