consisting of barley bannocks and very salt and dry fish, with
some thin and sour ale; and David's attention was a good deal
taken up by a man-at-arms who seemed to have attached himself
to the party, but whom he did not know, and who held a little
aloof from the rest--keeping his visor down while eating and
drinking, in a somewhat suspicious manner, as though to avoid
observation.

Just as David had resolved to point this person out to his
father, Sir Patrick was summoned to speak to the Lady Prioress.
Therefore the youth thought it incumbent upon him to deal with
the matter, and advancing towards the stranger, said, 'Good
fellow, thou art none of our following. How, now!' for a pair
of gray eyes looked up with recognition in them, and a low voice
whispered, 'Davie Drummond, keep my secret till we be across the
Border.'

'Geordie, what means this?'

'I canna let her gang! I ken that she scorns me.'

'That proud peat Jean?'

'Whist! whist! She scorns me, and the King scarce lent a lug to
my father's gude offer, so that he can scarce keep the peace
with their pride and upsettingness. But I love her, Davie, the
mere sight of her is sunshine, and wha kens but in the stour of
this journey I may have the chance of standing by her and
defending her, and showing what a leal Scot's heart can do? Or
if not, if I may not win her, I shall still be in sight of her