Come, be not so churlish in thy favors, good my liege; give her the pledge she demands, and be sure its fulfilment will never be required." "Could I but think so," he replied, still gravely.

"Lady, I do entreat thee, tell me wherefore thou demandest this strange boon; fearest thou evil--dreamest thou aught of danger hovering near?
If so, as there is a God in heaven, I will not go forth to-day!" "Pardon me, gracious sovereign," answered Isabella, evasively; "I ask it, because since the late adventure there has been a weight upon my spirit as if I, impotent, of little consequence as I am, yet even I might be the means of hurling down evil on thy head, and through thee on Scotland; and, therefore, until thy promise to the effect I have specified is given, I cannot, I will not rest--even though, as Lord Alexander justly believes, its fulfilment will never be required.

Evil here, my liege, trust me, cannot be; therefore go forth in confidence.

I fear not to await your return, e'en should I linger here alone.

Grant but my boon." "Nay, an it must be, lady, I promise all thou demandest," answered Bruce, more cheerfully, for her words reassured him; "but, by mine honor, thou hast asked neither well nor kindly.