"Yes," said Mrs. MacDonald, whose regard for the truth was not of the strictest description.
"And what did they do wi' the puir queens?"
"Cut off their heads."
"Hech! that was awfu'! And what will they do wi' this puir leddy?"
"Release her after a while, because they can prove nothing against her, and because she has powerful friends."
"Eh, but that's guid."
"And those friends will well reward such of the officers of the prison as shall be kind to her during her incarceration," said Mrs. MacDonald meaningly. "And now I will trouble you to unlock the door and admit me for a few minutes to see Mrs. Dugald."
"Surely, me leddy," said the dame, with alacrity.
When Mrs. MacDonald found herself once more alone with her friend she said:
"You will have everything you may require for your comfort in the course of a few hours; and you will have no more trouble from the insolence of your attendant. I have arranged all that. And now, my dear, I am going to see the viscount. What message have you for him?"