“I have no authority to make any promise respecting her,” replied Standish. “But I doubt not she will be restored to you to-morrow. Meantime, you may rest assured she will be well cared for.”
“Lord Derby will do an act worthy of his name, by restoring her at once,” observed Rosworm.
“I will tell his lordship what you say; but I can make no promise,” rejoined Standish.
And saluting the governor, he rode off.
It being announced that a short suspension of arms had been agreed upon by both sides, firing entirely ceased, and perfect tranquillity reigned within the town.
But the greatest vigilance was exercised by the besiegers in order to prevent any provisions from being brought into the town, and all the entrances were strictly watched. No supplies could, therefore, be obtained by the inhabitants. But they did not feel uneasy; for although their ammunition was well-nigh exhausted, and their provisions were running low, they believed Heaven would aid them.
As usual, a nocturnal service was held in the Collegiate Church, and it was attended by an immense number of persons. Amongst the congregation was Rosworm, and as he was quitting the building, his eye fell upon a figure in the throng.
The individual in question was a stranger to him, but the countenance was so remarkable, that he could not fail to be struck by it. The attire of the person, and his long dark locks, showed he was not a Roundhead. Yet who could he be? A strange suspicion crossed him that it was the Earl of Derby, but he dismissed the notion as soon as formed, and proceeded to his own dwelling, which we have already mentioned adjoined the church. He had reached the door, and was about to enter, when the mysterious individual, who must have followed him at a distance, came up.
“Can I have a few words with you, Colonel Rosworm?” said the person.
Rosworm answered in the affirmative, and as soon as the stranger had entered, he barred the door.
A lamp was burning on the table, and taking it up, he threw its light on a stately figure. He could not doubt that the Earl of Derby stood before him.
“My lord,” he said, “you have done rashly in entering the town in this fashion.”
“I have no fear that you will betray me,” rejoined the earl—for it was he.
“Hum!” cried Rosworm. “Your lordship has voluntarily placed yourself in my hands. I should not be doing my duty were I to allow you to depart.”
“You will not hinder me,” said the earl.
“Wherefore not, my lord?” rejoined Rosworm.
“Because a promise has been given me,” said the earl.
“By whom?” demanded Rosworm.
“By me,” responded Gertrude, rushing from the inner room, and throwing herself into his arms.
For a few moments emotion kept Rosworm silent. He then asked:
“Didst thou bring Lord Derby here?”
“I did, father,” she replied. “I enabled him to enter the town, and brought him to this house. Moreover, I promised him in your name that he should return in safety.”
Rosworm made no remark, and she went on.
“I could not do otherwise, since his lordship desired it. He had set me free.”
“I wished to have some talk with you,” said the earl, “and took this means of obtaining my wish.”
“My lord,” said Rosworm, gravely, “if you design to make any proposition to me, understand that I cannot listen to it.”
“I do not wish to shake your fidelity,” said the earl. “But this siege cannot last long. When it is over, will you enter into my service? You know Lathom House?”
“I have heard of it, my lord. ’Tis a strong place.”
“I mean to garrison it for the king,” said the earl. “Will you aid the Countess of Derby to defend it? I will make it worth your while to do so.”
For a few minutes Rosworm made no reply, and seemed debating the matter within himself.
“Accept the offer, I entreat you, father!” said Gertrude.
“I do not wish you to desert your present post,” said the Earl of Derby. “If I understand aright, you have not a permanent engagement with the Governor of Manchester.”
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