Wyseby

106 wyseby: a legend
tones instinct with preternatural energy, his own
name came upon his ear. He sprung to his feet ;
— all was silent. Avas involuntarily rose to his
lips ; his fingers mechanically signed the cross. * A
few seconds and again, but low and feeble, that name
sounded. Springing forward, he snatched the frag-
ment of an extinguished pine-torch from the wall,
applying flint and steel, sudden and high a red glare
arose, illumining the cave. The light fell full on
the pallid face of the dying woman — for dying she
evidently was. An exclamation of half-jojful sur-
prise burst from the lips of the minstrel. " Elspeth !"
he cried.
" Silence !" shouted she with fearful energy, half
raising herself as she spoke. " See. the glass is
nearly run ! and there is much to reveal, — much ;
dark, black, horrible. But it must be told — it must.
Kneel, kneel ! — let not the spirits of night hear.
Kneel — it is too terrible." The minstrel knelt by
her side. In a low, deep whisper the old woman
spoke ; — long and earnestly she spoke. Suddenly
springing to his feet, a shout of uncontrollable exul-
tation burst from the bosom of the minstrel. Elspeth
groaned heavily. Recalled to himself, the minstrel
knelt again. A few moments, and once more he
sprung to his feet. Mary ! how his eyes blazed !
Rage, hate, revenge, — each had its fearful sign
graven on his noble countenance. : ' Fiend ! " he
shouted ; " say where ? " No answer was given.
bt Where, where ?" cried he yet more fiercely. But,
save by his own voice, the silence was unbroken.
" Speak!" he cried, "accursed wretch! or^ — " The
threat died upon his lips. One fierce glance told
him too well why his question was not answered.