The Abbott

The orphaned hero, Roland Graeme, is brought up as a page by Lady Mary Avenel, heroine of The Monastery and now wife to Sir Halbert Glendinning. Although considered a penniless bastard, Roland becomes a favourite with his childless mistress until his impetuous character leads to his dismissal. Assisted by Sir Halbert, Roland enters the service of the Earl of Murray who, following the enforced abdication of Mary Queen of Scots, governs Scotland as Regent on behalf of the infant James VI. Murray appoints him as a page to the imprisoned Queen Mary and sends him to Lochleven Castle with instructions to act as a spy.