CHAPTER III.
Ellerslie.
Halbert returned to the house; and entering the room softly, into which Marion had withdrawn, beheld her on her knees before a crucifix; she was praying for the safety of her husband.
"May he, O gracious Lord!" cried she, "soon return to his home.

But if I am to see him here no more, oh, may it please thee to grant me to meet him within thy arms in heaven!" "Hear her, blessed Son of Mary!" ejaculated the old man.

She looked round, and rising from her knees, demanded of him, in a kind but anxious voice, whether he had left her lord in security.
"In the way to it, my lady!" answered Halbert.

He repeated all that Wallace had said at parting, and then tried to prevail on her to go to rest.

"Sleep cannot visit my eyes this night, my faithful creature," replied she; "my spirit will follow Wallace in his mountain flight.