"My lord rides with a small company into the very stronghold of his enemy, and will hear no word from any!" "And do you go with him ?" cried Maud, her bright colour leaving her face.
"Not only I, but all that can be spared of the men-at-arms and of the archer guard," answered Sholto.
Maud Lindesay turned about and took the little girl's hand.
"Margaret," she said, "let us go to my lady.

Perhaps she will be able to keep my Lord William at home." So they went back to the chamber of my Lady of Douglas.

Now the Countess had never been of great influence with her son, even during her husband's lifetime, and had certainly none with him since.

Still it was possible that William Douglas might, for a time at least, listen to advice and delay his setting out till a suitable retinue could be brought together to protect him.

Maud and Margaret found the Lady of Douglas busily embroidering a vestment of silk and gold for the Abbot of Sweetheart.