Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/8

 the most unfeigned pleasure; death had rendered void their former engagement of uniting Edwin and Helen; but in Wallace and Madeline their hopes were renewed, and before they, separated for the night, it was resolved that on the day that Wallace became eighteen, their union should take place.

The birth-day of Madeline was kept with the utmost festivity, and, in the evening, the heroine of the day led off the dance with the graceful Wallace, with all the hilarity of youth and innocence. Roderick & Malcolm stood observing them, sometimes their hearts glowing with pride at the admiration they excited, and forming plans for their future happiness, when they were summoned to the hall by a domestic, who informed them a courier had just arrived from Glenross, who demanded to see his lord immediately.

Roderick alarmed, hastened to the messenger, who informed him the lady Malvina was dangerously indisposed, and required his immediate presence at Glenross. The night was dark and stormy, yet Roderick determined on departing instantly, but fearful of exposing Wallace to the rigour of the night, he agreed with Malcolm to leave his son at Ruthven till the arrival of some faithful vassals, who, immediately on his reaching Glenross, he would despatch to escort him home.

When Roderick arrived at the Castle, every one appeared afraid to mention the cause of their alarm, and he demanded the reason of their fears. Andrew, the old warden, summoned sufficient courage to reply. "” my lord, “Fool,” hastily replied Roderick! (every one seemed now to recover from their panic,) for all, as with one voice, cried indeed my lord, we all heard it.!”—Roderick paused for a few moments, a sudden thought having crossed his mind, and he shuddered, as he inquired what they had heard. “, my lord" replied Andrew, “I asked you what were the words you pretended to hear.” The words my lord; why in a voice like thunder it exclaimed!