“I can guess all the rest,” said Lord Widdrington. “It must have been a joyful meeting.” “The adventure was not an agreeable one,” said Anna. “But it has tested his lordship's affection for me. However, I promise to be more careful in future.” “Yes, you have had a pretty good lesson, and will do well to profit by it,” said Lord Widdrington. “My unlucky steed is to blame for it all,” she cried. “Had he not stumbled, nothing would have happened.” “You have left him at Dunstanborough, I suppose?” observed Lord Widdrington. “Yes, in charge of your groom,” she replied. “Your lordship's horse carries me capitally.” “Then pray use him as long as you will! And now let us on, and relieve the anxiety of our friends.” With this they quickened their pace, and made such good way that dinner was not quite over when they reached Bamborough. Great rejoicing was manifested on their appearance, and when Anna's adventure became known, the feeling rose to excitement. Dorothy could not contain herself, but springing from her seat, rushed up to her friend and embraced her. We need scarcely say that under such unusual circumstances another health was drunk, in addition to the grand toast, which was never omitted. A great deal of claret was generally drunk at Mr. Forster's dinners, as we have already remarked, and the custom would probably not have been neglected on the present occasion if the prince had not risen early from table, and proceeded to the drawing-room, where there was music and singing. The prince retired early, and proceeded to his lodgings in the old fortress, attended by his host, Lord Derwent-water, Lord Widdrington, and several others. It chanced to be a fine moonlight night, and the appearance of the massive keep, partly lighted up by the beams, partly in shadow, was so striking, that his highness remained for some time contemplating the massive pile. He then mounted the walls to gaze at the sea, which was brilliantly illumined--a broad track of light leading across its unruffled surface to the Fame Islands, and producing a truly magical effect. Scarcely able to tear himself away from this bewitching scene, the prince, at last, bade his attendants good night, and sought his chamber in the tower. Though no real danger was apprehended, unwonted precautions were taken for his security. The gates were barred, and watch was kept upon the walls throughout the night. Colonel Oxburgh and his companions were prepared to act on any sudden emergency, and the colonel had arranged his plans with the two nobles, who had likewise decided upon passing the night in the castle. VII.--AN ALARM. |Morning came, and nothing had occurred to cause alarm. The prince slept soundly in the tower, and was up betimes, and, on the walls, enjoying the view, and inhaling the fresh sea-breeze. So well pleased was he that the thought that he must speedily quit the castle pained him.