This was a confirmation of my suspicion that Harleston had asked Mary that question which is the London-stone in the lives of us all, and she had made the promise that I could, long months since, have told she would. "Farewell, dear lady," returned Frederick, whilst Mary took advantage of his speech in trying to regain her wonted complexion; "I hope to see thee again ere a fortnight be past. One great battle shall decide our fate; and what that will be I am assured of." Then turning to me he said:--"We shall meet, no doubt, in the ranks of the conquering Richmond. Till then farewell, my dear friend." "Farewell, Frederick, we shall meet near Leicester; that is if Richard there awaits the Earl." I kissed Mary, and she and Harleston did bid farewell to big Michael. Then we proceeded to where our horses waited, Michael bearing upon his arm a basket, in which was our food for the day. The morning was now well dawned, and the red bars from the fiery sun were glancing along the floor of Heaven in beauteous ribbons, like the gay trappings of a May-pole. Hazel's palfrey was now brought up; and as we mounted and rode off, the little group at the door still stood and waved a silent, fluttering farewell. We rode on in silence until we came to the turning that we should take, were we to be guided by the letter. "This is the cross road mentioned in the packet. What think ye now of the writer? Dost trust him?" I asked. "I trust him, and yet I feel some fear. I know not why; but a nameless something doth stir up in my mind a dread of some calamity." "Shall we then go search for some place for ourselves?" "Oh, no! It must be but foolish maiden timidity. Let us proceed and trust the letter, after the way that it hath rescued thee." So we turned unto our right and, as the letter had said, we came, after travelling some three miles, upon a large house set back some distance from the road. From a window in the upper story a small flag of England did hang lazily. The house looked as it had been described--unoccupied; so feeling re-assured we rode into the grounds. I then held Michael's steed whilst he went forward and tried the door. It was unlocked; so he entered. He then returned, at my call, and reported everything as well, so far as he could see, though he desired to inspect it further ere we entered. This I did consider to be unnecessary. We then tied our horses to some trees near the door, and walked in. The room was large and square, and in the centre a round pillar arose from floor to ceiling. The furniture consisted of a long and broad, heavy oaken table and some three or four chairs, scattered carelessly around the room. Several closed and heavy doors, leading to where we knew not, were set into the walls at irregular intervals. The general appearance of the interior gave one the impression of recent occupation; though now it did seem undoubtedly to be vacant.