I resolved that, while I should, according to my promise, help the Scottish queen escape, I would not go with her.

I resolved to wait here at Haddon to tell all to you and to our queen, and then I would patiently take my just punishment from each.

My doom from the queen, I believed, would probably be death; but I feared more your--God help me! It is useless for me to speak." Here I broke down and fell upon my knees, crying, "Madge, Madge, pity me, pity me! Forgive me if you can, and, if our queen decrees it, I shall die happy." In my desperation I caught the girl's hand, but she drew it quickly from me, and said:-- "Do not touch me!" She arose to her feet, and groped her way to her bedroom.

We were in Aunt Dorothy's room.

I watched Madge as she sought with her outstretched hand the doorway; and when she passed slowly through it, the sun of my life seemed to turn black.