|Meanwhile, the prince and his attendants had proceeded tranquilly on
their way to Bamborough Castle, which is not more than an hour's ride
from Dunstanborough.
But nearly double that time was consumed on the present occasion, for
the prince made several halts, being greatly struck by the imposing
aspect and commanding position of the old stronghold.
No uneasiness was felt at the non-appearance of the earl and his
betrothed. It was known that an accident had befallen the young lady's
horse--and all were aware that a groom had gone back with his lordship
to Dunstanborough--but no importance was attached to this circumstance.
On his arrival at Bamborough the prince was ceremoniously received by
Mr. Forster who had ridden on in advance with Dorothy. He was first
ushered into the hall of the modern mansion which was thronged with
servants, who bowed reverently as he appeared, and everything looked so
cheerful and comfortable, and so like the abode of a country squire--all
the doors were wide open--there were so many dogs about--and such an air
of free and easy hospitality pervaded the place--that he would fain have
taken up his quarters there, had it been judged prudent.
Mr. Forster would have readily acceded to his highness's wishes, and
have assigned him the best rooms in the mansion, but Lord Widdrington
and Colonel Oxburgh declared that he must be lodged in the old castle.
There he might sleep in security--surrounded by lofty walls, and
protected by strong gates. In the daytime there was comparatively little
danger.
Quite reconciled to the arrangement, the prince was shortly afterwards
conducted by his host to the lower ward of the castle, and thence to one
of the towers, the chambers within which were comfortably furnished, and
with this accommodation he was very well content.
As a guard to his highness, it was next arranged that Colonel Oxburgh
should occupy the lower chamber of the same tower, and that the
adjoining fortifications should be tenanted by Captain Wogan and the
rest of the troop, together with some of Mr. Forster's retainers on
whose courage and fidelity perfect reliance could be placed.
These arrangements made, the prince walked round the walls of the
castle, attended by his host, Lord Widdring-ton, and Colonel Oxburgh,
and was greatly struck by the strength of its position.
Though the sea was tolerably calm, the waves came dashing against the
precipitous rock on which the edifice was reared. The Fame Islands
looked close at hand, and Holy Island could be seen looming in the
distance on the left.
Turning from the sea, the prince contemplated for awhile the square
massive keep, and then descended to the court.
Here they were met by the butler, who brought the welcome intelligence
that dinner was served. Though it was judged expedient that the prince
should lodge within the castle, it was not thought necessary that he
should dine there.
“If I am not able to entertain your majesty as well as I could desire,”
said Mr. Forster, “I trust you will excuse me on the ground that I have
had little time for preparation. I cannot give you a banquet such as we
partook of yesterday at Dilston.”
“Make no apologies,” said the prince. “I am no epicure, and care not how
plain the fare may be. Apropos of the feast of yesterday! where is Lord
Derwentwater?”
Mr. Forster could not answer the question, but the butler being applied
to, said that neither his lordship nor the young lady with him had
arrived.
“This is strange!'' exclaimed the prince.
“Your majesty need not feel uneasy,” laughed Forster. “They will be here
presently. Is it your pleasure to wait dinner for them?”
His highness did not deem that necessary, but thought some one ought to
go in quest of them.
“That will I,” cried Lord Widdrington.
And hieing at once to the stable, he called for his horse, and attended
by a couple of grooms, set off towards Dunstanborough.