But they discoursed in vain; she was
obstinate, and at last left the room in a passion of tears.
On the return of Wallace, Lord Lennox advanced to meet him. "What
shall we do?" said he. "Without you have the witchcraft of Hercules,
and can be in two places at once, I fear we must either leave the rest
of Scotland to fight for itself, or never restore peace to this castle!"
Wallace smiled, but before he could answer, Lady Mar, having heard his
voice ascending the stairs, suddenly entered the room. She held her
infant in her arms. Her air was composed, but her eyes yet shone in
tears. At this sight Lord Lennox, sufficiently disgusted with the
lady, taking Murray by the arm, withdrew with him from the apartment.
She approached Wallace: "You are come, my deliverer, to speak comfort
to the mother of this poor babe. My cruel lord here, and the Earl of
Lennox, say you mean to abandon us in this castle?"
"It cannot be abandoned," returned the chief, "while they are in it.
But if so warlike a scene alarms you, would not a religious sanctuary-"
"Not for worlds!" cried she, interrupting him; "what altar is held
sacred by the enemies of our country! O! wonder not, then," added she,
putting her face to that of her child, "that I should wish this
innocent babe never to be from under the wing of such a protector.
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