For this topographical account, I am indebted to a Renfrewshire gentleman.-( 1809.) The tears of the venerable harper bore testimony to his inward resolve, that this messenger should not be himself.

Lady Helen, who had fallen into a reverie during the latter part of his speech, now spoke, and with something of eagerness.
"Then we shall hope," rejoined she, "that the oratory has not only escaped the flames, but perhaps the access of the English soldiers?
Would it not comfort your lord to have that sweet victim entombed according to the rites of the church ?" "Surely my lady; but how can that be done?
He thinks her remains were lost in the conflagration of Ellerslie; and for fear of precipitating him into the new dangers which might have menaced him had he sought to bring away her body, I did not disprove his mistake." "But her body shall be brought away," rejoined Lady Helen; "it shall have holy burial." "To effect this, command my services," exclaimed Murray.
Helen thanked him for an assistance which would render the completion of her design easy.

The English soldier as guide, and a troop from Bothwell, must accompany him.
"Alas! my young lord," interposed Halbert, "suppose you should meet some of the English still loitering there ?" "And what of that, my honest Halbert?
would not I and my trusty band make them clear the way?
Is it not to give comfort to the deliverer of my uncle, that I seek the glen?
and shall anything in mortal shape make Andrew Murray turn his back?
No, Halbert! I was not born on St.
Andrew's day for naught; and by his bright cross I swear either to lay Lady Wallace in the tomb of my ancestors, or leave my bones to bleach on the grave of hers." Helen loved the resolution of her cousin; and believing that the now ravaged Ellerslie had no attractions to hold marauders amongst its ruins, she dismissed Lord Andrew to make his preparations, and turned herself to prefer her suit accordingly to her father.
Ere Halbert withdrew, he respectfully put her hand to his lips.
"Good-night," continued she, "ere you see me again, I trust the earthly part of the angel now in paradise will be safe within these towers." He poured a thousand blessings on her head, and almost thought that he saw in her beautiful form one of heaven's inhabitants sent to bear away his dear mistress to her divine abode.
On entering her father's apartment, Lady Helen found him alone.

She repeated to him the substance of her conversation with Wallace's faithful servant; "and my wish is," continued she, "to have the murdered lady's remains entombed in the cemetery of this castle." The earl approved her request, with expressions of satisfaction at the filial affection which so lively a gratitude to his preserver evinced.
"May I, then, my dear father," returned she, "have your permission to pay our debt of gratitude to Sir William Wallace to the utmost of our power ?" "You are at liberty, my noble child, to do as you please.

My vassals, my coffers, are all at your command." Helen kissed his hand.