At last opening her eyes, she
recognized the figure of her young kinsman leaning over her. The
almost paralyzed Halbert stood at her feet. "Blessed Virgin! am I yet
safe, and with my dear Andrew! Oh! I feared you were slain!" cried
she, bursting into tears.
"Thank God, we are both safe," answered he; "comfort yourself, my
beloved cousin! you are now on holy ground; this is the cell of the
prior of St. Fillan. None but the hand of an infidel dare wrest you
from this sanctuary."
"But my father, and Lady Mar?" And again her tears flowed.
"The countess, my gracious lady," answered Halbert, "since you could
not be found in the castle, is allowed to accompany your father to
Dumbarton Castle, there to be treated with every respect, until De
Valence receives further orders from King Edward."
"But for Wallace!" cried she, "ah, where are now the succors that were
to be sent to him! And without succors, how can he, or you, dearest
Andrew, rescue my father from this tyranny!"
"Do not despair," replied Murray; "look but at the banner you held
fast, even while insensible; your own hands have engraven my answer-God
armeth the patriot! Convinced of that, can you still fear for you
father? I will join Wallace to-morrow.
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