But he only thought of her pious invocations for his safety; he only
remembered that it was she who had given a holy grave to the only woman
he could ever love; and, full of gratitude, as a pilgrim would approach
a saint, he drew near to her. "Holiest of earthly maids," said he,
kneeling down beside her, "in this lonely hour, in the sacred presence
of Almighty Purity, receive my soul's thanks for the prayers I have
this moment heard you breathe for me. They are more precious to me,
Lady Helen, than the generous plaudits of my country; they are a
greater reward to me than would have been the crown with which Scotland
sought to endow me, for do they not give me what all the world
cannot-the protection of Heaven?"
"I would pray for it," softly answered Helen, but not venturing to look
up.
"The prayer of meek goodness, we know, 'availeth much.' Continue,
then, to offer up that incense for me," added he, "and I shall march
forth to-morrow with redoubled strength; for I shall think, holy maid,
that I have yet a Marion to pray for me on earth as well as one in
heaven."
Lady Helen's heart beat at these words, but it was with no unhallowed
emotion.
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