I shrouded myself in the gloom of the neighbouring forest, or lost myself in the maze of rocks and dells.

I endeavoured, in vain, to shut out the phantoms of the dying Wallace, and to forget the spectacle of domestic woes.

At length it occurred to me to ask, May not this evil be obviated, and the felicity of the Hadwins re-established?
Wallace is friendless and succourless; but cannot I supply to him the place of protector and nurse?
Why not hasten to the city, search out his abode, and ascertain whether he be living or dead?
If he still retain life, may I not, by consolation and attendance, contribute to the restoration of his health, and conduct him once more to the bosom of his family?
With what transports will his arrival be hailed! How amply will their impatience and their sorrow be compensated by his return! In the spectacle of their joys, how rapturous and pure will be my delight! Do the benefits which I have received from the Hadwins demand a less retribution than this?
It is true that my own life will be endangered; but my danger will be proportioned to the duration of my stay in this seat of infection.

The death or the flight of Wallace may absolve me from the necessity of spending one night in the city.

The rustics who daily frequent the market are, as experience proves, exempt from this disease; in consequence, perhaps, of limiting their continuance in the city to a few hours.