"Trust me, sweet friend, though defeat may attend him a while, though he may pass through trial and suffering ere the goal be gained, Robert Bruce will eventually deliver his country--will be her king, her savior--will raise her in the scale of nations, to a level even with the highest, noblest, most deserving.

He is not lost to thee; trial will but prove his worth unto his countrymen even more than would success." "And how knowest thou these things, my Isabella ?" demanded Margaret, looking up in her face, with a half-playful, half-sorrowful smile.

"Hast thou the gift of prophecy ?" "Prophecy!" repeated the countess, sadly.

"Alas! 'tis but the character of Robert which hath inspired my brighter vision.

Had I the gift of prophecy, my fond heart would not start and quiver thus, when it vainly strives to know the fate of my only son.