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 you at a moment when you are unable to defend yourself, and when the whole country is filled with the enemy? Is there a cottage in Scotland whose owners would permit a valued friend to leave it in such circumstances? And can you think we will allow you to go from a castle which we think strong enough for our own defence?"

"Lord Evandale need never think of it," said Lady Margaret. "I will dress his wounds myself; it is all an old wife is fit for in war time; but to quit the Castle of Tillietudlem when the sword of the ene- my is drawn to slay him,—the meanest trooper that ever wore the king's coat on his back should not do so, much less my Lord Evandale.—Ours is not a house young that ought to brook such dishonour. The Tower of Tillietudlem has been too much distinguished by the visit of his most sa- cred"

Here she was interrupted by the entrance of the Major.

"We have taken a prisoner, my dear