f age to take my vows! I am not fit
to serve the King.'

'He is the best judge of that,' returned Sir James.

'And,' added Sir David, 'I tell you, lad, that I shall never be as I was
before, and that were I a whole man and sain, riding back to Glenuskie
the morn, I should still bless the saints and bid you gang.'

Rarely did the youth of the fifteenth century venture to question the
authority of an elder, but Malcolm was only silenced for a moment, and
though by no means understanding that his guardian believed his injuries
mortal, he threw himself upon the advice of the Prior, whom he entreated
to allow him to judge for himself, and to remain to protect his sister--he
talked boldly of protecting her after this day's exploit. But Prior
Akecliff gave him no more encouragement than did his uncle. The
Benedictine vows were out of the question till he should be eighteen, and
the renunciation of the world they involved would be ruinous to Lilias,
since she would become his heiress. Moreover, the Prior himself was
almost in a state of siege, for the Regent was endeavouring to intrude on
the convent one Brother William Drake, or Drax, by his own nomination,
instead of the canonical appointment emanating from Durham, and as
national feeling went with the Regent's nominee, it was by no means
certain that the present Prior would be able to maintain his position.

'Oh, go! yes, go, dear brother,' entreated Lilias. 'I should be far
happier to know you in safety. They cannot hurt me while you are safe.'

'But you, Lily! What if this villain Drax have his way?'

'He could not harm her in St. Ebba's fold,' returned the Prior. 'The
Abbess herself could not yield her; and, as you have so often been told,
my young Lord, your absence is a far greater protection to your sister
than your presence. Moreover, were the Tutor's mind at rest, there would
be far better hope of his recovery.'

There was no alternative, and Malcolm could not but submit. Lilias was
to be conducted before daybreak to the monastery of St. Abbs, about six
miles off, whence she could be summoned at any time to be with her uncle
in Coldingham; and Malcolm was to set off at daybreak with the captive
knight, whose return to England could no longer be delayed.

Poor children! while Sir James Stewart was in the Prior's chamber, they
sat silent and mournful by the bedside where their guardian lay dozing,
even till the bell for Matins summoned them in common w