Chapter I: Introduction: Chap. I

Description of Eskdale.--History of Marion Scott and John Telfer.--He loses his Parents.--Mr. Martin, the Pastor, befriends him.--John engaged by Mr. Laurie as his herd-boy.--Helen Martin's first attempt at horsemanship.--Her mother points out the advantages of perseverance and self-command.

CHAP. II.

Excursion towards the Glen.--Beautiful scenery.--Account of the _Borderers_.--The Minister visits David Little's cottage--Rustic manners.--Canine sagacity.--The visitors take their departure.

CHAP. III.

John gains the approbation of the Pastor.--Visit to Mr. Elliott.--His cottage delightfully situated.--Helen cautioned by her father against affectation.--Arrival at Minkirk.--Visit at Craigie Hall.--Mrs. Scott's hospitality.--John dispatched on an errand.--His unlucky disaster.--The party returns by moonlight.--Their arrival at the Manse relieves Mrs. Martin's anxiety.

CHAP. IV.

John's reflexions on entering service.--Receives advice from the Minister for his future conduct.--John's good intentions the cause of great anxiety.

CHAP. V.

Sunday morning.--The family assembled for morning prayer.--Interesting description of the villagers' manners on the Sabbath.--Serious illnesses.--John in an awkward dilemma.--Hateful effects of intoxication.--Miss Helen taken seriously ill.--A curtain lecture.

CHAP. VI.

Uncertainty of human events.--News of Captain Elliott.--An agreeable present.--John gains the approbation of the Minister for his activity.

CHAP. VII.

John enters Mr. Laurie's service.--New companions.--He receives instruction in his new employ.--Surprising sagacity of the shepherds' dogs.--Marion recovered.

CHAP. VIII.

Arrival of Capt. Elliott.--Unfavourable character of William Martin.--His hasty temper the cause of uneasiness to his parents.--He is placed under the care of Mr. Lamont.--Helen's amiability.--The party take their departure for Kelso.

CHAP. IX.

Hospitable reception at Kelso.--Interview between Capt. Elliott and his nephew William.--The party return to the _Manse_.--Helen's attachment to home.--Capt. Elliott joins his vessel.--Alarm of the family at the sudden disappearance of William Martin.

CHAP. X.

Mrs. Martin greatly distressed by William's thoughtless and undutiful conduct.--Helen shrewdly guesses her brother's plans.--Information received from Capt. Elliott that William has joined him.--William solicits permission to accompany his uncle to sea.--His parents reluctantly consent.--Mrs. Martin's death ensues.

CHAP. XI.

Helen's grandmother takes charge of the household.--Marion Scott resides with Helen at the Manse.--John Telfer gradually improves himself.--Capt. Elliott and his nephew arrive in England.--Their anxiety to visit Eskdale again.--Mrs. Elliott's repugnance at seeing her undutiful grandson causes her departure to Mr. Armstrong's.

CHAP. XII.

William's arrival, and interview with his sister.--Affectionately received by his father.--Marion narrowly escapes perishing in a snow storm.--Intrepidity of William and John.--The departure of Capt. Elliott and William the cause of distress and fearful forebodings.--John accompanies them.

CHAP XIII.

Their arrival in the metropolis.--And voyage to the Mediterranean.--Sudden disappearance of William and the boat's crew at sea.--A sea fight.--Capt. Elliott killed, the vessel taken by the enemy, and the crew made prisoners.--The news of these disasters cause the death of Mr. Martin.

CHAP XIV.

Helen vacates the parsonage, and joins Miss Maxwell's millinery establishment.--They become greatly attached.--John Telfer, after several years' captivity, makes his escape.

CHAP XV.

John's unexpected interview with Marion.--They are married, and settle in Eskdale.--His interview with Helen.--She is induced to accompany him to Eskdale; and is finally married to Mr. Johnstone, the Minister of Eskdale.