The distant murmur of the populace thronging out of the streets toward
the Carse, gradually subsided; and at last she was left in profound
silence. "He must be near," thought she, "he whose smile is more
precious to me than the adulation of all the world besides, now smiles
upon every one! All look upon him, all hear him, but I-and I-ah,
Wallace, did Marion love thee dearer?" As her devoted heart demanded
this question, her tender and delicate soul shrunk within herself, and
deeply blushing, she hid her face in her hands. A pause of a few
minutes-and a sound as if the skies were rent, tore the air; a noise,
like the distant roar of the sea, succeeded; and soon after, the shouts
of an approaching multitude shook the palace to its foundations. Helen
started on her feet; the tumult of voices augmented; the sound of
coming squadrons thundered over the ground. At this instant every bell
in the city began its peals, and the door of Helen's room suddenly
opened--Lady Ruthven hurried in. "Helen," cried she, "I would not
disturb you before; but as you were to be absent, I would not make one
in Lady Mar's train; and I come to enjoy with you the return of our
beloved regent!"
Helen did not speak, but her eloquent countenance amply told her aunt
what were the emotions of her heart; and Lady Ruthven taking her hand,
attempted to draw her toward an oriel window which opened to a view of
the High Street; but Helen, shrinking from the movement, begged to be
excused.
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