|At the head of the funeral procession rode the faithful Newbiggin.
Then followed the hearse drawn by four horses, with the coachman and two
assistants, and lastly came the countess in a carriage likewise drawn by
four horses. With her were Dorothy Forster, and Father Norham.
The night was dark on which they set forth, and they tracked many weary
miles through country roads, making slow progress, but meeting, with
no hindrance, till towards dawn, they halted at a large mansion near
Chelmsford belonging to a Roman Catholic gentleman, where they halted
and remained during the day--the coffin being removed from the hearse,
and placed in a small private chapel, where tapers were lighted, and
masses said as at Dagenham.
Here the day was passed.
On the second night, they proceeded to Cambridge--and on the third to a
mansion near Saint Ives, in Huntingdonshire.
Thence they moved on to Peterborough.
In this manner they pursued the road towards Newcastle, journeying
entirely by night, and halting during the day at some Roman Catholic
mansion, where hospitality was afforded them, and where religious rites
could be performed.
It was a long, long journey. But the countess did not find it wearisome.
Rather she grieved to think it must soon be ended.
She derived great solace from the affectionate companionship of Dorothy
Forster.
Seven nights had thus been passed in travel, and they were proceeding on
the eighth night from Thirsk towards Darlington, when a horseman rode up
to the carriage.
At first his appearance caused alarm, but fear quickly gave way to
surprise when they found it was Charles Radclyffe. They knew he had
escaped from prison, but supposed he was in France.
He entered into no explanation then, but contented himself with saying
that he should accompany them to Dilston, and rode on with Newbiggin.
At Darlington he had a private interview with Dorothy, and told her that
he could not leave England without seeing her again, and besought her to
accompany him in his flight.
“This is not the moment to urge my suit,” he said; “but I have no
option. Will you fly with me? Will you embrace the fortunes of a ruined
man?”
“I cannot decide now,” she replied. “You shall have an answer at
Dilston.”
From her grave manner Charles had very little hope of a favourable
response.
The journey occupied two more nights, but on the third morning, they
came in sight of Dilston.
Newbiggin had ridden on to prepare the household, and Charles Radclyffe
did not think it safe to accompany the procession, though fully
intending to be present at the interment.