One wore English armor, with his visor closed; the other, a knight, was in tartans.

The Scot presented her with a signet, set in gold.

Helen looked on it, and immediately recognized the same that her stepmother always used.
The Scottish knight was preparing to address her, when the prior interrupted him, and taking Lady Helen's hand, made her seat herself.
"Compose yourself for a few minutes," said he; "this transitory life hourly brings forward events to teach us to be calm, and to resign our wishes and our wills to the Lord of all things." Helen looked fearfully in his face.

"Some evil tidings are to be told me." The blood left her lips; it seemed leaving her heart also.

The prior, full of compassion, hesitated to speak.