While he presented her to the countess and his sister, the priest retired to the further end of the room. Both ladies were very much struck by Mrs. Scarisbrick's beauty and liveliness. She did not seem more than five-and-twenty. She was a blonde, with very fine eyes and pretty features, and had a graceful figure, set off by a charming dress. She appeared exceedingly good-natured, and was certainly very desirous to please. Indeed her manner was so engaging that both ladies were delighted with her. The only thing that surprised Lady Derwentwater was that she could tolerate such a man as Forster. “I hope your lordship and Miss Forster will like Preston,” she said after her presentation to them by the general. “We will do our best to amuse you. In spite of war's alarms, a good deal is going on. To-night there will be a grand ball at the town-hall. I have no doubt it will be a very gay affair. All the officers will be present.” “And some of the loveliest women you ever beheld,” said the general. “I never knew what beauty was till I came to Preston.” “Don't mind what the general says,” observed Mrs. Scarisbrick. “He thinks too much of us.” “I can't think too much of you,” sighed Forster. “Ah! you flatter,” said the widow. “However, if Lady Derwentwater and Miss Forster will honour the ball with their presence, they will be able to judge for themselves.” “Shall we go to this ball?” said the countess to the earl. “By all means,” he replied. “It will be very numerously attended. In addition to the officers, all my gentlemen soldiers will be there.” “Yes, there will be plenty of military,” observed General Forster. “Your ladyship may think I am jesting, but I assure you there is not an officer or a trooper in the Northumbrian regiments, who isn't in love.” “Beginning with the general himself,” remarked the countess. “Yes, I own the soft impeachment,” he replied. Mrs. Scarisbrick affected not to hear the observation, and said to Lady Derwentwater: “I must congratulate your ladyship on the house you have got. 'Tis the best in the place.” “So I fancied,” said the countess. “Sir Henry Hoghton must have been very sorry to quit it.” “He was driven out by General Forster's approach,” laughed Mrs. Scarisbrick. “Do you know him?” inquired the countess. “Intimately,” replied Mrs. Scarisbrick; “and like him very much. But he has one great fault. He is a Whig and a Hanoverian.” “Then I presume you are a Jacobite?” said the countess. “As ardent a Jacobite as your ladyship,” replied Mrs. Scarisbrick. “I know you are very well informed, Mrs. Scarisbrick,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “What think you of the news that General Wills has arrived at Wigan?” “I don't believe it,” she replied. “Had it been the case, I must have heard of it. There are all sorts of disquieting rumours at present--but General Forster needn't trouble himself about them.” “I don't,” said Forster, emphatically.