About two hours before noon
Alan was resolved . He was convinced , he said , her former capture , and all its ill consequences , would not have taken place had he been by her side ; and even were she not now exposed to such indignity , she would be lonely and sad without him , and stay , in consequence , he would . The king and his officers approved of the youth 's resolution , and reluctantly Isabella yielded . About two hours before noon the Bruce and his companions departed , desiring Sir Alan not to expect their return till near midnight , as they intended penetrating a part of the country which had not yet been explored ; they might be a few hours sooner , but they scarcely expected it . It was afterwards remembered that a peculiar expression of sadness overclouded the countenance of the countess , as for a moment she fixed her speaking eyes on the king 's face when he cheerfully bade her farewell , and said , in a low emphatic voice -- `` Farewell , sire ! It may be the hour of meeting is longer deferred than we either of us now believe . Fain would I beseech your grace to grant me one boon , make me but one promise ere you depart . ''