“You may rely on that, sir,” she replied. “I bear you no personal enmity. Apart from your hostility to the king, I esteem your character, and I have the highest opinion of your skill as an engineer. But how is it that I see you in this disguise?”
“My buff coat is not intended as a disguise, madam,” he replied. “I have doffed my cuirass and other accoutrements, in order that I might work more freely in the trenches. I did not expect to appear before your ladyship, or I would have come more suitably attired. But, in sooth, I had not time for any change of dress. When your musketeers climbed the breastwork, and fired into the trench, I cared not to tarry there, and had enough to do to save my life by flight. Having no arms to defend myself, I was subsequently taken prisoner by Captain Standish, but he did not demand my name.”
“I knew you perfectly well, colonel, and deemed the inquiry unnecessary,” remarked Standish. “But I had another reason for the course I pursued,” he added, turning to the countess. “I wished to give your ladyship an agreeable surprise, and I think I have succeeded in my aim.”
“You have,” she observed, with a smile. “As to you, Colonel Rosworm, I am really glad to see you. You will be a prisoner on parole, and while you are detained here you shall not have to complain of harsh treatment. Till you are ransomed, or exchanged as a hostage of war, you shall have as much liberty as you can reasonably desire, and enjoy the society of your daughter.”
“I thank your ladyship for your great consideration,” replied Rosworm. “And I readily give you my word that I will not attempt to escape.”
“Enough,” said the countess. “Of necessity, you must submit to a certain restraint—but it shall not be much.”
Any uneasiness that Gertrude might have felt was now completely dispelled. Coming forward she said to the countess:
“Am I at liberty to speak to my father, madam?”
“Assuredly,” replied the countess. “It is my wish that you should be together as much as you please. Find a lodging for him forthwith. I commit him to your charge.”
In another minute Gertrude and Rosworm had disappeared, but not till both had expressed their gratitude.
Most of those who witnessed this scene thought the countess showed far too much consideration to the German engineer; but Major Farrington, Archdeacon Rutter, and Standish regarded her conduct differently, and thought it exceedingly judicious.
The rest of the captives were not quite so fortunate. The countess did not deign to notice them. Taken to the gate-house, they were confined in the prison under the guard-room, there to remain till the chances of war might effect their liberation.
It will not be supposed that Lady Derby neglected to return thanks to Heaven for the success vouchsafed her. From the courtyard she proceeded to the chapel, whither all the officers and most of the men engaged in the sortie, followed her.
It was a service to be remembered, since there was one person present on the occasion, who could not have been looked for.
This was Rosworm. Probably Gertrude induced him to attend; but be that as it may, the countess was well pleased to behold him in the chapel.
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XI
How the Countess received a Visit from several Royalist Gentlemen
NEXT day, being Sunday, there was a suspension of hostilities, and no firing took place on either side.
It could not be discovered whether the enemy were at work in the trenches, but it seemed not, and it was certain the different parties of men collected near the tents were singing psalms, or listening to the lengthy discourses of their preachers, for their voices could be heard by the musketeers on the towers and gate-house, even at that distance.
If the besiegers were engaged in their devotions so were the besieged. Half the garrison attended divine service in the chapel at an early hour in the morning, and the remainder later on, when a thanksgiving sermon was preached by Archdeacon Rutter.
In the afternoon, an incident occurred for which the countess was quite unprepared.
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