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II
What passed between Standish and Gertrude
MEANTIME, Frank Standish had gone in quest of Engracia and her father.
But before he could find them, he encountered Gertrude.
“I grieve to hear you have lost Wigan,” she said.
“Yes, the town was taken yesterday by Colonel Assheton, with the aid of your father,” he replied, gloomily.
“Was my father with Colonel Assheton?” she inquired.
“He was,” replied Standish.
“I am sorry for it,” she rejoined. “But do not reproach me. I am not to blame.”
“The rebels will attack Warrington next, and your father may give them further aid.”
“Yes, I see, that is possible,” she replied. “I will try to prevent it.”
“What will you do?”
“I will go to Wigan and talk to him. Perhaps he may listen to my entreaties.”
“That is not very likely. But the countess will not allow you to leave Lathom House on such an errand.”
“I will find some means of getting away,” she replied.
“Do not come to any decision till you have spoken further with me,” he rejoined.
At this moment, Engracia was seen approaching with her father, and Standish went to meet them.
“Ah, my young friend, I rejoice to see you,” said Don Fortunio. “But is it true you have sustained a reverse?”
“Yes, we have lost an important town,” replied Standish; “and one I thought perfectly safe. All our late successes will now go for nothing. Warrington alone remains to us.”
“And this castle,” cried Engracia.
“Yes, but if Warrington falls, Lathom House will be besieged,” said Standish. “Do you think you ought to remain here?”
“I am not at all afraid,” she replied. “I feel quite safe with the countess.”
“You do not know what a siege is like, my child,” cried Don Fortunio. “The matter requires consideration. Would it be possible to quit the castle now?”
“Yes, but a few days hence it may be too late,” replied Standish.
“I do not wish to go, dear father,” said Engracia. “If you desire to depart, leave me here.”
At this moment the countess appeared with her daughters. She had a letter in her hand.
“I was looking for you, Captain Standish,” she said. “You must take this letter to Prince Rupert.”
“To Prince Rupert!” he exclaimed in astonishment. “Unless I am misinformed, his highness is at Oxford with the king.”
“It is to Oxford you will have to proceed,” replied the countess. “If you deem the journey too long, I will send another messenger.”
“The journey is not too long for me, madam,” he replied. “If I have my lord’s consent I will willingly take the letter.”
“His lordship has selected you for the errand,” said the countess.
“Then I will set out at once,” replied Standish.
“I felt sure I could rely on you,” she rejoined, with a smile. “You will deliver this letter into the prince’s own hands as speedily as may be, and bring me back an answer.”
“I will, madam,” he replied, placing the letter in his doublet.
Just then Lord Derby came up, and finding that the countess had already entrusted her letter to Standish, he took him aside, and charged him with a message to Prince Rupert.
“You will be able to describe to his highness the exact state of affairs in Lancashire,” he said. “Tell him I deem it utterly impossible to hold out much longer without assistance. Had I succeeded in taking Manchester, all would have been well; but now the prospect is, indeed, dark.”
“I will explain all to his highness,” said Standish; “and should I obtain an interview of the king, I will tell his majesty exactly how your lordship is circumstanced.”
“You are a trusty messenger,” said the earl. “I need not tell you to lose no time on the journey. Take half a dozen men with you. You had better not set out till night.”
Promising to obey his lordship’s direction, Standish went to choose the men, and as he proceeded to the stables, he met Gertrude.
“Let me be one of your attendants,” she said.
“You!” he exclaimed.
“Yes. I have still my costume as a cavalier,” she replied.