The Abbot

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. However, Roland's sense of honour, his loyalty to Mary (instilled by his Catholic grandmother, Madgalen Graeme), and his love for Catherine Seyton, one of Mary Stuart's attendants, prevent him from acting out this role. In the end, Roland becomes instrumental in the queen's escape, remaining with her until she leaves Scotland. In this, he is assisted by the Abbot of Kennaquhair, Father Ambrosius (formerly Edward Glendinning), from whom the novel takes its title. Shortly before Mary's defeat at Langside, Roland discovers his true identity. He is not, as he thought, the illegitimate child of Catherine Graeme but the product of a legitimate marriage between Catherine and Julian Avenel, and thus heir to his benefactress's estates. Roland is pardoned by the Regent and marries Catherine Seyton.