knight, whose return to England could no longer be delayed.

Poor children! while Sir James Stewart was in the Prior's chamber, they
sat silent and mournful by the bedside where their guardian lay dozing,
even till the bell for Matins summoned them in common with all the other
inmates of the convent; they knelt on the floor of the candle-lit church,
and held each other's hands as they prayed; Lilias still the stronger and
more hopeful, while Malcolm, as he looked up at those dear familiar
vaultings, felt as if he were a bird driven from its calm peaceful nest
to battle with the tossing winds and storms of ocean, without one near
him whom he had learnt to love.

It was still dark when the service had ended, and Prior Akecliff came
towards them. 'Daughter,' he said to Lilias, 'we deem it safer that you
should ride to St. Abbs ere daylight. Your palfrey is ready, the Mother
Abbess is warned, and I will myself conduct you thither.'

Priors were not people to be kept waiting, and as it was reported that
the Tutor of Glenuskie was still asleep, Lilias had to depart without
taking leave of him. With Malcolm the last words were spoken while
crossing the court. 'Fear not, Lily; my heart will only weary till the
Church owns me, and Patie has you.'

'Nay, my Malcolm; mayhap, as the Prior tells me, your strength and
manhood will come in the south country.'

'Let them,' said Malcolm; 'I will neither cheat the Church nor Patie.'

'It were no cheat. There never was any compact. Patie is winning his
fortune by his own sword; he would scorn--'