"I want no rest," replied she to the
observation of Grimsby; "I could feel none till we are beyond the
possibility of being overtaken by my enemy."
"You are as safe in this wood, lady," returned the soldier, "as you can
be in any place betwixt Galliard and Paris. It is many miles from the
chateau, and lies in so remote a direction, that were the earl to
pursue us, I am sure he would never choose this path."
"And did he even come up with us, dear Lady Helen," said Wallace,
"could you fear, when with your father's friend?"
"It is for my father's friend I fear," gently answered she; "I can have
no dread for myself while under such protection."
A very little more persuaded Helen; and Grimsby having spread his cloak
on the grass, Wallace lifted her from her horse. As soon as she put
her foot to the ground her head grew giddy, and she must have fallen
but for the supporting arm of her watchful friend. He carried her to
the couch prepared by the good soldier, and laid her on it. Grimsby
had been more provident than they could have expected; for after
saddling the second pair of horses, he had returned into the hall for
his cloak, and taking an undrawn flask of wine from the seneschal's
supper-table, put it into his vest.
Pages:
928
929
930
931
932
933
934
935
936
937
938
939
940
941
942
943
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952