had married a woman named Eveline Neville, who his mother helped convince was his sister after she had already become pregnant. Eveline attempts to commit suicide by jumping into the sea. She is taken from the water barely alive and dies after giving birth. The child is taken by another maid named Theresa and is raised by Glenallan's younger brother as his own illegitimate son. Glenallan does not know this. Glenallan never recovers from believing that he committed a violation of nature. Elspeth tells him that Eveline was not his sister and that his marriage with her was perfectly legitimate. It relieves his mind and he desires to find his son. Meanwhile, Edie is arrested for attacking Douster-swivel. Oldbuck proves that Dousterswivel is merely a thief and frees Edie, who immediately goes upon a mission. Oldbuck then receives word that Sir Arthur, who has been heavily in debt, is under arrest and has the valuables of his home being taken. Edie returns with money sent by Wardour's son and an order to stop the arrest. Finally, a mistake causes the national warning system—a series of towers with fires that can be lit to warn of invasion—to be lit and everyone believes the French are invading. Oldbuck dons his sword and travels to town to help with defence along with his nephew, who promptly assumes the role of a commander. As they prepare for the defence, Lord Glenallan comes in with his highland troops. Finally, Lovel and Captain Wardour arrive to take command of the defence and it is revealed that Lovel is actually Major Neville. Further, Oldbuck realizes that Major Neville is Glenallan's son and the two are reunited. Major Neville becomes the next Lord Glenallan and is now free to marry Isabella Wardour. Characters Principal characters in bold William Lovel, afterwards Lord Geraldin, Earl of Glenallan Mrs Macleuchar, proprietress of the Edinburgh-Queensferry coach Jonathan Oldbuck, of Monkbarns Miss Griselda Oldbuck, his sister Mary MacIntyre, his niece Jenny Rintherout, his maid Captain Hector MacIntyre, his nephew Mr Lesley, Hector's military friend Jacob Caxon, a barber Jenny Caxon, his daughter Lieutenant Richard Taffril, her sweetheart Edie Ochiltree, a licensed mendicant Sir Arthur Wardour, of Knockwinnock Castle Captain Reginald Wardour, his son Isabella Wardour, his daughter Ringan Aikwood, his estate officer Herman Dousterswivel, a charlatan Mrs Mailsetter, postmistress of Fairport Davie Mailsetter, her son Mrs Heukbane Mrs Shortcake Mr Blattergowl, minister of