his hermitage; and there, closed from the world, with an angel his
companion, he might have forgotten Edward was lord in Scotland, had not
that which was without his little paradise made a way to its gates, and
showed him the slavery of the nobles and the wretchedness of the
people. In these cases, his generous hand gave succor where it could
not bring redress. Those whom the lawless plunderer had driven from
their houses or stripped of their covering, found shelter, clothing,
and food at the house of Sir William Wallace.

Ellerslie was the refuge of the friendless, and the comfort of the
unhappy. Wherever Lady Wallace moved-whether looking out from her
window on the accidental passenger, or taking her morning or moonlight
walks through the glen, leaning on the arm of her husband-she had the
rapture of hearing his steps greeted and followed by the blessings of
the poor destitute, and the prayers of them who were ready to perish.
It was then that this happy woman would raise her husband's hands to
her lips, and in silent adoration, thank God for blessing her with a
being made so truly in his own image.

Several months of this blissful and uninterrupted solitude had elapsed,
when Lady Wallace saw a chieftain at her gate. He inquired for its
master-requested a private conference-and retired with him into a
remote room. They remained together for an hour. Wallace then came
forth, and ordering his horse, with four followers, to be in readiness,
said he meant to accompany his guest to Douglas Castle. When he
embraced his wife at parting, he told her that as Douglas was only a
few miles distant, he should be at home again before the moon rose.

She passed the tedious hours of his absence with tranquillity, till the
appointed signal of his return appeared from behind the summits of the