is it I do beseech thee, King of Scotland, make me this pledge.  I know thy noble spirit well, and I know thy too chivalric honor would blind thee to a sense of danger, to a sense of country, duty, glory, of all save the rescue of one who, though she be faithful to thee and to her country, is but as a drop of water in the ocean, compared to other claims.  My liege, thy word is already in part pledged,” she continued, more proudly.  “Any pledge or promise I might demand is granted ere it is asked, your highness deigned to say; thou canst not retract it now.”

“And wherefore shouldst thou, royal brother?” cheeringly interrupted Alexander Bruce.  “The Lady Isahella asks not unreasonably; she does but suggest what may be, although that may be is, as we all know, next to impossible, particularly now when nature has fortified this pleasant lodge even as would a garrison of some hundred men.  Come, be not so churlish in thy favors, good my liege; give her the pledge she demands, and be sure its fulfilment will never be required.”

“Could I but think so,” he replied, still gravely.  “Lady, I do entreat thee, tell me wherefore thou demandest this strange boon; fearest thou evil—­dreamest thou aught of danger hovering near?  If so, as there is a God in heaven, I will not go forth to-day!”

“Pardon me, gracious sovereign,” answered Isabella, evasively; “I ask it, because since the late adventure there has been a weight upon my spirit as if I, impotent, of little consequence as I am, yet even I might be the means of hurling down evil on thy head, and through thee on Scotland; and, therefore, until thy promise to the effect I have specified is given, I cannot, I will not rest—­even though, as Lord Alexander justly believes, its fulfilment will never be required.  Evil here, my liege, trust me, cannot be; therefore go forth in confidence.  I fear not to await your return, e’en should I linger here alone.  Grant but my boon.”

“Nay, an it must be, lady, I promise all thou demandest,” answered Bruce, more cheerfully, for her words reassured him; “but, by mine honor, thou hast asked neither well nor kindly.  Remember, my pledge is passed but for real danger, and that only for Scotland’s sake, not for mine own; and now farewell, lady.  I trust, ere we meet again, these depressing fancies will have left thee.”

“They have well-nigh departed now, my liege; ’twas simply for thee and Scotland these heavy bodings oppressed me.  My son,” she added, after a brief pause, “I would your highness could prevail on him to accompany you to-day.  Wherefore should he stay with me?”

“Wherefore not rather, lady?” replied the king, smiling.  “I may not leave thee to thine own thoughts to weave fresh boons like to the last.  No, no! our young knight must guard thee till we meet again,” and with these words he departed.  They did not, however, deter the countess from resuming her persuasions to Alan to accompany his sovereign, but without success.  Isabella of Buchan had, however, in this instance departed from her usual strict adherence to the truth, she did not feel so secure that no evil would befall her in the absence of the Bruce, as she had endeavored to make him believe.