An thou comest to reproach me with these things, rail on, they affect me as little as thy scorn." "Hadst thou said love for her they call my daughter, thou hadst been nearer the mark," retorted the earl, fury rapidly gaining possession of heart and voice; "but thou art too wise, too politic for that." "Aye," retorted Nigel, after a fearful struggle with himself, "aye, thou mayest well add love for Agnes of Buchan, as well as friendship for her brother.

Thinkest thou I would deny it--hide it?
little dost thou know its thrilling, its inspiring power; little canst thou know how I glory in it, cherish, linger on it still.

But wherefore speak thus to thee, thou man of wickedness and blood.

I love thy pure and spotless child, rejoice that thou didst so desert, so utterly neglect her, that thou couldst no more leave a shadow on her innocent heart than a cloud upon her way.

I love her, glory in that love, and what is it to thee ?" "What is it to me?
that a child of the house of Comyn dare hold commune with a Bruce; that thou hast dared to love a daughter of my house, aye, to retain her by thy side a willing mistress, when all others of her sex forsook thee--what is it to me?
Did not to-morrow give thee to a traitor's doom, thy blood should answer thee; but as it is, villain and slave, give her to me--where is her hiding-place?
speak, or the torture shall wring it from thee." "Thinkest thou such threats will in aught avail thee ?" calmly replied Nigel.