" The hermit, who had listened
in silent interest, now, fearing the consequence of so much emotion,
presented her with a cup of water and a little fruit, to refresh
herself, before she satisfied the inquiries of the knight. She put the
cup to her lips, to gratify the benevolence of her host, but her
anxious spirit was too much occupied in the concerns dearest to her
heart, to feel any wants of the body; and turning to the knight, she
briefly related what had been the design of her father with regard to
Sir William Wallace; how he had been seized at Bothwell, and sent with
his family a prisoner to Dumbarton Castle.
"Proceed then thither," continued she. "If Heaven have yet spared the
lives of Wallace and my cousin, Andrew Murray, you will meet them
before its walls. Meanwhile I shall seek the protection of my father's
sister, and in her castle near the Forth abide in safety. But, noble
stranger, one bond I must lay upon you; should you come up with my
cousin, do not discover that you have met with me. He is precipitate
in resentment; and his hatred is so hot against Soulis, my betrayer,
that should he know the outrage I have sustained he would, I fear, run
himself and the general cause into danger by seeking an immediate
revenge.
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