The wound was closed by the aid of another surgical priest, who had
followed the former into the hall, and Helen sighed convulsively. At
this intimation of recovery, the priest made all, excepting those who
supported her, stand back. But, as Lady Mar lingered near Wallace, she
saw the paleness of his countenance turn to a deadly hue, and his eyes
closing, he sunk back on the bench. Her shrieks now resounded through
the hall, and, falling into hysterics, she was taken into the gallery;
while the more collected Lady Ruthven remained to attend the victims
before her.
At the instant Wallace fell, De Valence, losing all self-command,
caught hold of De Warenne's arm, and whispering, "I thought it was
sure-long live King Edward!" rushed out of the hall. These words
revealed to De Warenne who was the assassin; and though struck to the
soul with the turpitude of the deed, he thought the honor of England
would not allow him to accuse the perpetrator, and he remained silent.
The inanimate form of Wallace was now drawn from under that of Helen;
and, in the act, discovered the tapestry-seat clotted with blood, and
the regent's back bathed in the same vital stream.
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