"
The sewer now announced the board in the hall; and the countess leading
the way, reluctantly gave her hand to the Earl of Lennox. Lord Mar
leaned on the arm of Wallace, who was followed by Edwin and the other
chieftains.
Chapter XXV.
The Citadel.
During the repast, the countess often fixed her unrestrained gaze on
the manly yet youthful countenance of the heroic Wallace. His plumed
helmet was now laid aside; and the heavy corselet unbuckled from his
breast, disclosing the symmetry of his fine form, left its graceful
movements to be displayed with advantage by the flexible folds of his
simple tartan vest. Was it the formidable Wallace she looked on,
bathed in the blood of Heselrigge, and breathing vengeance against the
adherents of the tyrant Edward! It was, then, the enemy of her kinsmen
of the house of Cummin! It was the man for whom her husband had
embraced so many dangers! It was the man whom she had denounced to one
of those kinsmen, and whom she had betrayed to the hazard of an
ignominious death! But where now was the fierce rebel-the ruiner of
her peace-the outlaw whom she had wished in his grave?
The last idea was distraction.
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