Was she, or was she not, to recognize
in his train the young and noble Bruce? Was she to be assured that he
still existed? Or, by seeking him everywhere in vain, ascertain that
he, who could not break his word, had perished, lonely and unknown?
While these ideas thronged into her mind, the platform below was
filling with the triumphant Scots; and, her door suddenly opening,
Edwin entered in delighted haste. "Come, cousin!" cried he, "Sir
William Wallace has almost finished his business in the great hall. He
has made my uncle governor of this place, and has committed nearly a
thousand prisoners of rank to his care. If you be not expeditious, you
will allow him to enter the gallery before you."
Hardly observing her face, from the happy emotions which dazzled his
own eyes, he seized her hand, and hurried her to the gallery.
Only her aunt and step-mother were yet there. Lady Ruthven sat
composedly, on a tapestried bench, awaiting the arrival of the company.
But Lady Mar was near the door, listening impatiently to the voices
beneath. At sight of Helen, she drew back; but she smiled exultingly
when she saw that all the splendour of beauty she had so lately beheld
and dreaded was flown.
Pages:
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515