rlour, where, in full possession of her
activity of mind and body, though pale from the scenes of the preceding
night, he found the Countess attired in the fashion of a Flemish maiden
of the middling class. No other was present excepting Trudchen, who was
sedulously employed in completing the Countess's dress, and instructing
her how to bear herself. She extended her hand to him, which, when he
had reverently kissed, she said to him, "Seignior Quentin, we must leave
our friends here unless I would bring on them a part of the misery which
has pursued me ever since my father's death. You must change your dress
and go with me, unless you also are tired of befriending a being so
unfortunate."

"I!--I tired of being your attendant!--To the end of the earth will
I guard you! But you--you yourself--are you equal to the task you
undertake!--Can you, after the terrors of last night"

"Do not recall them to my memory," answered the Countess, "I remember
but the confusion of a horrid dream.--Has the excellent Bishop escaped?"

"I trust he is in freedom," said Quentin, making a sign to Pavillon, who
seemed about to enter on the dreadful narrative, to be silent.

"Is it possible for us to rejoin him?--Hath he gathered any power?" said
the lady.

"His only hopes are in Heaven," said the Scot, "but wherever you wish to
go, I stand by your side, a determined guide and guard."

"We will consider," said Isabelle, and after a moment's pause, she
added, "A convent would be my choice, but that I fear it would prove a
weak defence against those who pursue me."

"Hem! hem!" said the Syndic, "I could not well recommend a convent
within the district of Liege, because the Boar of Ardennes, though in
the main a brave leader, a trusty confederate, and a well wisher to our
city, has, nevertheless, rough humours, and payeth, on the whole, little
regard to cloisters, convents, nunneries, and the like. Men say that
there are a score of nuns--that is, such as were nuns--who march always
with his company."

"Get yourself in readiness hastily, Seignior Durward," said Isabelle,
interrupting this detail, "since to your faith I must needs commit
myself."

No sooner had the Syndic and Quentin left the room than Isabelle began
to ask of Gertrude various questions concerning the roads, and so forth,
with such clearness of spirit and pertinence, that the latter could
not help exclaiming, "Lady, I wonder at you!--I have heard of masculine
firmness, bu