's was, I verily believe, meant
to drive you thither. But were you there, then would poor Lilias become
a prize worth having, and the only question would be, whether Walter of
Albany, or Robert of Athole, or any of the rest of them, should tear her
away to be the lady of their fierce ungodly households.'

'You could give her to Patrick, Uncle.'

'No, Malcolm, that were not consistent with mine honour, or oaths to the
King and State. You living, and Laird of Glenuskie, Lilias is a mere
younger sister, whom you may give in marriage as you will; but were you
dead to the world, under a cowl, then the Lady of Glenuskie, a king's
grandchild, may not be disposed of, save by her royal kinsman, or by
those who, woe worth the day! stand in his place. I were no better than
yon Wolf of Badenoch or the Master of Albany, did I steal a march on the
Regent, and give the poor lassie to my own son!'

'And so Lilias must pine, and Patrick wander off to the weary French
war,' sighed Malcolm; 'and I must be scorned by my cousins whenever the
House of Stewart meets together; and must strive with these fierce cruel
men, that will ever be too hard for me when Patie is gone.' His eyes
filled with tears as he continued, 'Ah! that fair chapel, with the sweet
chant of the choir, the green smooth-shaven quadrangle, the calm cloister
walk; there, there alone is rest. There, one ceases to be a prey and a
laughing-stock; there, one sees no more bloodshed and spulzie; there, one
need not be forced to treachery or violence. Oh, Uncle! my very soul is
sick for Coldingham. How many years will it be ere I can myself bestow
my sister on Patie, and hide my head in peace!'

Before his uncle had done more than answer, 'Nay, nay, Malcolm, these are
no words for the oe of Bruce; you are born to dare as well as to suffer,'
there was an approach of footsteps, and two young people entered the
hall; the first a girl, with a family likeness to Malcolm, but tall,
upright, beautiful, and with the rich colouring of perfect health, her
plaid still hanging in a loose swelling hood round her brilliant face and
dark hair, snooded with a crimson ribbon and diamond clasp; the other, a
knightly young man, of stately height and robust limbs, keen bright blue
eyes and amber hair and beard, moving with the ease and grace that showed
his training in the highest school of chivalry.

'Good Uncle,' cried the maiden in eager excitement, 'there is a guest
coming. He has jus