"My dear Edwin! this sacrifice to my feelings is worthy of you.

But I have a duty to perform, superior even to the tenderest private ones.

I am planted hereby my commander; and shall I quit my station, for any gratification, till he gives me leave?
No, my son! Be you my representative to your mother; and while my example teaches you, above all earthly considerations, to obey your honor, those tender embraces will show her what I sacrifice to duty." Edwin no longer urged his father, and leaving his apartment, flew to the gate of the inner ballium.

It was open; and Murray already stood on the platform before the keep, receiving the keys to the garrison.
"Blessed sight!" cried the earl, to his nephew.

"When I put the banner of Mar into your unpracticed hand, little could I expect that, in the course of four months, I should see my brave Andrew receive the keys of proud Stirling from its commander!" Murray smiled, while his plumed head bowed gratefully to his uncle, and turning to the lieutenant, "Now," said he, "lead me to the Ladies Mar and Ruthven that I may assure them they are free." The gates of the keep were now unclosed, and the lieutenant conducted his victors along a gloomy passage, to a low door, studded with knobs of iron.