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Crown and Sceptre: A West Country Story, a novel by George Manville Fenn |
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Chapter 28. How Lady Markham Left The Hall |
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_ CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT. HOW LADY MARKHAM LEFT THE HALL "Hist!" whispered Lady Markham, in her agitation snatching at the first straw that offered. "They may think we are asleep, and will go away." Vain hope; there was another sharp rapping at the door. "Answer," said Scarlett, in a low, firm voice. "Hear what they have to say." "Who is there?" "I, Fred Forrester, Lady Markham. Have the goodness to open." "The traitor!" muttered Scar, glancing once more at the window, but the sounds from without told him that attempt to escape there was vain, for, if he dropped from the sill, the chances were that he would hurt himself, and even if he succeeded in reaching the ground unharmed, the alarm would be given by the sentinels, who would fire at him, and if they missed, there was a detachment of horse waiting to ride him down, for the steeds were stamping impatiently, and uttering a loud snort from time to time. "Why am I disturbed at this time of the night?" said Lady Markham, trying to speak firmly and haughtily. "I am sorry to have you disturbed, Lady Markham; but there is good reason. My mother is here." "A ruse," said Scarlett, softly. "Never mind, dear. It is not the first time I have been a prisoner. It is madness to try to escape. I surrender." "No, no," whispered Lady Markham. "You shall not." Then aloud. "I refuse to open my door at this time of night." "Lady Markham, will you admit me alone to speak with you?" came now from outside. "Hist!" whispered Scarlett. "They do not know I'm here. Open the door. It will be best." As soon as he had spoken, he ran toward the great bedstead, but came back and whispered quickly-- "Open, dear mother, and try to invent some plan to get them all away from this room. Then I can easily escape. Quick. Open." He darted to the bedstead, and drew one of the head curtains round him; while driven, as it were, to obey the stronger will of her son, urged, too, by his words about escape, Lady Markham went to the door, opened it, and Mistress Forrester stepped in, to pause for a moment, then, forgetful of everything but their old friendship in the happy days, she threw her arms about the trembling woman, and kissed her passionately. "I have come to fetch you and dear Lilian," she said, "at my son's wish. He has obtained permission from the general, and horses are waiting. You are to come at once." "Come--leave my husband's house?" "Hush! do not oppose the plan," said Mistress Forrester, gently. "This is no longer a place for you. Perhaps for some time to come it may be the retreat of rough soldiery. My home is so near, and you will beat peace." "I cannot leave my husband's home," said Lady Markham, firmly. "You must," said her visitor. "It is for Lilian's sake as well as your own." For Lilian's sake? Yes, and it was for Scarlett's sake. For what had he said? Get them away from this room, and he could escape. How or when she had no idea. All she knew was that he had said decidedly that he could, and she must believe him. "Ah, you are hesitating!" said Mistress Forrester, tenderly. "You are thinking of enemies. What is this warfare to us? We are mothers, and our duty is toward our children. Say that you will come and stay with me in peace till better times are here." Lady Markham hesitated no longer. It was a way of escape for her son, and protection for herself and daughter. Besides which, the old sisterly affection was as warm as ever. "He would tell me to go, if he were here," she said to herself. "It is to save my boy;" and without another word she laid her hand in her visitor's. Mistress Forrester kissed her eagerly, embraced Lilian, who stood there trembling and cold, and then ran to the door. "Fred, my boy," she said quickly; "have all ready. Lady Markham will come." There was the first sense of relief to the trembling mother's overladen heart as she heard the tramp of men in the corridor, and she glanced quickly toward the curtains which concealed her son. "It will leave the way open for his escape," she said to herself. Then to Mistress Forrester, as she pointed at the farther door-- "Two of the servants who have remained with me through the troubles are there," she said. "And they will accompany us, of course," said her visitor. "Will you tell them to get ready?" "If you would not mind," said Lady Markham, appealingly; and without further parley Mistress Forrester crossed the room, tapped lightly, and passed through the door, while Lady Markham darted to the curtain and seized her son by the arm. "Am I doing right?" she whispered. "Quite, dearest mother," he replied in so low a tone that she could hardly hear. "Some day perhaps Fred and I may be friends again." "Then I am to go?" "Yes; it will give me a chance to escape." "They are dressed and ready," said Mistress Forrester, returning. "Poor things, they have not been to bed." At that moment there was another tap at the door, and upon its being opened, Fred was standing there. "The horses are ready," he said quietly. "I have had your pony saddled, Lilian. Lady Markham, the two servants will have to ride pillion behind a couple of our men." For answer Lady Markham drew her hood over her head, and assisted Lilian, who was ready to burst into a fit of hysterical sobbing; and in fear lest she should betray her brother's whereabouts, her mother hurried her to the door, but stopped to see all out before her, leaving last, and taking the precaution to slip the key from the lock, lest some one should come and her son should find it fast. Ten minutes later, Scarlett Markham stood at the window listening to the setting off of the little party, with his head well hidden behind the curtain, and remained motionless till the trampling of the horses died away in the silence of the night. "Ah," he said to himself, "nothing could have happened better, as the enemy is in possession. Poor mother! Poor Lil! What a pang to have to leave the dear old home; but they will be away from the tumult and bloodshed if the rebels stand. Now for my news, if I can carry it without being caught." _ |
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