offended person, "the father of Elizabeth of Dunbar were but an
unfit intercessor between the Douglas and his royal son in law."

"I crave your pardon, cousin," said the gentle old man. "I own you
have had some wrong; but my Rothsay will be murdered--I must go
myself."

But, as he arose precipitately from his chair, the poor king missed
a footstep, stumbled, and fell heavily to the ground, in such a
manner that, his head striking the corner of the seat from which
he had risen, he became for a minute insensible. The sight of the
accident at once overcame March's resentment and melted his heart.
He ran to the fallen monarch, and replaced him in his seat, using,
in the tenderest and most respectful manner, such means as seemed
most fit to recall animation.

Robert opened his eyes, and gazed around with uncertainty. "What
has happened?--are we alone?--who is with us?"

"Your dutiful subject, March," replied the Earl.

"Alone with the Earl of March!" repeated the King, his still disturbed
intellect receiving some alarm from the name of a powerful chief
whom he had reason to believe he had mortally offended.

"Yes, my gracious liege, with poor George of Dunbar, of whom many
have wished your Majesty to think ill, though he will be found
truer to your royal person at the last than they will."

"Indeed, cousin, you have had too much wrong; and believe me, we