CHAPTER XI.

There came a knight from the field of slain,
His steed was drench'd with blood and rain.
FINLAY.

We must now return to the fortress of Tillietudlem and its inhabitants. The morning, being the first after the battle of Loudon-hill, had dawned upon its battlements, and the defenders had already resumed the labours by which they proposed to render the place tenable, when the watchman, who was placed in a high turrét, called the Warder's Tower, gave the signal that a horseman was approaching. As he came nearer, his dress indicated an officer of the Life-Guards; and the slowness of his horse's pace, as well as the

manner in which the rider stooped on the saddle-bow, plainly shewed that he was sick or wounded. The wicket was instantly opened to receive him, and Lord Evandale rode into the court-yard, so reduced by loss of blood, that he was unable to dismount without assistance. As he entered the hall, leaning upon a servant, the ladies shrieked with surprise and terror; for, pale as death, stained with blood, his regimentals soiled and torn, and his hair matted and disordered, he resembled rather a spectre than a human being. But their next exclamation was that of joy at his escape.

"Thank God!" exclaimed Lady Margaret," that you are here, and have escaped the hands of the blood-thirsty murderers who have cut off so many of the King's loyal servants!"

"Thank God !" added Edith," that you are here and in safety! We have dreaded the worst; but you are wounded, and I

fear we have little the means of assisting you."

But

My wounds are only sword-cuts," an swered the young nobleman, as he reposed himself on a seat; "the pain is not worth - mentioning, and I should not even feel exhausted but for the loss of blood. it was not my purpose to bring my weakness to add to your danger and distress, but to relieve them, if possible. What can I do for you?-Permit me," he added, addressing Lady Margaret-" permit me to think and act as your son, my dear ma dam-as your brother, Edith !"

He pronounced the last part of the sentence with some emphasis, as if he feared that the apprehension of his pretensions as a suitor might render his proffered services unacceptable to Miss Bellenden. She was not insensible to his delicacy, but there was no time for exchange of senti

ment.

"We are preparing for our defence," said the old lady, with great dignity; "my

and, by the grace of God, we will give the rebels such a reception as they deserve."

"How gladly," said Evandale, would I share in the defence of the Castle! But, in my present state, I should be but a bur den to you, nay, something worse; for the knowledge that an officer of the LifeGuards was in the Castle would be suffi cient to make these rogues more desperate ly earnest to possess themselves of it. If they find it defended only by the family, they may possibly march on to Glasgow ra ther than hazard an assault."

"And can you think so meanly of us, my Lord," said Edith, with the generous burst of feeling which woman so often evinces, and which becomes her so well, her voice faultering through eagerness, and her brow colouring with the noble warmth which dictated her language" Can you think so meanly of your friends, as that they would permit such considerations to interfere with their sheltering and protecting

you at a moment when you are unable to defend yourself, and when the whole coun try is filled with the enemy? Is there a cottage in Scotland whose owners would permit a valued friend to leave it in suchcircumstances? 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 enemy 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 young Lord Evandale. Ours is not a house that ought to brook such dishonour. The Tower of Tillietudlem has been too much distinguished by the visit of his most sacred".

Here she was interrupted by the entrance of the Major.

"We have taken a prisoner, my dear