“I know; so, therefore, it is of no use to regret them.”
“And now, dearest, what else is there that I can do for you?”
“Promise me, dear Malcolm, that when the last day of my life comes, you will be with me in my hour of death. It will not seem so horrible if I can have you near me, and take my farewell look from your kind eyes.”
“I promise, Eudora,” answered Malcolm, feeling sure that it would drive him mad to witness her execution, yet resolving to stand by her to the very last moment of her life, if permitted to do so.
He remained with her as long as possible, and then in rising to take leave, promised to be with her again early the next day.
“Malcolm,” she said, holding his hand as he lingered by her side, “you will think it a frivolous request from one in my awful circumstances, I know, but I must make it for all that—”
“What is it, dear? Be sure that no wish of yours could be thought frivolous by any one,” said Malcolm, earnestly.
“It is only to go to Allworth Abbey this afternoon, and bring away my poor little Fidelle, and bring her with you when you come to-morrow.”
“Certainly, dearest Eudora; I will attend to it at once.”
“I would like to see the faithful little creature once more before I die. Indeed, I wanted to have her here, only I did not like to bring any harmless creature to such a gloomy place as this; and, besides, I do not think they would have let me have her.”