False Move. “Do not reckon that Lathom will 133 be yours.” A Letter from the Earl. Ineffectual Fires. At Prayers, or Asleep? A Sad Massacre. Hospital Nurses. Unwelcome Visitors. In the Eagle Tower. Brave Maidens. A Change for the Worse. Threats. The Countess’s Answer. “Long Live the King!” A Terrible Monster, and his Ignoble End. Rigby’s Irritation. Gleams. Good News. Decamping. Victory! And Prince Rupert’s Homage CHAPTER XIII At Castle Rushen. An Honourable Surrender. 149 The Maudlin Well. Correspondence recommences. Disappearance of Lord Strange. A Price on Lord Derby’s Head. Holmby House. Miss Orpe again. A Lawsuit. Divisions among the Parliamentarians. A Lull in the Storm. A Noble Author. At Knowsley. The Substance and the Shadow. The Sectaries. “A Good Exchange” CHAPTER XIV An Indignant Refusal. Illness of Lady Derby. 163 The Great “Tabouret” Question. A Misalliance. A Pitiable Story. After Dunbar. The Fatal Fight of Worcester. The Royal Exile. Wounded and Spent. Lord Derby taken Prisoner. A “Court-Martial.” Farewell Letters. A Friendly Service? Leave-takings. _Finis Coronat Opus_ CHAPTER XV Bearing the Burden alone. The 180 Parliamentarians demand the Isle of Man. Lady Derby a Prisoner. Cast on Cromwell’s Mercy. Fair-haired William and his Fate. The Tide turns. “I must depart.” The King has his own again. Marriages, and Giving in Marriage. Peaceful Times at Knowsley. “Swift to its Close ebbs out Life’s Little Day.” Court Fairness. The Last Letter. An Honoured Memory ------------------------------------------------------------------------ The Life-Story of Charlotte de la Trémoille Countess of Derby ---------- CHAPTER I BIRTH. PARENTAGE. DESCENT. PEACEFUL TIMES. A GALLANT SOLDIER. HUGUENOTS AND CATHOLICS. MORE STORM-CLOUDS. A STATELY HOME. THE IDLE SWORD. A ROYAL SUMMONS; AND A DEATH SUMMONS. A TROUBLED WIFE AND MOTHER. AN UNFORTUNATE PRINCESS. A DOUBTFUL HONOUR. ROUND-HAND AND RULED PAPER. A NAUGHTY LITTLE GIRL. SISTERS INDEED. HAPPY DAYS. THE RUBENS PORTRAIT