Mary remained at Dunbar about ten days, during which time Bothwell sued out and obtained a divorce from his wife. His wife, feeling, perhaps, resentment more than grief, sued, at the same time, for a divorce from him. Bothwell then sallied forth from his fastness at Dunbar, and, taking Mary with him, went to Edinburgh, and took up his abode in the castle there, as that fortress was then under his power. Mary soon after appeared in public and stated that she was now entirely free, and that, although Bothwell had done wrong in carrying her away by violence, still he had treated her since in so respectful a manner, that she had pardoned him, and had received him into favor again. A short time after this they were married. The ceremony was performed in a very private and unostentatious manner, and took place in May, about three months after the murder of Darnley. By some persons Mary's account of the transactions at Dunbar is believed. Others think that the whole affair was all a preconcerted plan, and that the appearance of resistance on her part was only for show, to justify, in some degree, in the eyes of the world, so imprudent and inexcusable a marriage. A great many volumes have been written on the question without making any progress toward a settlement of it. It is one of those cases where, the evidence being complicated, conflicting, and incomplete, the mind is swayed by the feelings, and the readers of the story decide more or less favorably for the unhappy queen, according to the warmth of the interest awakened in their hearts by beauty and misfortune. CHAPTER IX. THE FALL OF BOTHWELL. 1567 Mary's infatuation.--Excuses for her.--Mary's deep depression.--Interposition of the King of France.--Bothwell at Edinburgh Castle.--He is hated by the people.--The opposing parties.--How far Mary was responsible.--Melrose.--Ruins of the abbey.--Mary's proclamation.--The prince's lords.--Bothwell alarmed.--Borthwick Castle.--Bothwell's retreat.--He is besieged.--Makes his escape.--Bothwell at Dunbar.--Proclamation.--Approaching contest.--Mary's appeal.--Approach of the prince's lords.--Carberry Hill.--Efforts of Le Croc to effect an accommodation.--Bothwell's challenge.--Morton.--Mary sends for Grange.--Proposition of Grange.--Dismissal of Bothwell.--Question of Mary's guilt.--The supposition against her.--The supposition in her favor.--Uncertainty.--The box of love letters.--Their genuineness suspected.--Disposal of Mary.--Return to Edinburgh.--The banner.--Rudeness of the populace.--Bothwell's retreat.--He is pursued.--Bothwell's narrow escape.--He turns pirate.--Bothwell in prison.--His miserable end.