Wallace saw a fine but flushed face. It was
much overshadowed by the helmet.
"My friend," said he, attempting to raise him by the hand which clasped
his, your words are mysteries to me; and so little right can I have to
the power you ascribe to me, that although it seems to me as if I had
seen your features before, yet-"
"You forget me!" cried the knight, starting on his feet, and throwing
off his helmet to the ground; "again look on this face and stab me at
once by a second declaration that I am remembered no more!"
The countenance of Wallace now showed that he too well remembered it.
He was pale and aghast.
"Lady Mar," cried he, "not expecting to see you under a warrior's
casque--you will pardon me, that when so appareled I should not
immediately recognize the widow of my friend."
She gasped for articulation.
"And it is thus," cried she, "you answer the sacrifices I have made for
you? For you I have committed an outrage on my nature; I have put on
me this abhorrent steel; I have braved the dangers of many a
hard-fought day, and all to guard your life! to convince you of a love
unexampled in woman! and thus you recognize her who has risked honor
and life for you--with coldness and reproach!"
"With neither, Lady Mar," returned he, "I am grateful for the generous
motives of your conduct; but for the sake of the fair fame you confess
you have endangered, in respect to the memory of him whose name you
bear, I cannot but wish that so hazardous an instance of interest in me
had been left undone.
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