Wallace turned toward Edwin, with a smile which partook more of heaven
than of earth. "Have we not performed our mutual promises?" said he;
"I brought you to the spot where you were to reveal your name, and you
have declared it to me by the voice of glory! Come, then, my brother,
let us leave your uncle awhile to seek his repose."

As he spoke, he bowed to the countess; and Edwin joyfully receiving his
arm, they walked together toward the eastern postern. Agitated with
the delightful surprise of thus meeting his favorite sister's son (whom
he had never seen since his infancy), and exhausted by the variety of
his late emotions, the earl speedily acquiesced in a proposal for rest,
and leaning on Lord Andrew, proceeded to the citadel.

The countess had other attractions: lingering at the side of the rough
knight of Torthorald, she looked back, and when she saw the object of
her gaze disappear through the gates, she sighed, and turning to her
conductor, walked by him in silence till they joined her husband in the
hall of the keep. Murray led the way into the apartments lately
occupied by De Valence. They were furnished with all the luxury of a
Southron nobleman. Lady Mar cast her eyes around the splendid chamber,
and seated herself on one of its tapestried couches. The earl, not
marking whether it were silk or rushes, placed himself beside her.
Murray drew a stool toward them, while Kirkpatrick, tired of his
gallant duty, abruptly took his leave.

"My dear Andrew," said the earl, "in the midst of this proud rejoicing
there is yet a canker at my heart. Tell me, that when my beloved Helen
disappeared in the tumult at Bothwell, she was under your protection?"