But even at a distance, brave Wallace, my spirit shall
watch over you in the form of this Edwin; I will teach him a double
care of the light of Scotland. And my prayers, also, shall follow you;
so that when we meet in heaven, the Blessed Virgin shall say with what
hosts of angels her intercessions, through my vigils have surrounded
thee!"
Chapter XXXVIII.
The Bower, or Ladies' Apartment.
Thus did Lady Helen commune with her own strangely-affected heart;
sometimes doubting the evidence of her eyes; then, convinced of their
fidelity, striving to allay the tumults in her mind. She seldom
appeared from her own rooms. And such retirement was not questioned,
her father being altogether engaged at the citadel, the countess
absorbed in her own speculations, and Lady Ruthven alone interrupted
the solitude of her niece by frequent visits. Little suspecting the
cause of Helen's prolonged indisposition, she generally selected
Wallace for the subject of conversation. She descanted with enthusiasm
on the rare perfection of his character; told her all that Edwin had
related of his actions from the taking of Dumbarton to the present
moment; and then bade Helen remark the miracle of such wisdom, valor,
and goodness being found in one so young and handsome.
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