The feelings of compunction with which Halbert Glendinning was visited
upon this painful occasion, were deeper than belonged to an age and
country in which human life was held so cheap. They fell far short
certainly of those which might have afflicted a mind regulated by
better religious precepts, and more strictly trained under social
laws; but still they were deep and severely felt, and divided in
Halbert's heart even the regret with which he parted from Mary Avenel
and the tower of his fathers.
The old traveller walked silently by his side for some time, and then
addressed him.--"My son, it has been said that sorrow must speak or
die--Why art thou so much cast down?--Tell me thy unhappy tale, and it
may be that my gray head may devise counsel and aid for your young
life."
"
