Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/4

4 long avenue of trees surrounded with impenetrable underwood, behind. He had taken his eyes but a moment from the mysterious figure, and it had eluded him;—her wild shriek still rung in his ears, and was contrasted by the gloomy silence of all around; and it was several minutes ere he could regain his fortitude, and recal the words of the figure,—

“The obscurity of this," exclaimed Roderick, "I can not penetrate."

A falcon was the crest of the Laird of Glenross; yet this was equally inexplicable."

When the long expected hour arrived. Malvina was for a time dangerously indisposed, whilst Roderick, whose agitation was too great to permit him to retire, paced impatiently the marble hall of the castle: at length he beheld Maud (a faithful old servant) slowly descending the lofty staircase: precipitately he flew to meet her—smile lighted up her face—"Joy to my lord!" she cried. "May the race of Strathmore extend to the end of time a lovely boy and girl are added to your house!" "A boy!" repeated Roderick, "Is there indeed a boy?" "Yes, my lord, and a lovely girl." Roderick made nos answer, but instantly flew to announce the birth of his son to his vassals, whilst the existence of the girl remained unnoticed by him. The boy he called Wallace in the remembrance of one of the most renowned of his ancetors; but left the nameing of the girl to Malvina, who with a mothers fondness, fancying a promise of superior loveliness in her darling, christened her Helen.

Roderick marched at the head of his valiant band till they neared an extensive vale which stretched itself at the feet of Ruthven Castle: they had scarcely