"The Earl of
Mar shall find that fidelity here which his faith in the church merits.
That mysterious chest, to which you tell me so terrible a denunciation
is annexed, shall be preserved sacred as the relics of St. Fillan."
Halbert groaned heavily at these words, but he did not speak. The
father looked at him attentively, and then proceeded: "But for you,
virtuous Southron, I will give you a pilgrim's habit. Travel in that
privileged garb to Montrose; and there a brother of the church, the
prior of Aberbrothick, will, by a letter from me, convey you in a
vessel to Normandy; thence you may safely find your way to Guienne."
The soldier bowed his head; and the priest, turning to Lady Helen, told
her that a cell should be appointed for her, and some pious woman
brought from the adjoining hamlet to pay her due attendance.
"As for this venerable man," continued he, "his silver hairs already
proclaim him near his heavenly country! He had best put on the cowl of
the holy brotherhood, and, in the arms of religion, repose securely,
till he passes through the sleep of death to wake in everlasting life!"
Tears started into the eyes of Halbert.
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