De Valence, who hovered about his steps, had heard him inquire of Lady
Ruthven why Helen was not present! He was within hearing of this
whisper also, and, with a Satanic joy, the dagger shook in his hand.
He knew that Wallace had many a solitary place to pass between Snawdoun
and the citadel; and the company being too pleasantly absorbed to mark
who entered or disappeared, he took an opportunity, and stole out after
him.
But for once the impetuous fury of hatred met a temporary
disappointment. While De Valence was cowering like a thief under the
eaves of the houses, and prowling along the lonely paths to the
citadel; while he started at every noise, as if it came to apprehend
him for his meditated deed, or rushed forward at the sight of any
solitary passenger, whom his eager vengeance almost mistook for
Wallace-Wallace himself had taken a different track.
As he walked through the illuminated archways, which led from the hall,
he perceived a darkened passage. Hoping by that avenue to quit the
palace, unobserved, he immediately struck into it; for he was aware,
that should he go the usual way, the crowd at the gate would recognize
him, and he could not escape their acclamations.
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