“I have had a very happy dream,” she said; “and I hope it may come true. I thought the king was restored, and chiefly by your instrumentality.” “Much has to be done ere that can be accomplished,” rejoined the earl. “But I do not despair.” “I wish you could remain here, and resist the officers,” she said. “How pleased I should be to see them driven hence!” “There is no chance of such a result,” said the earl. “We must bide our time. In a few days we shall take the field.” Tenderly embracing her, he then quitted the room. None of the household were astir as Lord Derwentwater went forth. He gave one look at the mansion, heaved a deep sigh, and proceeded towards the wood. The morning was grey and misty, the trees in the park could scarcely be distinguished, and the brook at the bottom of the glen was hidden by vapour. Gloomy thoughts likewise possessed him, and as he tracked the sombre alley, he thought he beheld a female figure, arrayed in white, advancing towards him. Not doubting it was the Maiden, he instantly stopped. In another moment the phantom stood before him. Its looks were sad and compassionate, but it spoke not, and terror kept him dumb. After remaining thus transfixed for a few moments, he broke the spell and moved forwards, but the phantom waved him back, and he again halted. With another warning gesture, accompanied by a look of indescribable pity, the figure vanished. Not for some minutes after issuing from the alley, did the earl recover from the shock he had received, and he was still leaning for support against a tree, when he was roused by the approach of the woodcutter and his dog. “I fear your lordship is unwell?” remarked Nathan. “No,” replied the earl, “but I have been much alarmed. I have just seen the Maiden.” “Then I don't wonder your lordship is disturbed,” said the woodcutter. “May I venture to ask what occurred?” “The spirit warned me to turn back,” said the earl. “But it is now too late.” The woodcutter made no remark, but seemed to think that the warning ought not to be neglected. On reaching the hut, Lord Derwentwater threw himself into the arm-chair and presently fell asleep. Nor did he awake for some hours. During this interval, Dame Blacklaw moved about as noiselessly as she could, so as not to disturb him--Cheviot crouched at his feet--and Nathan went on with his work outside; but he left it, ever and anon, for a short space, while he flew to the skirts of the woods to reconnoitre. V.--HOW CHARLES RADCLYFFE PROVOKED SIR WILLIAM LORRAINE. |About nine o'clock on the same morning, the Newcastle magistrates arrived at the castle. They were attended by certain subordinate officers, armed with sword and pistol, and by a party of horse-militia. As the gate had been thrown wide open by the porter, they all rode into the court, and the chief persons--three in number--proceeded to the entrance and dismounted.