That face no longer
blazed with the fire of generous valor--it was pale and sad; but
whenever he turned his eyes on Edwin, the shades which seemed to
envelop it disappeared, a bright smile spoke the peaceful consciousness
within, a look of grateful affection expressed his comfort at having
found, in defiance of every danger, he was not yet wholly forsaken.
Edwin's youthful, happy spirit rejoiced in every glad beam which shone
on the face of him he loved. It awoke felicity in his breast. To be
occasionally near Wallace to share his confidence with others, had
always filled him with joy, but now to be the only one on whom his
noble heart leaned for consolation, was bliss unutterable. He trod on
air, and even chid his beating heart for a delight which seemed to
exult when his friend suffered: "But not so," ejaculated he
internally; "to be with thee is the delight! In life or in death thy
presence is the sunshine of my soul!"
When they arrived within sight of the high towers of Bothwell Castle,
Wallace stopped. "We must not go thither," said Edwin, replying to the
sentiment which spoke from the eyes of his friend; "the servants of my
cousin Andrew may not be as faithful as their lord!"
"I will not try them," returned Wallace, with a resigned smile; "my
presence in Bothwell Chapel shall not pluck danger on the head of my
dauntless Murray.
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