333


pride  had  given  way,  and  it  breathed  a  love  whose
expression — even  in  their  fondc^.t  hours, — had  never
before  blessed  him, — but  in  Marian's  eye.  His  ashy
features,  which  had  gradually  stiffened  with  horror,
as  he  read  the  contents  of  the  letter,  softened
before  the  tenderness  of  her  language ;  and  a  long
burst  of  weeping  gave  relief  to  feelings,  whose  ten-
sion would  have  prevented  the  immediate  exertion
necessary  to  track  the  single  ray  of  hope  that,  at
once,  presented  itself  to  his  mind.
The  letter  was  long.  It  told  of  Seaforth*s  offence
and  arrest ; — of  his  escape  by  the  aid  of  Marian,  dis-
guised as  a  recruit ; — of  Marian's  capture  and  con-
demnation ; — of  her  determination  to  conceal  her  sex
and  character,  lest  it  should  reach  the  ears  of  her
father,  who  would  immediately  give  himself  up  to
save  her ;— it  adjured  Frederic,  by  their  long  love,
and  by  the  confidence  she  had  reposed  in  him,  not  to
thwart  her  endeavour  by  any  discovery ; — and  im-
plored him,  by  the  promise  of  that  ring  which  she
now  returned,  to  come  to  her,— that  she  might  see
him  once  more  on  earth,  after  so  long  separation  and
sorrow.
Four  days  were  yet  to  pass,  ere  the  morning  which
was  to  terminate  the  existence  of  Marian.  Fre-
deric's resolution  was  speedily  taken.  He  had,  in
the  first  violence  of  his  grief,  determined  upon  going
at  once  to  Marian ;  but  a  better  hope  dawned  upon
his  calmer  reflection, — and  he  resolved,  if  leave  of  ab-
sence could  be  procured,  to  go  to  the  camp  adjoining


334  MARIAN    SEAFORTH.
