Give me liberty," continued she, wildly grasping the arm of the woman.

"Assist me to escape, and half the wealth of the Earl of Mar shall be your reward." "Alas!" returned the woman, "my lord would burn me on the spot, and murder my husband, did he think I even listened to such a project.

No, lady; you never will see your father more; for none who enter my lord's Hermitage ever wish to come out again." "The Hermitage!" cried Helen, in augmented horror.

"Oh, Father of mercy! never let me live to enter those accursed walls!" "They are frightful enough, to be sure," returned the woman; "but you, gentle lady, will be princess there; and in all things commanding the kingly heart of its lord, have rather cause to bless than to curse the castle of Soulis." "Himself, and all that bear his name, are accused to me," returned Helen; "his love is my abomination, his hatred my dread.

Pity me, kind creature; and if you have a daughter whose honor is dear to your prayers, think you see her in me, and have compassion on me.