She looked on the minstrel,
as if to ascertain his fidelity. It was evident, however, that no
apprehension need be entertained, this personage seeming to manifest no
slight solicitude for the safety of the unfortunate chief.
"The old lead mine, in the Cleuch," whispered he.
"Nay, it must be in the house," replied Constance, with a glance of
forethought beyond her years. "The pursuers will not search this loyal
house for treason!"
As was the case in most mansions belonging to families of rank and
importance, a room was contrived for purposes of special concealment,
where persons or property could be stowed in case of danger. A heavy
stack of chimneys was enlarged so as to admit of a small apartment,
inconvenient enough in other respects, yet well adapted as a temporary
hiding-place.
Hither, through secluded passages, the careful Constance conducted her
guest, who had so strangely thrown himself, with unhesitating
confidence, upon her generosity and protection. The proud representative
of a kingly race was rescued by a woman from ignominy and death. Some
feeling of this nature probably overpowered him.
Pages:
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500