A bright moonlight night. Where the beams fell every object could be clearly discerned. A large portion of the courtyard, however, buried in shade. Still, the picturesque outline of the mansion, with its gables and large bay windows, was fully revealed.
The armed escort was in attendance, and at the head of this little troop Lord Strange rode out of the court-yard, and proceeded towards the park, through which he meant to shape his course.
On this side the palatial mansion was seen to the greatest advantage, and it could not have looked better than it did on that lovely night. So exquisite was the scene, that it extorted Frank Standish’s admiration.
Knowsley Hall was then a large irregular pile, additions to the original structure having been made at various times, but its very irregularity gave it a charm. Open at the front, it had two large wings, and at the rear beyond the inner court were extensive out-buildings. On the left of the main building was a chapel, that might almost be described as a church, since it was very lofty, and had large windows filled with the richest stained glass.
On this side were the gardens laid out in the old-fashioned style, with terraces—each terrace being bordered by a row of clipped yew-trees—very formal, but very beautiful. At the foot of these slopes was a large sheet of water—almost a lake—that materially added to the beauty of the place.
Beyond was the park—then full of magnificent old timber, the growth of centuries, and abounding in deer.
The turrets and walls of the ancient mansion were now bathed in moonlight, and the surface of the miniature lake glittered in the silvery beams.
Lord Strange had just entered the park, and was about to quicken his pace, when a groom, who had ridden on in advance, came back to say that a party of horsemen was approaching; and in another minute the little troop came in sight.
It consisted of a small detachment of dragoons, with an officer at their head, whose splendid accoutrements showed he belonged to the royal guard. As he drew nearer, Lord Strange recognised him as Captain Galliard, with whom he was well acquainted, and halted to greet him. “Your lordship is fortunately encountered,” said Captain Galliard. “I was coming to Knowsley. I have a despatch for you from his majesty.”
And with these words he presented a letter to Lord Strange.
“Can you tell me the purport of his missive, colonel?” demanded his lordship.
“I can, my lord,” replied Galliard; “and I might have delivered the message verbally, but his majesty deemed it more fitting to write. Your lordship is commanded to attend the king without delay at Nottingham Castle.”
“I would instantly obey the command, colonel,” said Lord Strange; “but I have just received another summons, that cannot be neglected.”
“How, my lord!” exclaimed Galliard. “The king’s commands are paramount to all other—or should be so.”
“I am ready at all times to sacrifice life and fortune for the king, but there are appeals to which even his majesty’s commands must give way. Such is mine, as you yourself, I am sure, will admit, when I tell you I have just been summoned to my father’s death-bed.”
“I have just arrived from Chester, colonel,” interposed Standish. “The Earl of Derby will scarce depart in peace unless he beholds his son.”
“No more need be said,” remarked Captain Galliard, feelingly. “I will report what I have heard to the king. His majesty, I am certain, will deeply sympathise with your lordship.”
“I will join him at Nottingham as soon as I can,” said Lord Strange. “Having rendered this explanation I must now press on to Chester, or I may arrive too late. Proceed to Knowsley, I pray you, colonel, and take a few hours’ rest after your long journey. My steward will see to all your wants.”
“I will take advantage of your lordship’s offer,” said Captain Galliard. “In good truth, we all—men and horses—need rest and refreshment.”
“Farewell, then,” said Lord Strange. “I hope we may meet again under happier circumstances.”
With this, he galloped off, followed by Captain Standish and his attendants, while Captain Galliard and his men proceeded to Knowsley Hall, where they were very hospitably received by old Randal Fermor.