Meanwhile Wallace wrapped himself in Baliol's blue cloak, which lay in
the anteroom, and enveloping even his helmet in the friendly mantle, he
moved swiftly along the gallery toward the chamber of Helen. To be
prepared for obstacles, he had obtained from Baliol a particular
description of the situation of every apartment leading to it. It was
now within an hour of midnight. He passed through several large vacant
rooms, and at last arrived at the important door. It opened into a
small chamber, in which two female attendants lay asleep. He gently
raised the latch, and, with caution taking the lamp which burned on the
table, glided softly through the curtains which filled the cedar arch
that led into the apartment of Helen. He approached the bed, covering
the light with his hand, while he observed her. She was in a profound
sleep, but pale as the sheet which enveloped her--her countenance
seemed troubled, her brows frequently knit themselves, and she started
as she dreamed, as if in apprehension. Once he heard her lips faintly
murmur, "Save me, my father! on you alone--" There she stopped. His
heart bled at this appeal. "Thy father's friend comes to save thee,"
he would have cried, but he checked the exclamation--his hand dropped
at the same instant from before the lamp, and the blaze striking full
on her eyes, waked her.
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