“Your majesty need not give us that assurance,” cried Anna. “But imprisonment would have been grievous, and might have disheartened your friends.” “From the first I have been opposed to the scheme, as your majesty is aware,” said Lord Derwentwater; “and I cannot, therefore, affect to regret its abandonment.” “I do not wonder you are better pleased to remain where you are, cousin,” said the prince. “I shall be far better pleased if your majesty will decide upon summoning all your partisans to arms,” said the earl. “Nothing would rejoice me more than to see ten thousand men assembled at the castle,” said Anna with increased enthusiasm, “and eager for their king to lead them on to victory. That is how I should like to see your majesty march to London--and Lord Derwentwater with you.” “Ay, I will never be left behind,” cried the earl. Fire lighted up the prince's eyes as they spoke, but it faded away. “It cannot be,” he said. “It cannot be.” “What cannot be, my liege?” cried Anna, regarding him fixedly. “Not the insurrection? Not the march to London?” “No,” he replied. “The Earl of Mar, in his letter counsels me to make no immediate movement.” “For what reason?” demanded Lord Derwentwater in surprise. “He gives no reason,” rejoined the prince. “But Lord Mar knows the feeling of the clans, and evidently deems the present juncture unpropitious to a rising.” “I cannot tell what may be the state of the clans,” said Lord Derwentwater, scarcely able to repress his impatience; “but I am certain the opportunity is favourable in the North of England--as can soon be shown, if your majesty will give the signal.” “I will not commit myself to any decisive step now, my lord,” said the prince, who when thus urged, seemed to shrink from the enterprise. “Nor do I think it will be prudent for me to remain here long.” “What danger does your majesty apprehend?” cried the earl. “All are devoted to you. There are no traitors in the castle.” “But I have many enemies in the country, and the Earl of Mar bids me 'beware,'” said the prince. “We will defend you against your enemies, my liege,” said Lord Derwentwater. “You need not fear them. Immediate preparations shall be made.” “No haste is needful, cousin,” said the prince. “I have a strong guard enough,” he added, glancing at Colonel Oxburgh and his friends, who were standing at a little distance. “Let the day pass tranquilly--if it will. To-morrow we will consider what shall be done.” “Heaven grant your majesty may change your mind in the interim!” observed Anna. “If you exercise your powers of persuasion, fair lady, there is no saying what you may accomplish,” said the prince, gallantly. At this moment a bell was heard, and Newbiggin came forth with two other servants in livery, and respectfully announced breakfast. The prince offered his hand to Anna and led her to the house, and the rest of the party followed. XIII.--THE BETROTHAL.