“Did you see him?” inquired Lord Strange, eagerly and anxiously. “How looked he? Was he sensible?”
“Perfectly sensible, my lord,” replied Standish. “His sole desire seemed to be to behold your lord-ship once more ere he died, and bid you a last farewell. I offered to set off forthwith and convey his dying wishes to your lordship, and he thanked me much, but added, ‘If my son has aught to do for the king that demands his presence, bid him not mind me. I know he will come if he can. Should aught hinder him, or should he not arrive in the time, I shall die content.’”
“Heaven grant I may not be too late!” cried Lord Strange. “I will start as soon as horses can be got ready. You have done me a great service, Frank, and I shall not forget it. While you refresh yourself after your ride, a bed shall be got ready for you.”
“I will drink a cup of wine in the hall, and snatch a mouthful of food,” replied Standish; “but if your lordship will furnish me with a fresh horse, for mine is somewhat jaded, I will go back with you to Chester.”
“You had best go to bed,” said Lord Strange. “You have done work enough for to-night.”
“I pray your lordship to let me have my way,” said the young man. “I shall not feel that I have fulfilled my promise to the earl, your father, unless I bring you back to him. Besides, I have done nothing. I could ride thirty more miles before day-break, and not be the worse for it. I only require a fresh horse.”
“And that you shall have,” said Lord Strange. “Since you are bent upon going with me, I will not hinder you. Hark, thee, Cuthbert,” he added to the man-servant, who remained in the closet waiting his noble master’s orders; “let refreshments be got ready instantly by some of thy fellows for Captain Standish, and while this is being done, go to the stables, and cause my best hunter to be saddled for me. Another strong horse will be required for Captain Standish. Two grooms will go with me, and half a dozen armed attendants. And mark me well!—the utmost expedition must be used.”
“In less than quarter of the hour the horses shall be at the hall-door, my lord,” replied Cuthbert, preparing to depart.
“Go with him, Frank,” said Lord Strange, “and make the best supper you can. I will join you in the dining-hall anon.”
And as Captain Standish quitted the closet, his lordship turned to the archdeacon, who had listened to the foregoing discourse in silence.
“Only a few minutes ago we were talking of my father,” he said. “I little thought that I should so soon receive this sad intelligence respecting him. Yet it does not surprise me, for I have long been expecting the summons. I must now prepare for my departure; but before doing so, I will write a brief letter to Lady Strange, which you will deliver to her on the morrow. The news will afflict her much, for she loved my father tenderly.”
“I will offer her all the consolation in my power,” said Doctor Rutter. And adding that he would await his lordship in the hall, he quitted the closet.
Left alone, Lord Strange fastened the door that he might not be interrupted, and then knelt down and prayed fervently for his dying father, imploring Heaven that he might be permitted to see him again while life remained.
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II
Lord Strange
THIS supplication made, Lord Strange arose, and wrote a few lines full of tenderness and affection to his wife. Having sealed the letter, he proceeded to his dressing-room.
Hastily exchanging his loose gown for a black velvet doublet embroidered with silver and pantoufles for riding-boots, he slipped a rich baldrick over his right shoulder, while his sword, his black plumed hat, and gloves were brought him by a valet who was in attendance.
Thus attired, he presented a noble figure.
Lord Strange was then in the full perfection of manhood, being in his thirty-eighth year. Though not above the middle height, he possessed a strong and well-proportioned frame. His features were handsome, the nose prominent but well formed, and the eyes large and black. His complexion was dark, and the habitual expression of his countenance grave and somewhat melancholy.