Before Wallace could reply to some remark which the queen laughingly added to her information, the countess thought it proper to give her gay mother-in-law a more decisive reminder of decorum, and, rising, she whispered something which covered the youthful Margaret in blushes. Her majesty rose directly, and pushing away the harp, hurryingly said: "You may leave the room;" and turning her back to Wallace, walked away through an opposite door.
Chapter LIX.
The Round Tower.
Wallace was yet recounting the particulars of his royal visit to Bruce (who had anxiously watched his return), when one of the queen's attendants appeared; and presenting him with a silk handkerchief curiously coiled up, said, that he brought it from her majesty; who supposed it must be his, as she found it in the room where he had been playing the harp. Wallace was going to say that it did not belong to him, when Bruce gave him a look which directed him to take the handkerchief. He obeyed, without a word, and the boy withdrew.
Bruce smiled. "There is more in that handkerchief than silk, my friend! Queens send not these embassies on trifling errands." While Bruce spoke, Wallace unwrapped it. "I told you so!" cried the prince, with a frank archness playing over his before pensive features, and pointing to a slip of emblazoned vellum, which became unfolded. "Shall I look aside while you peruse it?"
"Look on it, my dear prince," replied Wallace; "for in trifles, as well as in things of moment, I would hold no reserves with you."
The vellum was then opened, and these words presented themselves:
"Presume not on condescension. This injunction may be necessary for the noble lady who was present at our interview tells me the men of this island are very presuming. Redeem the character of your countrymen, and transgress not on a courtesy that only means to say, I did not leave you this morning so abruptly out of unkindness. I write this, because having the countess ever with me, I shall not even dare to whisper it in her presence. Be always faithful, and respectful, minstrel, and you shall ever find an indulgent mistress.
"A page will call you when your attendance is desired."
Wallace and Bruce looked on each other. Bruce first spoke.