"Hold a moment, Frank," cried Careless. "I must have a word with you. When you have heard what I have to say, you will judge what is best to be done. I come from the king." Colonel Wyndham started back, and uttered an exclamation of joy and surprise. "You amaze me!" he cried. "We heard that his majesty was slain at Worcester." "'Twas a false report, invented by the enemy," replied Careless. "Not only is the king alive and well, but he is coming to take refuge with you here at Trent." "By Heaven, I am glad to hear it!" cried the colonel. "No news could please me better--nay, not half so well. As the bearer of such joyful tidings thou art doubly welcome, Will. And think not there is need of secrecy. I will answer for my womankind as I would for myself. Of my mother, Lady Wyndham, I need not speak, for you know her." "And know her to be loyal," remarked Careless. "My wife is just as loyal," pursued the colonel. "And my fair cousin, Juliana Coningsby, is as loyal as my wife. They have been profoundly grieved by the rumour I have just alluded to of the king's death; but Juliana refused to credit it, and maintained her confident belief that he is still living, and will be restored to the throne." "'Tis clear from what you say, Frank, that there will be no risk in communicating the secret to your ladies." "Fear nothing. Women can keep a secret as well as we men can--better, perhaps. My household consists of some twenty persons, and I firmly believe there is not a traitor among them." "That is much to say. Yet 'twill be best not to try their fidelity. There is one honest fellow, I'll be sworn--Harry Peters." "Peters is not an exception--they are all honest. But come in. I am anxious to acquaint the ladies with the good news respecting the king." He then took Careless into the house, and led him to a parlour, which was lighted by a lamp placed on the table. In this room three ladies were assembled, two of them being young, and engaged on some feminine occupation, while the third and oldest of the party was reading a devotional work. The elderly dame, as will be surmised, was the colonel's mother. Lady Wyndham had a stately figure and a dignified deportment, and though her finely formed features bore the impress of age, they were still regular in outline. Her costume belonged to an earlier period, and suited her well. Her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Wyndham, the heiress to whom the colonel owed Trent, possessed considerable personal attractions--magnificent black eyes and luxuriant black tresses. A striking contrast to Mrs. Wyndham was Juliana Coningsby--a charming blonde, with summer blue eyes, delicately formed features, snow-white skin, and light locks. When she smiled--and she smiled very frequently--two rows of exquisite pearls were displayed. Juliana was just nineteen, and our description would be incomplete if we did not add that her figure was slight and exceedingly graceful.