She now heard his complete vindication, and listened with ardour to the praises which Louise heaped on her gallant protector.

On the other hand, the minstrel, who felt the superiority of Catharine's station and character, willingly dwelt upon a theme which seemed to please her, and recorded her gratitude to the stout smith in the little song of "Bold and True," which was long a favourite in Scotland.
Oh, bold and true, In bonnet blue, That fear or falsehood never knew, Whose heart was loyal to his word, Whose hand was faithful to his sword-- Seek Europe wide from sea to sea, But bonny blue cap still for me! I've seen Almain's proud champions prance, Have seen the gallant knights of France, Unrivall'd with the sword and lance, Have seen the sons of England true, Wield the brown bill and bend the yew.
Search France the fair, and England free, But bonny blue cap still for me! In short, though Louise's disreputable occupation would have been in other circumstances an objection to Catharine's voluntarily frequenting her company, yet, forced together as they now were, she found her a humble and accommodating companion.
They lived in this manner for four or five days, and, in order to avoid as much as possible the gaze, and perhaps the incivility, of the menials in the offices, they prepared their food in their own apartment.

In the absolutely necessary intercourse with domestics, Louise, more accustomed to expedients, bolder by habit, and desirous to please Catharine, willingly took on herself the trouble of getting from the pantler the materials of their slender meal, and of arranging it with the dexterity of her country.
The glee woman had been abroad for this purpose upon the sixth day, a little before noon; and the desire of fresh air, or the hope to find some sallad or pot herbs, or at least an early flower or two, with which to deck their board, had carried her into the small garden appertaining to the castle.

She re-entered her apartment in the tower with a countenance pale as ashes, and a frame which trembled like an aspen leaf.

Her terror instantly extended itself to Catharine, who could hardly find words to ask what new misfortune had occurred.
"Is the Duke of Rothsay dead ?" "Worse! they are starving him alive." "Madness, woman!" "No--no--no--no!" said Louise, speaking under her breath, and huddling her words so thick upon each other that Catharine could hardly catch the sense.