Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/9

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The appalling looks of their lord now seemed as an excuse to the trembling domestics for their own fears, and instantly surrounded him, each endeavouring to explain his own particular cause of terror. "When heard you this" questioned Roderick: "the three last nights," replied Andrew, "it has resounded throughout every apartment bf the castle, from the hours of twelve till two; except the bed-chamber of the lady Malvina, and though it has cried at her very door, she, sweet saint, never appeared to hear it: indeed old Janet, who is her head nurse says she always falls asleep just before it begins to cry, and never awakes till it vanishes. "Vanishes! has any one seen it yet?" "No, my lord, but it certainly vanishes for as soon as she old turret clock strikes two, it gives a hideous scream near the castle gate, and all is quiet again." Roderick, tho' shuddering at the remembrance of a prediction which now seemed about to be verified, made a strong effort to dispel the alarm he had not been able to conceal, and again demanded them to attend him to his chamber.

Some time after this a domestic running toward him, besought him to hasten to his lady, who they feared was in the agonies of death. As she beheld the entrance of her lord, she made an effort to raise herself, but the exertion was too much for her strength, and she again fainted.——After she recovered, a faint smile irradiated the pale countenance of the expiring saint; she cast her eyes towards heaven, then rested them on the crucifix; her lips quivered, a slight convulsion agitated her frame, and a heap of dust was all that remained of the once lovely Malvina. It was near evening when the vassals sent to escort Wallace arrived at Ruthven, but the youth no sooner understood the danger of his mother, than he determined on departing instantly: nor could all the persuasions of Malcolm or the fearful eyes of Madeline turn him from his purpose.

The party came to an opening which led through an