As Mary Seyton had told her, the chief noblemen of her party, already gathered round her, were waiting for her in the great hall of the castle.

Her arrival was greeted with acclamations of the liveliest enthusiasm, and she sat down to table, with Lord Seyton on her right hand, Douglas on her left, and behind her Little William, who the same day was beginning his duties as page.
Next morning the queen was awakened by the sound of trumpets and bugles: it had been decided the day before that she should set out that day for Hamilton, where reinforcements were looked for.

The queen donned an elegant riding-habit, and soon, mounted on Rosabelle, appeared amid her defenders.

The shouts of joy redoubled: her beauty, her grace, and her courage were admired by everyone.

Mary Stuart became her own self once more, and she felt spring up in her again the power of fascination she had always exercised on those who came near her.