The earl, not marking whether it were silk or rushes, placed himself beside her.
Murray drew a stool toward them, while Kirkpatrick, tired of his gallant duty, abruptly took his leave.
"My dear Andrew," said the earl, "in the midst of this proud rejoicing there is yet a canker at my heart.

Tell me, that when my beloved Helen disappeared in the tumult at Bothwell, she was under your protection ?" "She was," replied Murray; "and I thank the holy St.Fillan, she is now in the sanctuary of his church." Murray then recounted to his relieved uncle every event, from the moment of his withdrawing behind the arras, to that of his confiding the English soldier with the iron box to the care of the prior.

Lord Mar sighed heavily when he spoke of that mysterious casket.

"Whatever it contained," said he, "it has drawn after it much evil and much good.
The domestic peace of Wallace was ruined by it; and the spirit which now restores Scotland to herself was raised by his wrongs." "But tell me," added he, "do you think my daughter safe, so near a garrison of the enemy ?" "Surely, my lord," cried the countess, too well remembering the enthusiasm with which Helen had regarded even the unknown Wallace: "surely you would not bring that tender child into a scene like this! Rather send a messenger to convey her secretly to Thirlestan; at that distance she will be safe, and under the powerful protection of her grandfather." The earl acquiesced in her opinion; and saying he would consult with Wallace about the securest mode of travel for his daughter, again turned to Lord Andrew, to learn further of their late proceedings.

But the countess, still uneasy, once more interrupted him.
"Alas! my lord, what would you do?
His generous zeal will offer to go in person for your daughter.