"Then listen to the promptings of your own heart, which counsels you to spare him," she continued.
For a moment it seemed as if Charles was about to yield, but he remained firm, and raising her from her kneeling posture, said:
"This interview must not be prolonged."
Helen, however, would not rise, but clung to his knees, exclaiming, distractedly:
"Ye winna kill him! ye winna kill him!"
Jemmy removed her gently, and with Beppy's aid she was taken from the room.
CHAPTER IX.
TOGETHER TO THE LAST.
For a few minutes after her removal from the cabinet, Helen was in a state of distraction, but at length she listened to Beppy's consolations and grew calmer.
She then besought Captain Dawson to take her to the guard-chamber, where Erick was confined. Before going thither she bade adieu to Beppy. It was a sad parting, and drew tears from those who witnessed it.
"Fare ye weel, dear young leddy!" she said. "May every blessing leet upon your bonnie head, and on that ov yer dear, gude feyther! Most like I shan never see you again on this airth, but I hope you win sometimes think o' the puir Scottish lassie that loo'd ye weel!"