|At length the decisive step is taken,” cried Lord Der-wentwater. “Now
there can be no turning back. I do not think it will be safe to remain
longer at Dilston, and I would join Forster if I knew where to find
him.”
“Two days hence he will be at Rothbury,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “I had
a letter from him by express this very morning. He is moving about the
country, picking up all the recruits he can. He has now, it seems,
got forty or fifty gentlemen with him--all High Church Tories, of
course--and all well mounted and well armed.”
“A good beginning,” cried the earl. “I will set out at once for
Rothbury, and take all my own men with me. No doubt, we shall largely
increase our force, as soon as we take the field.”
“That is certain,” said Colonel Oxburgh. “But we must get together
without delay. Since Forster will not come here, we must go to him. Do
not let your resolution cool, my lord. Let us start at once!”
“It shall be so,” cried the earl.
The determination was acted upon. The men displayed great loyalty and
spirit. On being informed by the earl that he was about to take the
field forthwith, they expressed the utmost willingness to follow him,
and fight for King James.
As the Earl of Derwentwater was too devout to start on such an
expedition as the present, without invoking Divine aid and protection,
and as all his tenants and retainers were of the same religion as
himself, mass was performed by Father Norham in the little chapel, at
which the whole party assisted. The countess likewise was present, and
was deeply affected.
It was a touching sight to see all those rude soldiers kneeling there
and imploring Heaven's blessing upon their amis. But there were others
there, equally earnest in their prayers--Colonel Oxburgh and his brave
companions, with Charles Radclyffe. All these were gathered in front of
the altar near the earl, and received the priestly benediction.
When the service was over, all immediately left the chapel, except the
earl and countess, who remained there for a short time longer.
Their parting was sorrowful, for both felt they might never meet again.
The countess was more overcome than she expected. During the visit of
the magistrates she had been greatly excited, but a reaction had since
taken place, and she was now proportionately depressed. Her beautiful
head fell upon the earl's breast, and she wept aloud.
“I do not like to leave you thus, dearest Anna,” he said.
“Heed me not!” she rejoined, gazing at him with streaming eyes. “This
will soon be past. I would not have you defer your departure for an hour
on my account. Come back as soon as you can--but come not back till you
have restored the king!”
“Then I may never return,” said the earl, gloomily.
“Do not despair!” she cried. “Be of good heart, and you will triumph.
Night and morn, I will pray at this altar for success to your arms. And
since your cause is just, Heaven will grant my prayer! And now farewell!
If you stay too long here, your resolution may waver.”
“No fear of that!” cried the earl, again straining her to his breast.
“Farewell! farewell!”
He then tore himself away, but when he reached the door of the chapel,
he turned to take a last look at her.
She was again kneeling at the altar, and did not see him.
Meanwhile, the yeomen had been taken to the butler's pantry, where they
lost no time in discussing the plentiful repast prepared for them, and
having washed down the viands with some jugs of strong ale, re-mounted
their horses.
Refreshments and wine were likewise served in the entrance-hall, of
which the Jacobite gentlemen partook.
Before going forth each drank the king's health in a large goblet of
claret, and each drew his sword and devoted it to the king's service.
Soon after this the court was empty, and the various horsemen, who had
lately filled it, were seen speeding along the chestnut avenue, with the
Earl of Denventwater at their head, mounted on his dapple-grey steed.