have helped me came to me too late, namely, to tell all my tale to the
Maiden herself, and throw me on her mercy. Nay, even when at last and
late this light shone on my mind, I had shame to speak to her,
considering the marvellous thing which I had just beheld of her, in the
fulfilment of her prophecy. But now my master's house was in sight, at
the turning from the steep stairs and the wynd, and there stood Elliot on
the doorstep, watching and waiting for the Maid, as a girl may wait for
her lover coming from the wars.

There was no time given me to slink back and skulk in the shadow of the
corner of the wynd; for, like a greyhound in speed, Elliot had flown to
us and was kneeling to the Maid, who, with a deep blush and some anger in
her face--for she loved no such obeisances--bade her rise, and so kissed
and embraced her, as young girls use among themselves when they are
friends and fain of each other. I had turned myself to go apart into the
shadow of the corner, as secretly as I might, when I ran straight into
the arms of the archer that followed close behind us. On this encounter
he gave a great laugh, and, I believe, would have kissed me; but, the
Maiden looking round, he stood erect and grave as a soldier on guard, for
the Maiden would suffer no light loves and daffing.

"Whither make you, damsel, in such haste?" she cried to me. "Come, let
me present you to this damsel, my friend--and one of your own country-
women. Elliot, ma mie," she said to my mistress, "here is this kind
lass, a Scot like yourself, who has guided me all the way from the castle
hither, and, faith, the way is hard to find. Do you thank her for me,
and let her sit down in your house: she must be weary with the weight of
her basket and her linen"--for these, when she spoke to me, I had laid on
the ground. With this she led me up to Elliot by the hand, who began to
show me very gracious countenance, and to thank me, my face burning all