Be his guardian angel. Beware of treason in man and
woman, friend and kindred. It lurks, my cousin, under the most
specious forms; and, as one, mark Lord Buchan; in short, have a care of
all whom any of the house of Cummin may introduce. Watch over your
general's life in the private hour. It is not the public field I fear
for him; his valiant arm will there be his own guard! But, in the
unreserved day of confidence, envy will point its dagger; and then, be
as eyes to his too trusting soul-as a shield to his too confidently
exposed breast!"
As she spoke she strove to conceal her too eloquent face in the silken
ringlets of her hair.
"I will be all this," cried Edwin, who saw nothing in her tender
solicitude but the ingenuous affection which glowed in his own heart;
"and I will be your eyes, too, my cousin; for when I am absent with Sir
William Wallace I shall consider myself your representative, and so
will send you regular dispatches of all that happens to him."
Thanks would have been a poor means of imparting what she felt at this
assurance; and, rising from her seat, with some of Wallace's own
resigned and enthusiastic expression in her face, she pressed Edwin's
hand to her heart; then bowing her head to him, in token of gratitude,
withdrew into an inner apartment.
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