"See," cried Wallace, "the power which lies with the describer of
actions! The chaste mind of your countess saw nothing in the conduct
of the queen but thoughtless simplicity. The contaminated heart of the
Baroness de Pontoise descried passion in every word, wantonness in
every movement; and, judging of her mistress by herself, she has
wrought this mighty ruin. How, then, does it behove virtue to admit
the virtuous only to her intimacy: association with the vicious makes
her to be seen in their colors! Impress your king with this
self-evident conclusion; and were it not for endangering the safety of
Bruce, the hope of my country, I myself would return and stake my life
on proving the innocence of the Queen of England. But if a letter,
with my word of honor, could convince the king--"
"I accept the offer," interrupted Gloucester, "I am too warmly the
friend of Bruce--too truly grateful to you--to betray either into
danger; but from Sunderland, whither I recommend you to go, and there
embark for France, write the declaration you mention, and inclose it to
me. I can contrive that the king shall have your letter without
suspecting by what channel; and then, I trust, all will be well.
Pages:
868
869
870
871
872
873
874
875
876
877
878
879
880
881
882
883
884
885
886
887
888
889
890
891
892