Helen did not misapprehend him. The amiable
frankness of his manner seemed to open to him her heart. Wallace she
adored almost as a god; Bruce she could love as a brother. It requires
not time nor proof to make virtuous hearts coalesce; there is a
language without sounds, a recognition, independent of the visual
organ, which acknowledges the kindred of congenial souls almost in the
moment they meet. "The virtuous mind knoweth its brother in the dark!"
This was said by the man whose soul sympathized in every noble purpose
with that of Wallace; while Helen, impelled by the same principle, and
blushing with an emotion untainted by any sensation of shame, replied:
"I am too grateful to Heaven for having allowed me to witness the
goodness, to share the esteem of such a being--a man whose like I have
never seen."
"He is one of the few, Lady Helen," replied Bruce, "who is worthy of so
august a title; and he brightly shows the image in which he was made;
so humble, so dignified, so great, so lowly; so super-eminent in all
accomplishments of mind and body; wise, brave, and invincible; yet
forbearing, gentle, and unassuming; formed to be beloved, yet without a
touch of vanity; loving all who approach him, without the least alloy
of passion.
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