It was during those weeks that the Antiquary met after an interval of more than twenty years, the Earl of Glenallan, a neighbouring laird.  Lord Glenallan and Mr. Oldbuck had both loved the same lady, Eveline Neville, and against the commands of the old countess, his mother, Glenallan had married Miss Neville.  Driven by the false taunts of the countess to believe, as her husband did, the marriage invalid, the unhappy Eveline had thrown herself from the cliffs into the sea, and the child born to her had been kept in concealment in England by her brother, Geraldin Neville.  The countess died, and an old fish woman, once the countess’s confidential maid, when dying, demanded to see Lord Glenallan, and on her death-bed told him the truth, and that his child was living.

The scare of a French invasion brought Lord Glenallan, with Mr. Oldbuck, and Sir Arthur Wardour, to Fairport, and to his uncle’s surprise and satisfaction, Captain M’Intyre acted as military adviser to the volunteers with remarkable presence of mind, giving instructions calmly and wisely.

The arrival of an officer from headquarters was eagerly expected in Fairport, and at length a cry among the people announced “There’s the brave Major Neville come at last!” A postchaise and four drove into the square, amidst the huzzas of the volunteers and inhabitants, and what was the surprise of all present, but most especially that of the Antiquary, when the handsome uniform and military cap disclosed the person and features of the pacific Lovel!  A warm embrace was necessary to assure him that his eyes were doing him justice.  Sir Arthur was no less surprised to recognise his son, Captain Wardour, as Major Neville’s companion.

The first words of the young officers were a positive assurance to all present that their efforts were unnecessary, that what was merely an accidental bonfire had been taken for a beacon.

The Antiquary found his arm pressed by Lord Glenallan, who dragged him aside.  “For God’s sake, who is that young gentleman who is so strikingly like——­”

“Like the unfortunate Eveline,” interrupted Oldbuck.  “I felt my heart warm to him from the first.  Formerly I would have called him Lovel, but now he turns out to be Major Neville.”

“Whom my brother brought up as his natural son—­whom he made his heir—­the child of my Eveline!”

Mr. Oldbuck at once determined to make further investigation, and returned to Major Neville, who was now arranging for the dispersion of the force which had been assembled.

“Pray, Major Neville, leave this business for a moment to Captain Wardour and to Hector, with whom, I hope, you are thoroughly reconciled”—­Neville laughed, and shook hands with Hector across the table—­“and grant me a moment’s audience.”

“You have every claim on me,” said Neville, “for having passed myself upon you under a false name.  But I am so unfortunate as to have no better right to the name of Neville, than that of Lovel.”