Fair Maid of Perth, Saint Valentine's Day, or The
Fair Maid of Perth, Saint Valentine's Day, or The,a novel by Sir W. Scott , published 1828 , as the second of the Chronicles of the Canongate . The novel, set at the end of the 14th cent. in Perth, where the Highlands touch the Lowlands, is chiefly remembered for its study of constitutional cowardice. It tells of the attempt to end the discord caused by the enmity of clans Chattan and Quhele by mortal combat of 30 picked champions on each side before the king. The default of one of the Clan Chattan men leaves a vacancy which is filled by the hero of the story, Henry Smith, who seeks an opportunity to face Conachar, chief of Clan Quhele, his rival for the love of the Fair Maid, Catharine Glover. Conachar, formerly apprentice to Catharine's father, combines a hot temper with cowardice. In the battle, he is protected by his foster-father, Torquil of the Oak, who, with his eight sons, stands between Conachar and danger until all are...
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