Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/21

21 pilgrims hastily following her, exclaimed, “Lady you have dropped your rosary," and placing one in her hand, retired; Janet was so occupied in gazing after the pilgrim, that Helen had time to slip a small folded paper, attached to the rosary, into her bosom unseen. "Did you observe his face?" inquired Janet. Helen was so much agitated, that she could scarcely answer in the negative. "Heaven bless us, how handsome he is," continued the old woman.

As she was left alone, with a trembling hand she examined her note, it contained only these few words, "If you have not forgotten a banished man, be a lady Malvina's tomb at ten this night." As Helen tremblingly opened the door of her apartment, and ventured forth, she left her lamp burning in her chamber, fearing that its rays might betray her steps. She reached the gallery unobserved, and fastening the door after her, sat herself for a few moments on a seat to recover her breath, which fright had almost deprived her of. When she had reached the aisle, she observed in the distance the lofty white marble tomb of Malvina; numerous lights were burning around it, and kneeling at its base were the counterfeit pilgrims. But light as were her motions, they were heard by the watchful ear of love, and starting from the ground, one of the pilgrims was instantly by her side, and throwing off his disguise, she beheld Allan the son of Wallace.

The following day Malcolm of Ruthven and his son Edwin arrived at Glenross, and Helen received her father's commands to appear at the banquet, which passed almost in silence, excepting Edwin's entreating a private audience, which, as he had Roderick's sanction for soliciting Helen, dared not refuse. Edwin availed himself of the opportunity, and pleaded his passion with fervour; but retired more offended at her coolness, than enchanted by her beauties; and half resolved by quitting the castle to avoid an union with a woman, who, however lovely, had not a heart to bestow on him. Helen effected indisposition, and obtained her father's permission to retire. Before her window was a small balcony