"Hush, hush! not another word," she said; "I will speak neither words of hope nor fear! my own noble lord shall bear himself in the sight of his fellows as it is fitting he should. No weakness of mine shall enervate that manly mind; though my heart-strings crack, I will be composed and firm. And now we will part for the night; we will each to our prisons: prayer and solitude will best strengthen us for the morrow. Should your anticipations prove only too correct, there is yet much to be done, and I will seek confidence and calmness from that Heaven who will, I trust, take thee this night, and ever, into its holy keeping!" "Amen to thy good wishes, love!" END OF THE FIRST VOLUME. VOLUME THE SECOND. WINIFRED, COUNTESS OF NITHSDALE. (CONTINUED.) CHAPTER XIX. The heroine assumed the woman's place, Confirm'd her mind, and fortified her face. _Dryden._ When Lady Nithsdale arrived at her lodgings, she there found Mrs. Morgan, who from the moment she first, through Amy Evans's means, became acquainted with her, had proved herself a kind friend, and a strenuous and efficient agent. As the countess entered the apartment, the haggard expression of her countenance struck the little party of friends who had been awaiting her return. Amy hastened to support her lady, whose steps appeared to totter as she advanced. "Thanks, dear Amy; but I need not your assistance," she replied, with a forced composure: "I am not ill, my good girl; I do not need these attentions; I am well and strong. You do not know how strong I am!" "Would not your ladyship be better near the fire?" inquired Mrs. Mills, rising from her chair; "the evening is chilly." "Disturb not yourself, my good friend; I am well here;" replied Lady Nithsdale, sinking into a seat. "How fares it with my lord, madam?--Is he of good cheer?" "Well, Amy, right well; he is well in health, and will bear himself gallantly to-morrow, as the grandson of the brave defender of Caerlaverock castle should bear himself," answered the countess, with a forced air of resolution; for she had employed Mrs. Morgan to procure for her a seat in some obscure part of Westminster Hall, from whence she might be a witness of the trial; and she feared, if she now betrayed any weakness or emotion, even the yielding Mrs. Morgan might not comply with her wishes. "And now I must ask my dear Mrs. Morgan, whether her friend the Earl of Dorset has been as good as his word;--may we hope for seats in the Hall to-morrow?" she inquired, in a tone which she meant should be steady. "Yes, dearest Lady Nithsdale; he says that if you really are resolved upon being present, he can accommodate us; for you must allow me to accompany you, and also our faithful Mrs. Evans; I could not allow you to stir without her."