_Arthur._--"And will you?" _Hubert._--"And I will." _Arthur._--"Have you the heart?"--_King John._ "They sought her that night, and they sought her next day, And they sought her in vain when a week past away." _The Mistletoe Bough._ It was near the close of one of those wet dreary days when it seems as if November invaded the domains of sunny July, and wreaked its vengeance by making it as wet, and cold, and cheerless as its own dark month, Ellen, Johnny, and Maude sat in the front drawing-room; Maude was drawing, Johnny looking out on the gloomy sea, into which the rain fell fast, as in long furrows the waves rose lazily, and beat on the sands with a dull reverberating sound. The opposite coast was dimly seen, and a hectic flush through the lowering clouds told that the sun was setting, and seemed to promise a brighter morrow. "What a disgusting climate this is, Nelly! nothing but rain--rain--rain--till one feels inclined to swear at the weather." "That would be very wrong, Johnny: remember who sends the weather; besides we have had some beautiful days: do you remember the time we spent at the Towers?" "You are so particular, Nelly. After all, this is only the more provoking after such fine weather. So ho!" he continued, yawning; "I wish I was at the Towers again! It has rained ever since Captain L'Estrange was lost, and spoilt all the fun." "It is very curious indeed," said Ellen. "What a wet ride Lord Wentworth will have home to-night." "I don't pity him, such a jolly house to go to. When you are Lady Wentworth, Nelly, mind you invite me out." Ellen smiled. "I wish this mysterious affair was cleared up though; I shall never feel quite happy till it is." "You will be happy enough when you are married, Nell!" "Look, sister Ellen," said Maude, "the Earl has left his hunting whip." "So he has; give it me, love, to keep for him; and, Johnny, do shut out the dull evening, and light the lamp." When these orders had been attended to, Johnny proposed a game at cards, and was just taking them out, when a loud ring was heard at the door. "The Earl, for a pound;" cried Johnny, "come for his whip, I will take it;" and seizing it from Ellen, he ran down stairs. "Ask him to come in, Johnny,"--but the giddy boy heard not. "What is it, Johnny?" asked Ellen as her brother re-entered the room, looking very frightened. Loud voices were also heard below. "Oh, Nelly, what has happened?" said Johnny, when he could find his tongue. "There are officers below--I heard them say, 'Open in the King's name.'" "Oh, Johnny, what is it? You alarm me--oh! I trust nothing is wrong." Hardly had she ceased speaking when the room door was opened, and an officer of the watch entered. He was above the average height considerably, wore his hair long, and also a large beard as well as bushy whiskers and moustache. "Miss Ravensworth?"