"Let us fill a bumper to the memory of those glorious old Normans, who left us so charming a banqueting hall," said I. "You do not express yourself properly; let us 'drain a cup' is more appropriate," interrupted Miss Vernon. "A set of unmitigated robbers without a spark of humanity," said the Artist. "You must admit they were often splendidly generous," interposed Miss Vernon. "Ay, by fits and starts." "As much as could be expected from ignorant uncivilised warriors," said I; "they were rude and cruel enough, so were all nations at the time; while few possessed their generosity, energy, and abstemiousness; they were a race of gentlemen!" "Yes, abstemiousness has always continued to be a characteristic of their gentlemanlike descendants," sneered Winter. "Quite as much as of the all imbibing Saxons. I like the Normans," replied Kate. "Was it not here, Miss Vernon, that Geraldine Mowbray mounted guard with her waiting woman, to give the Warders time for repose?" enquired Gilpin. "Yes, it was during an insurrection of the Saxon serfs, and was not unlike the Lady Evelyn Berenger's watch in 'The Betrothed.' She had a brave heart." "It is wonderful what heroic acts women were capable of in those days," observed the Colonel. "It was the peculiar position they were placed in called forth faculties which still exist, ready to spring into action whenever there is a call for self devotion," said I. "Which are exercised every day, and a thousand times more painfully, in silent unregarded sacrifices," observed the Organist. "And a thousand times more gloriously," said Miss Vernon. "It was, I am sure, comparatively easy to act heroically, when the tone of every thing round you was heroic; applauded and worshipped by noble and gallant knights; celebrated by minstrels through all the world of chivalry. I have not much courage to boast of, but I think I could mount guard on an emergency, and under those circumstances. Ah! dare I say I have that loftier courage that would enable me to bear up under trials, the depth of which, my own heart alone knew!" She stopped suddenly, blushing, as if ashamed of her own enthusiasm. "My dear Kate, what makes you think such dreadful things?" whined Mrs. Winter. "Why, Miss Vernon, you are in a moralising vein," cried her mate. "I have no doubt, Kate, you would lead a forlorn hope gallantly," said her grandfather. "Take me as your Lieutenant, Miss Vernon, and trust me I'll support my chief." "When the occasion comes, you'll find strength," said Gilpin. "_Basta! in nome di Dio_, leave off moralising, and give us a song." The Organist and Kate sang a duet, and even Winter joined in a catch; their notes floated sweetly on the air, and woke up the echoes of the deserted castle. Tom gathered up the fragments of the feast, and Mr. Winter hinted it was time for us to start for the farm.