Preston Fight by W. Harrison Ainsworth

But the head was disposed of differently. Wrapped in black baize by the direction of Sir John Fryer, it was taken to a hackney-coach, stationed near the hearse, and delivered to a lady, habited in deep mourning, and shrouded in a veil. With her was a priest.

No sooner did she receive the terrible bundle than she raised her veil, and pressed her lips to it.

The hearse and the coach then quitted Tower Hill, and were driven slowly to Dagenham Park.

But the headsman had only half finished his task.

When fresh sawdust had been strewn on the gory scaffold, another head-that of Lord Kenmure-was fitted to the block, and the axe again fell.

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IV

What happened in the Chapel at Dagenham Park

NOT till the second night after the earl’s body had been brought to Dagenham Park did the countess commence her journey to Dilston.

During the interval the coffin was placed upon a catafalque in the chapel attached to the mansion, and tapers were lighted around it-masses being said for the repose of the soul of the departed by Father Norman.

The head had now been replaced by the body, but the countess would not allow the coffin to be closed, and at night she was left alone in the chapel.

After praying for some time she arose and gazing at her dead lord, invoked him either to appear to her, or give her some sign that he was conscious of her presence.

But the pale features retained their fixed expression.

After awhile, she sat down, and despite all her efforts to resist it, sleep stole over her.

Then she dreamed that the earl stood beside her, looking as he had done in life.

After contemplating her for a few minutes with a look that seemed to fascinate her he said in low solemn accents:

“Weep no more for me, Anna! weep no more! my suffering is over. But let my last wishes be fulfilled. Till my body is laid where I have desired my spirit will wander near its earthly tabernacle. Then it will rest.”

“Give me some token that I have really beheld you, my lord,” she said.

“Look at my right hand, and you will be satisfied,” was the reply.

Thereupon the phantom vanished.

Not for some hours could she rouse herself from the heavy slumber into which she had fallen. She then recalled the vision, but thought it must have been a dream.

To convince herself of the truth she went to the coffin, and raised the right hand of the corpse.

On one of the fingers was a ring which she had not observed before. Removing it, she placed it on her own finger.

Reluctant to allude to the mysterious occurrence, she did not even mention it to Father Norman.

Next day she was joined by Dorothy Forster, who desired to accompany her to Dilston.

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V

The Journey to Dilston

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 Norman.

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.