Mr. Beard, meantime, had gone downstairs to look after his daughter, and returned with her, just as the colonel’s preparations were completed.
A green velvet robe, with long skirts, ornamented with gold lace in front, and a feathered hat, constituted Dulcia’s riding apparel; and very well it became her. The young damsel had been the colonel’s constant companion so long as he was able to take horse exercise, and he had bestowed this somewhat showy dress upon her in order to evince his contempt of the primness and simplicity affected by the Puritans.
Very little time was allowed the young folk for conversation; but even in that brief interval, Clavering could perceive from Dulcia’s manner that her mind was troubled. To a candid nature like hers it was very painful to have a secret from her father; and equally distressing was it to her to think that Clavering should be menaced by a danger of the existence of which she could not warn him.
Aware of the cause of her anxiety, John Habergeon sought an early opportunity of relieving it, and while the colonel was talking apart with Mr. Beard, the old trooper approached her, and whispered, “Be not uneasy, my dear young lady. I overheard what passed in the churchyard. No harm shall befall his reverence or Captain Clavering. Trust to me.”
These words produced an instantaneous change in Dulcia’s spirits, and the few minutes more allowed to the young people ere the colonel went downstairs, were far more agreeably spent than those which had preceded them.
Every head was uncovered as the colonel and his fair companion issued forth, and old Rupert, recognizing his master’s voice and footstep, pricked his ears, and neighed a welcome. Raising his black Spanish hat, looped at the side, and ornamented with a sable ostrich plume, in return for the salutations of his dependents, the old Cavalier paused for a moment to look round, still retaining Dulcia’s hand within his own. Though he appeared thin and careworn, all his retainers were struck by his unwonted activity, for he did not seem to need the support of his crutch-handled stick, or even of Dulcia’s arm.
After exchanging a few words with Eustace Saxby, who advanced to receive his instructions, the colonel assisted Dulcia to her saddle, and then prepared to mount Rupert. On being brought up to his master, the old charger manifested his delight by whinnying softly, and thrust his nose into the colonel’s hands, as the latter patted him kindly. The moment was now come when the old Cavalier’s new-born activity was to be more sharply tested than it had hitherto been. When he placed his foot in the stirrup and attempted to mount, the effort wrung a groan from him, and it required the strong arm of the groom to lift him upon Rupert’s back.
Hawking not being the real business that the colonel had in hand, he dispensed with the attendance of Barnaby Lashmere and the supplementary hawks, contenting himself with the birds which the ostreger had upon his fist.
The party then set forth in gallant style, but had scarcely issued from the gate, when they came to a sudden halt.
On gaining the road, it was noticed for the first time by all, that a board had been hung against the trunk of a large tree which grew by the gate. On this board, evidently designed for the purpose, was pasted a Proclamation, from the Council of State, for the Discovery and Apprehension of Charles Stuart, his Adherents and Abettors. A Reward of 1000l. was offered to whomsoever should apprehend the said Charles Stuart: while penalties of High Treason were menaced against all who should harbour him, or aid him to escape. Proportionate rewards were offered for the apprehension of Charles Stuart’s adherents, with penalties of fine and imprisonment for concealing them, or lending them assistance. Strict commands were given, in conclusion, to all officers of Port Towns, and others in authority, to permit no person to pass beyond Sea without special licence.
After perusing the proclamation, the colonel demanded, in a furious voice, who had dared to put it up?
An answer came from an unexpected quarter. Some half-dozen individuals, who had been standing behind another large tree at a short distance from the first, now came forward, and one of them detaching himself from the rest, marched towards the colonel. It was the state-messenger, with whom the old Cavalier had parleyed that morning.