in or near Perth, insomuch that more than one nobleman of the
highest rank, and most distinguished for deeds of chivalry, were
more attentive to exhibit feats of horsemanship as they passed the
door of old Simon Glover, in what was called Couvrefew, or Curfew,
Street, than to distinguish themselves in the tournaments, where
the noblest dames of Scotland were spectators of their address.
But the glover's daughter--for, as was common with the citizens
and artisans of that early period, her father, Simon, derived his
surname from the trade which he practised--showed no inclination to
listen to any gallantry which came from those of a station highly
exalted above that which she herself occupied, and, though probably
in no degree insensible to her personal charms, seemed desirous to
confine her conquests to those who were within her own sphere of
life. Indeed, her beauty being of that kind which we connect more
with the mind than with the person, was, notwithstanding her natural
kindness and gentleness of disposition, rather allied to reserve
than to gaiety, even when in company with her equals; and the
earnestness with which she attended upon the exercises of devotion
induced many to think that Catharine Glover nourished the private
wish to retire from the world and bury herself in the recesses of
the cloister. But to such a sacrifice, should it be meditated, it
was not to be expected her father, reputed a wealthy man and having
this only child, would yield a willing consent.

In her resolution of avoiding the addresses of the gallant courtiers,
the reigning beauty of Perth was confirmed by the sentiments of
her parent.

"Let them go," he said--"let them go, Catharine, those gallants,
with their capering horses, their jingling spurs, their plumed