Wallace obeyed; and returning it by the page who brought it,
congratulated himself that it was not accompanied by any new summons.
Then continuing his discourse with Bruce on the past, present, and to
come, their souls grew more closely entwined as they more intimately
recognized their kindred natures; and time moved on, unmarked, till the
shadows of evening deepened into night.
"Now is our hour," cried Bruce, starting on his feet; "go you into that
room, and array yourself in the confessor's robes, while I call my
servants to dispense with their usual nightly attendance."
With determination and hope, Wallace gladly obeyed. In that very same
instant the Earl of Gloucester suddenly entered; and, looking round the
room with a disturbed countenance, abruptly said:
"Where is the minstrel?"
"Why?" answered Bruce, with an alarm which he vainly tried to prevent
appearing on his face. Gloucester advanced close to him.
"Is any one within hearing?"
"No one."
"Then," replied the earl, "his life is in danger. He is suspected to
be not what he seems; and I am sorry to add, to stand in favor with the
queen, of a nature to incur his mortal punishment.
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