eart bounding high with joy, for this
was from death to life indeed.

'I saw there was some one hurt,' said Esclairmonde in her repressive
manner. 'Drink some more wine, eat this bread, and you will be able to
ride to the Hotel de St. Pol.'

'Oh, lady, let me speak of my bliss!' and he snatched at her hand, but
was still so dizzy that he sank back, becoming aware that he was stiff
and bruised from his fall. Almost at the same moment a new step and
voice were heard in the little open booth where the cutler displayed his
wares, and King James was at once admitted.

'How goes it, laddie?' he asked. 'They told me grim Death had clutched
you and borne you off to his charnel-house; but at least I see an angel
has charge of you.'

Esclairmonde slightly coloured as she made answer:

'I saw some one fall, and came to offer my poor skill, Sir; but as the
Sieur de Glenuskie is fast recovering, if you will permit Sir Nigel Baird
to attend me, Sir, I will at once return.'

'I am ready--I am not hurt. Oh, let us go together!' panted Malcolm,
leaping up.

'Eh, gentlemen!' exclaimed the hospitable cutler's wife; 'you will not
away so fast! This gallant knight will permit you to remain. And the
fair lady, she will do me the honour to drink a cup of wine to the
recovery of her betrothed.'

'Not so, good woman,' said Esclairmonde, a little apart, 'I am the
betrothed of Heaven. I only assisted because I feared the youth's fall
was more serious than it proves.'

The bourgeoise begged pardon, and made a curtsey; there was nothing
unusual in the avowal the lady had made, when the convent was a
thoroughly recognized profession; but Esclairmonde could not carry out
her purpose of departing separately with old Sir Nigel Baird; Malcolm was
on his feet, quite ready to mount, and there was no avoiding the being
assisted to her saddle by any but the King, who was in truth quite as
objectionable a companion, as far as appearances went, for a young
solitary maiden, as was Malcolm himself. Esclairmonde felt that her
benevolence might have led her into a scrape. When she had seen the
fall, knowing that to the unprepared the ghastly pageant must seem
reality, she had obeyed the impulse to hurry to the rescue, to console
and aid in case of injury, and she had not even perceived that her female
companions did not attempt to accompany her. However, the mischance
could best be counteracted by simplicity and unconsciousness; so, as she
f