At the moment their splendid cavalcade, escorted by a party from Sir
Eustace Maxwell, entered the gate of Lammington, Wallace was in the
hourly expectation of Edwin, and hearing the trampling of horses, he
hastened into the courtyard, attended by Gregory's grandchildren. One
was in his arms, two others held by his plaid, and a third played with
the sword he had unbuckled from his side. It was a clear frosty day,
and the keenness of the air brightened the complexion of Wallace, while
it deepened the roses of his infant companions. The leader of the
Scottish escort immediately proclaimed to the embassadors that this was
the regent. At the sight of so uncourtly a scene the haughty prelate
of Durham drew back.
"This man will not understand his own interest," said he, in a
disdainful whisper, to Lord Arundel.
"I am inclined to think his estimation of it will be beyond ours." As
the earl made this reply, the officer of Maxwell informed Wallace of
the names and errand of the illustrious strangers. At the mention of a
Southron, the elder children ran screaming into the house, leaving the
youngest, who continued on the breast of Wallace.
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