“Glencoe! Glencoe!”
The Earl of Stair stepped onto the balcony and at the sight of him there rose a howl of execration; he frowned down on them with the bitterest scorn and turned into the room again.
A stone crashed up at the balcony and again came: “Glencoe!”
He glanced at the clock and rang a bell; when the servant appeared in answer, he asked for lights. “And order the coach,” he said.
The man hesitated, stopped.
“My lord—my lord—you will not go abroad?”
“To my Lord Breadalbane’s reception,” answered the Earl.
“My lord—does your lordship hear the mob?”
The Earl flared with impatience.
“I do not ask your attendance—if there be one man in my service not a coward let him drive, it will suffice.”