Were death thy portion, Scotland lies a slave forever at the feet of England, and therefore is it I do beseech thee, King of Scotland, make me this pledge.

I know thy noble spirit well, and I know thy too chivalric honor would blind thee to a sense of danger, to a sense of country, duty, glory, of all save the rescue of one who, though she be faithful to thee and to her country, is but as a drop of water in the ocean, compared to other claims.

My liege, thy word is already in part pledged," she continued, more proudly.

"Any pledge or promise I might demand is granted ere it is asked, your highness deigned to say; thou canst not retract it now." "And wherefore shouldst thou, royal brother ?" cheeringly interrupted Alexander Bruce.

"The Lady Isahella asks not unreasonably; she does but suggest _what may be_, although that may be is, as we all know, next to impossible, particularly now when nature has fortified this pleasant lodge even as would a garrison of some hundred men.