To search further was then
impossible, for Helen lay on his bosom like dead. Not doubting that
she had seen his assailant, and fainted from alarm, he was laying her
on the steps of the altar, that he might bring some water from the
basin of the chapel to recover her, when he saw that her arm was not
only stained with his blood, but streaming with her own. The dagger
had gashed it in reaching him.
"Execrable villain!" cried he, turning cold at the sight, and instantly
comprehending that it was to defend him she had thrown her arms around
him, he exclaimed, in a voice of agony, "Are two of the most matchless
women the earth ever saw to die for me!" Trembling with alarm, and
with renewed grief-for the terrible scene of Ellerslie was now brought
in all its horrors before him-he tore off her veil to staunch the
blood; but the cut was too wide for his surgery; and, losing every
other consideration in fears for her life, he again took her in his
arms, and bore her out of the chapel. He hastened through the dark
passage, and almost flying along the lighted galleries, entered the
hall. The noisy fright of the servants, as he broke through their
ranks at the door, alarmed the revelers; and turning round, what was
their astonishment to behold the regent, pale and streaming with blood,
bearing in his arms a lady apparently lifeless, and covered with the
same dreadful hue!
Mar instantly recognized his daughter, and rushed toward her with a cry
of horror.
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