“You gave me that impression, I confess, cousin,” said the Chevalier de Saint George. “I fully expected your next letter would tell me you were engaged to her. Is she very young?” “About eighteen, I fancy.” “Just the age. And she rides well, I think you said?” “Admirably. Tom Forster keeps the best pack of hounds in the country, and she goes out with them.” “I only see one objection. Her brother does not belong to our religion.” “But she does,” rejoined the earl. “Then you cannot do better than make choice of her.” “Even if I were to take your majesty's advice, it does not follow I should be accepted.” “Bah! the Earl of Derwentwater is not likely to be refused.” “Dorothy Forster will wed no one she does not love. Nor would I wed her unless certain I had won her heart.” “Have you any doubt upon the point, cousin?” “Your majesty is pleased to rally me.” “I want an answer to the question.” Just then an interruption to their discourse was offered by Charles Radclyife, who came hurriedly down to the bridge to announce that some visitors had arrived at the castle. “Newbiggin couldn't send them away, and was driven to his wit's end, for they would come in,” said Charles. “Who are they?” asked the earl. “Mr. Forster of Bamborough, and his sister,” replied Charles. “Indeed!” exclaimed the prince. “This is a lucky chance.” “It would have mattered little if they had been alone, my liege,” said Charles. “Unluckily, Sir John Webb of Canford, Lady Webb, and their daughter are with them, and the whole party evidently intend to stay here till tomorrow. Sir John and Lady Webb have brought a great coach with them and a pack of servants, but the two girls and Tom Forster came on horseback. Forster wouldn't hear a word from Newbiggen, but told him he was sure his lordship would be glad to see them.” “And so I should, under other circumstances,” said the earl. “Heed me not,” cried the prince. “I am pleased at this opportunity of meeting Mr. Forster and Sir John Webb, both of whom I know are my warm partisans.” “Since your majesty does not object, I feel quite easy,” said the earl. “Where are the visitors?” he added, to his brother. “I left them on the lawn,” replied Charles. “I told them you had a friend with you--nothing more. Shall I prepare them, my liege!” “No,” replied the prince. “I will chose my own time for the disclosure.” “Haste back, then, and say I will be with them anon,” cried the earl. “And be careful to give them no hint.” “Your majesty may rely on me,” replied Charles, as he bowed and departed. “This is our North Country custom,” said the earl. “We visit each other without the slightest ceremony--take friends with us--and stay as long as we please. In coming to me thus, uninvited, and bringing Sir John Webb and his family with him, Tom Forster is only doing what I should not hesitate to do, were I inclined to pay him a visit at Bamborough Castle.”