Lady Nithsdale was struck with the pale countenance of Amy when she had summoned her, ostensibly to assist in arranging some household matters, but more, in fact, that she might hear a friendly voice, and look on an affectionate countenance. She was still more struck with the haste in which Amy wished to depart, instead of gladly lingering, pleased and honoured at being admitted to share the counsels and the feelings of her mistress. "Think you not, Amy, that these damask hangings will make my lord's apartment look exceedingly handsome? and to my mind the old pictures which adorn his study will show well upon the deep crimson. He will be pleased, when Heaven vouchsafes him a safe return, to find we have been mindful of his comfort. I would gladly turn these hangings to so good account. What think you, Amy?" and Lady Nithsdale gazed inquiringly in her face. "Yes, madam, in sooth they are as good as new," replied Amy with a hurried voice; and her eye avoided that of her lady: her fingers trembled as she smoothed the fringe, and she kept her head bent low, as though examining the texture of the damask. "Amy, you have heard ill news that you fear to communicate," said Lady Nithsdale, laying her hand firmly on Amy's trembling arm, and looking at her fixedly. "Speak! I charge you, speak! I can bear anything but suspense. Let me know the worst!" and she grasped her almost convulsively. "Oh, my lady, do not look thus at me: truly you fright me. In very truth I know nothing, nothing for certain." "Amy, Amy, this is not like yourself; you are trifling with me!" "We must not heed every silly report that comes from so far off, my lady." "Then it is of the army in England!" and Lady Nithsdale dropped into a seat "Speak! speak! tell me all!" "Indeed I have but little to tell. They said there had been an engagement: but we have often heard that before, my lady; and people make so much of a little thing; and the news comes through Dumfries, and the people there tell everything their own way." "And they say, then, that we have been defeated!" continued Lady Nithsdale, striving to appear perfectly tranquil. "Tell me, Amy; you see I am quite calm." "Why, yes; I suppose it is as your ladyship says, for they seem marvellously well pleased." "And are King James's forces retreating?" "Not that I know of, my lady." "What, do they still hold Preston, then?" "Why no, my lady. I believe what they call the Royalists have possession of it now." "Then where is our army?" "Alas! dearest madam, I cannot justly say. Indeed, indeed, my lady, those who told me do not seem to know themselves, and I dare swear it is not half true." "Amy, you have heard more; I am sure you have! Is my lord----? Have they told you anything? I cannot, cannot ask. Oh, Amy! answer me, and answer the truth, or I think I shall die!" "Nothing, my lady! They never mentioned my lord's name one way nor another; indeed, indeed they did not."