He whom she had mourned as one stricken in sorrows, and feared for, as an outlaw doomed to suffering and to death, was now to appear before her, not in the garb of woe, which excuses the sympathy its wearer excites, but arrayed as a conqueror, as the champion of Scotland, giving laws to her oppressors, and entering in triumph, over fields of their slain! Awful as this picture was to the timidity of her gentle nature, it alone did not occasion that inexpressible sensation which seemed to check the pulses of her heart.

Was she, or was she not, to recognize in his train the young and noble Bruce?
Was she to be assured that he still existed?
Or, by seeking him everywhere in vain, ascertain that he, who could not break his word, had perished, lonely and unknown?
While these ideas thronged into her mind, the platform below was filling with the triumphant Scots; and, her door suddenly opening, Edwin entered in delighted haste.

"Come, cousin!" cried he, "Sir William Wallace has almost finished his business in the great hall.

He has made my uncle governor of this place, and has committed nearly a thousand prisoners of rank to his care.

If you be not expeditious, you will allow him to enter the gallery before you." Hardly observing her face, from the happy emotions which dazzled his own eyes, he seized her hand, and hurried her to the gallery.
Only her aunt and step-mother were yet there.