"
The stranger readily passed his word to Helen that he would never
mention her name to any of her family until she herself should give him
leave. "But when your father is restored to his rights," continued he,
"in his presence I hope to claim my acquaintance with his admirable
daughter."
Helen blushed at this compliment-it was not more than any man in his
situation might have said, but it confused her; and hardly knowing what
were her thoughts, she answered-"His personal freedom may be effected,
and God grant such a regard to your prowess! But his other rights,
what can recover them? His estates sequestrated, his vassals in bonds,
all power of the Earl of Mar will be annihilated; and from some obscure
refuge like this, must he utter his thanks to his daughter's preserver."
"Not so, lady," replied he; "the sword is now raised in Scotland, that
cannot be laid down till it be broken or has conquered. All have
suffered by Edward; the powerful banished into other countries, that
their wealth might reward foreign mercenaries; the poor driven into the
waste, that the meanest Southron might share the spoil! Where all have
suffered, all must be ready to avenge; and when a whole people take up
arms to regain their rights, what force can prevent restitution? God
is with them!"
"So I felt," returned Helen, "while I have not yet seen the horrors of
the contest.
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