“Dinna distress yoursel’, laddie; I have known since last night at Athol Castle that our happy dream was ended.” She felt him stiffen beneath her touch. “Jean came to me in the gardens,” she explained with patient resignation. “I should have told ye last night, for she was waiting for ye to come to her, but I—I hadna’ the courage.” There was silence for a moment, then he spoke in a low, spiritless tone. “Jean said that ye knew all,” he said without looking up. They remained quiet after that, plunged in bitter thought. There was nothing they could say to comfort each other, the wound was bleeding too freely as yet. Presently Robert raised his head, and with a despairing gesture pushed the heavy curls back from his fevered brow and rose unsteadily to his feet. They must get away at once, he thought feverishly. He took Mary by the hand and started for the door, when from the open window he heard his name called. Turning apprehensively he beheld Sir William Creech entering, followed by Lord Glencairn and several of his guests. In his hand Sir William held a newspaper, while a hard smile of triumph wrinkled his stem face. “I told ye, Robert Burns, ye would overreach yourself,” he cried jubilantly, shaking the newspaper at him. Robert looked at him apathetically. “Ye were ever a bird of ill omen,” he said quietly. “What have I done noo?” “You have seen fit to sign your name to an article in this paper, which has aroused the indignation of all Edinburgh,” replied Sir William without any preamble. “’Tis a most seditious article and shows that ye have embraced the doctrines of the French Revolution.” “A man has a perfect right to his opinion,” said Mrs. Dunlop decidedly, giving Sir William a scornful look. “Indeed he has,” echoed Eppy, nodding her head briskly. “I mean to stick to mine.” Lord Glencairn turned and looked searchingly at Robert’s pale, gloomy face. “Is that true, Robert?” he asked gently. Robert did not reply. He seemed not to hear, in fact. “’Tis a most serious charge, Mr. Burns,” remarked Mr. Sterne gravely. “If it be true,” retorted Mr. Mackenzie loyally. “Which is not at all likely,” flashed Eppy indignantly. She would believe nothing wrong of her hero, even if it were proven in black and white. “But listen!” continued Sir William eagerly. He scanned the article through quickly until he found what he sought. “Ah, here it is. It is stated here that Mr. Burns refused to stand up in the theater recently when ‘God save the King’ was being played,” and he glared about him indignantly. A quiet sneer curled Robert’s lips. “Anything else?” he asked sarcastically. “Out wi’ it or the venom of your spleen will poison ye,” and he fixed his eyes upon Sir William with disdainful indifference. “And there is more,” snarled Sir William. “’Tis known that ye have sent two cannon to the French Directorate with a complimentary letter, offering further assistance.” “Oh, no, no, impossible.” cried Lord Glencairn incredulously.