LI B RAR.Y 
 
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 U N IVLR.SITY 
 
 or ILLINOIS
 
 In two Vols. Post 8vo. Price 21s. 
 
 THE GREAT CONDE 
 
 AND 
 
 THE PERIOD OF THE FRONDE 
 
 A HISTORICAL SKETCH. 
 
 By WALTER FITZ-PATRICK, B.A. 
 
 *' For beauty of style, elegance of diction, and intensity of interest, 
 this work has not been equalled by any writer of the present century, 
 with the exception of Lord Macauley." — Daily Post.
 
 SUDDEN MOUENING. 
 
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 kingdom, free of expense to purchasers, wlien tlie emergencies 
 of sudden or unexpected mourning requires tlie immediate 
 execution of Mourning orders. They take with them Dresses, 
 Bonnets, and Millinery, besides materials at One Shilling per 
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 at a great saving to large or small families. — Jay's, The 
 London General Mourning Warehouses, 245, 247, 249, 
 AND 25], Eegent Street.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS 
 
 PEVENSEL 
 
 A ROMANCE OF THE BAEONS' WAE. 
 
 IN THREE VOLUMES. 
 
 EDWARD TURNER. 
 
 YOL. I. 
 
 London : 
 T. CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER, 
 
 30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE. 
 
 1873. 
 
 [all bights reserved.]
 
 
 PEEPACE, 
 
 n 
 ^ 
 
 Although the following narrative is placed in an age' 
 
 somewhat remote, it is desired to avoid a repetition of 
 
 those acts of gallantry by which the knights of yore 
 
 gained mortal combats, and won tender hearts by their 
 
 ^'^ agency. It is rather the present object to portray the 
 
 intrigues and customs characteristic of a time which 
 
 has been described by a great historian as sterile and 
 
 - , obscure, but one in which the national character of the 
 
 rxj]]nglish people began to exhibit its peculiarities both 
 
 V^ as regards politics and manners. 
 
 Though far from extinct, the age of exclusive feuda- 
 
 ^ lism was just on the wane. The Barons naturally re- 
 
 3 "'garded with great jealousy any alliance with inferiors 
 
 5 hitherto despised, though often superior in intellect — a 
 
 , remark rendered the more essential when the hero of 
 
 the following tale is selected from a class treated with 
 
 contempt for some two centuries ; the result of former 
 
 ^
 
 11 PREFACE. 
 
 conquest more than any absolute inferiority. It must 
 also be understood that the real origin of this adven- 
 turer is supposed to be designedly concealed under an 
 assumed name. He must not be confounded with the 
 Sontforts of ancient Norman extraction. 
 
 The trials that befel the fair heroine are portrayed as 
 an attempt to describe the perils endured by many a 
 young lady in a time of lawless disorganization ; — a 
 time when many sought a temporary refuge in religious 
 houses, only to find themselves betrayed to relentless 
 pursuers, and, in some instances, they fled to the deeper 
 seclusion of the Welsh mountains. 
 
 With due regard to the chronological order of events 
 extending over a memorable period of some two years, 
 no effort has been spared to render that variety and 
 interest demanded by a work of fiction ; and while 
 taken from an important crisis in this country's pro- 
 gress, the main features of this work of fancy refer 
 chiefly to the vicissitudes in domestic life, at an epoch 
 deeply affected by starthng occurrences that agitated 
 the whole political world ; when encroachments of the 
 Church of Rome threatened to absorb an undue share 
 of worldly treasure, shortly afterwards checked by the
 
 PKEFACE. Ill 
 
 celebrated statute of Mortmain ; and when the impo- 
 tence of a feeble government revived the spirit of 
 rapacity and licentiousness practised by the Norman 
 nobility in the days of Stephen and Eichard the 
 First. 
 
 The realities of historical fact are employed at their 
 proper time and place, so far as they influenced the 
 stirring incidents of a plot and the motives of its 
 principal characters. So, however great its defects, 
 the course of this narrative will be easily followed 
 without any irksome research into bygone times. 
 Sufficient information is interspersed in a concise and 
 intelligible form.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS 
 
 OB, 
 
 PEVENSEL 
 
 CHAPTER I, 
 
 " The negligence, the apathy, the evils of sensual sloth, produce 
 ten thousand tyrants, whose delegated cruelty surpasses the worst 
 acts of one energetic master, however harsh and hard in his own 
 bearing." 
 
 Btron — Sardanapalus, Act. i., Scene 2. 
 
 Through the length and breadth of happy 
 England, probably no spot has witnessed events 
 more justly entitled to enduring notoriety than 
 those flat lands in the eastern division of the 
 
 VOL. I. B
 
 ^ THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 County of Sussex, which, bounded west by the 
 Sguthdown hills, extend their level surface towards 
 the ancient Cinque Port of Hastings. Here, it is 
 believed by many, the Roman soldiers made some 
 of their earliest incursions into this country, 
 which so greatly promoted the civilization of its 
 semi-barbarous inhabitants. It is also more than 
 likely that many rude and savage encounters sub- 
 sequently took place between the Saxons and 
 Danes for possession of the land. 
 
 Scarcely, however, will it permit of dispute, 
 that the greatest and most lasting fame attached 
 to this interesting locality was afforded by the 
 landing of William the Conqueror, and the de- 
 cisive contest which soon followed, resulting in 
 the total defeat and death of the Saxon King 
 Harold. The scene of this important struggle 
 was near the village of Battle, where an abbey 
 was erected in commemoration of numerous brave 
 and stout-hearted men slain on the field ; solemn 
 masses echoing through its sacred walls for the 
 repose of their immortal souls.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 3 
 
 Since these important occurrences, the neigh- 
 bouring coast has much varied in aspect ; but 
 among the historic relics of which this country is 
 justly proud, there exists at the present day the 
 beautiful ruin of Pevensey, about three miles 
 north of the fashionable town of Eastbourne. 
 Styled by the Normans " Pevensel," it formerly 
 stood on the brink of the sea, now, about a mile 
 inland, its leaf-clothed walls encompass seven 
 acres of ground. 
 
 The early history of this fortress is somewhat 
 lost in obscurity, nor is it our present purpose to 
 unravel the mystery. It is probably of Roman 
 origin, though first mentioned in olden record at 
 a far subsequent date, when given by Berodaldus 
 to the Abbey of St. Denis, about the year seven 
 hundred and ninety-two. The attack made by 
 the forces of William Eufus against Robert, Earl 
 of Montaigne, who had taken part in an insur- 
 rection, promoted jointly with Odo, Earl of Kent, 
 on behalf of Robert Our-toase, is one early cir- 
 cumstance recorded concerning this powerful 
 
 B 2
 
 4 THE INTRiaUERS. 
 
 stronghold, the castle immediately surrendering 
 without serious bloodshed. Further research for 
 any transactions of momentous import brings to 
 light a memorable period of English history in 
 the reign of Henry III., a time of strife and 
 convulsion, during which our story is presumed 
 to have been enacted. 
 
 This vacillating monarch, though possessed of 
 great virtues, was totally unfit for his position. 
 Leaning on the judgments of others, he was 
 easily led by every fresh adviser, until he appeared 
 to have no mind of his own, the real govern- 
 ment being entrusted to successive favourites, 
 who mostly sought to enrich themselves by acts of 
 violence, exciting the disgust, and almost uni- 
 versal discontent of all classes. 
 
 To such an extent had dissatisfaction gained 
 ground, that the King found it expedient to form 
 a new constitution. Twenty-four Barons, under 
 these arrangements, obtained the almost un- 
 limited control of the State, although professing 
 but temporary authority. This faction was headed
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. '6 
 
 by Simon de Mountfort, Earl of Leicester, a most 
 remarkable man of bis time, wbo falling into dis- 
 sensions witb bis associates, became, for a sbort 
 interval, a voluntary exile, wbile his ultimate 
 object was to usurp tbe full and uncontrolled power 
 of Government by raising a strong party of sup- 
 porters. ' 
 
 Hence arose tbe complications which aroused 
 the energies of Prince Edward, son of King 
 Henry, more especially when the arrogant de- 
 mands of the faction required that their power 
 should extend through the subsequent reign. 
 That excellent Prince, afterwards one of England's 
 greatest monarchs, took up arms to resist such an 
 unreasonable proposal ; but we desist from any 
 consideration of events which immediately fol- 
 lowed during this unsettled reign, in order to 
 pursue the thread of our story, from whence they 
 will be readily gathered.
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 . . . . " But think how many in this hour of tempest shiver 
 beneath the biting wind and heavy rain, whose every drop bows 
 them down nearer earth, which hath no chamber for them save 
 beneath Tier surface." 
 
 Byron's Werner, Act i, Scene 1. 
 
 During the excitement of unhappy commotions, 
 a horseman was entering the flat lands around 
 Pevensel, his efforts to reach the Castle before 
 nightfall already frustrated by the nearly im- 
 passable condition of the country. Flurried agi- 
 tation characterised his whole demeanour^ de- 
 noting the importance of an errand involving 
 great personal risk. Anxiety was depicted on 
 his youthful brow. A deeply rooted apprehen- 
 sion penetrated the inmost recesses of his heart,
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 7 
 
 while a violent storm of arrowy sleet, hurtling 
 across the broad levels, added difficulty to a 
 dangerous undertaking. The steed, usually 
 spirited, was much overtaxed, absolutely re- 
 fusing to face the fearful gusts of wind, despite 
 repeated applications of whip and spur, with a 
 like indifference to any milder expedient. 
 
 In the progress of this journey, the worthy 
 young man had not only refused solicitations 
 from many a comely landlord, but even the 
 proffered hospitality of friends, with whom he 
 exchanged but a hasty greeting. So intent on 
 the one object, the accomplishment of which was 
 to all appearance defeated by the fury of the 
 elements, when a distance of two or three miles 
 would reach the destination eagerly desired. 
 
 This circumstance was considered by the travel- 
 ler as foreboding some dire misfortune. When 
 slacking therein, for no other course remained in 
 his dilemma, the noble horse, which had borne 
 him through many da,ngers, was permitted to 
 pursue whatever direction it pleased. After pro-
 
 S THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 ceeding some little distance eastward, the young 
 man began to indulge an idea of comfortable 
 repose at an excellent inn, in the Port of Hast- 
 ings, all hope of reaching Pevensel that night 
 being of necessity abandoned. Soon the roar of 
 the sea was distinctly heard mingling with the 
 boisterous wind. The steed at once changed its 
 course, carrying the rider some few miles into an 
 open country, the above-mentioned town being 
 left on his right, totally invisible in the still 
 blackening darkness of the tempest. 
 
 Our horseman's situation was becoming critical, 
 his limbs nearly benumbed with cold, and the ex- 
 hausted animal evidently unable to carry him 
 beyond a few more paces. In this extremity he 
 arrived at a small hovel of the meanest aspect, 
 and determined to implore shelter for the night, 
 leaving the completion of his journey until the 
 earliest return of daylight. The door of this 
 miserable hut was speedily opened by a man, whor 
 although clothed in the coarsest habiliments, was 
 of a superior stamp, one you would little expect to
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 9 
 
 find housed in so miserable an abode. Short in 
 stature, he possessed the flaxen hair and blue ej^es 
 of the Saxon, his countenance betraying an 
 inward sense of great suffering. It clearly 
 denoted some cruel oppression to which he had 
 been subject. Dejected in condition^ he had little 
 to fear even from an inveterate foe ; therefore he 
 at once addressed the wayfarer in the following 
 language : — 
 
 " You have chosen an ugly night for your 
 journey, and in these troubled times I fear it is for 
 no good purpose ; but whoever thou art, accept 
 the humble shelter of my hovel, though food it is 
 not in my power to afford thee.'* 
 
 Descending quickly, while the horse was 
 secured to the branch of a wide spreading oak, 
 our traveller entered the hut of this stranger, 
 almost breathless from the force of the wind, 
 which prevented an earlier expression of his 
 thanks. This accomplished in a few brief 
 words — 
 
 " You are/' said the new comer, '' mistaken in 
 
 B 5
 
 10 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 supposing the hour of my journey a matter of 
 choice. I am but endeavouring to dispel a 
 hovering storm, calculated to produce deep 
 disaster even to future ages, while that now 
 raging around will pass away in a few hours from 
 the memory of mankind.'^ 
 
 *^ You speak," replied the stranger, " as a true 
 man, and fain would I believe you numbered 
 among the adherents of our Prince. But it is 
 beyond mistake, not a wild fancy of my troubled 
 brain, Walter ^andford is now before my eyes." 
 
 The embarrassment of Sandford, when his 
 name was pronounced, was by no means slight. 
 Knowing that the Earl of Leicester was collecting 
 forces in small detachments, he stood in immi- 
 nent peril. His lofty spirit forbad any attempt 
 at denial, so after pausing for a short time, the 
 stranger, who perceived his emotion, again broke 
 silence. 
 
 " You need not," he continued, " be under any 
 apprehension at this moment. Though unable to 
 serve my King with the ability you so happily
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 11 
 
 possess, I am as zealous in my loyalty to his cause. 
 But mark me, the partizaas of the Earl are 
 collecting vast supplies by levy of contributions 
 from the unhappy inhabitants of this locality ; 
 many have they reduced to utter beggary and 
 starvation, myself one of their numerous 
 victims. Tell me, however, what brings you 
 again into Sussex, like a wandering knight, 
 through this tempestuous weather ?^' 
 
 '* To obtain for my Prince the information you 
 give," rejoined Sandford, ^* answers one object 
 that I have sincerely at heart. Others are deeply 
 hidden in my own bosom ; every hour's delay fills 
 me with unbearable suspense." 
 
 '^ I will not," said the stranger, ^' inquire 
 farther into their purport; "rest your wearied 
 fi'ame on yonder rushes, that you may be better 
 able to pursue them in a manner consistent with 
 their urgency." 
 
 Before complying with this request, the 
 traveller repeatedly -pressed the mysterious 
 stranger to disclose his name and former history.
 
 12 THE TNTRIGUEES. 
 
 On both points lie obstinately refused to be com- 
 municative ; neither was any further light ever 
 thrown on this extraordinary circumstance. 
 Sandford once revisited the spot hoping to gather 
 some particulars, but the hut was no longer in 
 existence, and the strange man gone. 
 
 The almost bare ground, which served for the 
 floor of the temporary lodging, afforded but little 
 repose to our jaded traveller. A rotten thatch 
 forming the roof, gave but slender protection 
 from the pelting rain ; still freedom, in the 
 cottage of a friend, is better than captivity in the 
 stronghold of an enemy; and Sandford's heart 
 overflowed with thankfulness when he reflected 
 on the numerous dangers so lately escaped. 
 With returning daylight, he bade the stranger a 
 hearty farewell, and arrived at the town of 
 Hastings without encountering any further 
 diflSculty. 
 
 The inn at which he alighted was held by a 
 host of known loyalty, who at once conducted 
 the guest into an apartment where burning logs
 
 THE INTEIGUERS. 13 
 
 imparted warmth to his chilled frame. A wide 
 spreading table, decked with every choice meat 
 the country could afford, proved a welcome 
 attraction ; but we must leave our worthy friend 
 for a few moments, partaking of this goodly 
 repast. And drinking deep from a huge tankard 
 of ale placed at his side by an attendant, his 
 thoughts wandered to Pevensel, and to the fair 
 lady who dwelt within its stalwart walls.
 
 14 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 " Our souls at least congenial meet, 
 Nor can thy lot my rank disgrace, 
 Our intercourse is not less sweet, 
 Since worth of rank supplies the place.' 
 
 Btkon. 
 
 Few men have played their part on this world's 
 stage with more credit than Walter Sandford. 
 Endowed with a powerful intellect and indomit- 
 able energy, he invariably rendered valuable aid 
 to any enterprise. The descendant of a petty 
 franklin, he could not boast a high lineage — a 
 circumstance which operated, in his time, as a 
 great barrier to distinction. Entering the service 
 of the Prince, he soon attracted notice, and was 
 esteemed the most valuable retainer in his royal 
 master's councils.
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 15 
 
 Previously he had been entrusted with the 
 castle at Pevensel, as the chief officer in the 
 absence of its lord. A fond attachment soon 
 ripened between him and the niece of that dis- 
 tinguished personage, a young lady of exquisite 
 beauty. It, as yet, lay a hidden secret on their 
 souls, for reasons that will be better appreciated 
 as our narrative proceeds. 
 
 During the young man's sojourn at the inn, 
 numerous dejected men, despoiled of the inherit- 
 ance of their fathers, crowded into the town, 
 recounting sad tales of woe, their stores being 
 carried away by unscrupulous foragers. 
 
 Shortly after, a report was circulated which 
 raised the greatest alarm, viz., that Leicester 
 contemplated an early attack on Pevensel, re- 
 garding it as a convenient place to receive foreign 
 mercenaries. This filled Sandford's mind with 
 great apprehensions concerning Lady Emmeline 
 de Savoy, whose fate no one could predict, should 
 the design succeed. " He determined to start 
 forthwith for the castle, but to attempt the
 
 16 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 journey on horseback would involve the risk of 
 capture ; so assuming a suitable disguise, he 
 proceeded on foot with earnest haste, forgetting 
 the danger to which he was exposed. 
 
 The strong portal of the fortress was reached 
 about the hour of vespers, when the traveller was 
 for a moment seized with a doubt and hesitation 
 not usual to his nature. He felt that his intrigue 
 with the Lad J Emmeline was a violation of the 
 confidence hitherto reposed in him, and he ex- 
 perienced much backwardness in encountering 
 the lord of the castle, until a sense of coming 
 danger recalled his former resolution. Then 
 knocking clamorously, he was admitted by a 
 warder, who, recognising his person, was not a 
 little surprised at the unusual garb in which the 
 visitor was attired. Sandford at once threw off 
 his incognito, and entered the spacious hall, 
 where Peter de Savoy was discussing to satisfac- 
 tion a generous supper, and quaflSng cups of 
 Malmsey to loyal toasts. 
 
 " Ah ! young man," he exclaimed, " what
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 17 
 
 brings you here ? Is not the glitter of the royal 
 court preferable to these dreary wastes ? but wel- 
 come once more to the hospitality of Pevensel." 
 
 *' Dreary wastes, indeed!" replied Sandford, 
 ^' the miserable tenants of this once happy 
 domain are little better than wandering beg- 
 gars ; their agonizing despair I have this day 
 witnessed," 
 
 " Let not such melancholy thoughts possess 
 your mind," rejoined Savoy, " we shall not fail 
 to chastise these marauders at a convenient 
 season.'^ 
 
 '* Away with such chiding !" cried Sandford, 
 earnestly, " and learn what it much imports thee 
 to know ; Leicester is collecting forces to seize 
 this castle. Heaven help us if we fall into the 
 hands of his minions ! Sit not here carousing 
 while ruin is impending over your venerable 
 head !" 
 
 •'* Mad youth !" replied the Lord, ^' has the 
 vanity of princes' favour so dispelled thy senses 
 that you come here to recount your dreamful
 
 18 THE INTEIGUERS. 
 
 visions ? The Earl sends me the repeated assur- 
 ance of his friendship." 
 
 *' Trust it not/' exclaimed the youth, ^' his 
 treacherous rapacity will not hesitate to sacrifice 
 you to his nefarious purposes. It would be but 
 one line of addition to the catalogue of bis 
 tyranny." 
 
 '* Disturb not," replied Savoy, losing all 
 patience, '' this peaceful time of night with 
 your wild imaginations — or leave my sight — I 
 will listen no more, if you cannot converse in a 
 manner better suiting my jovial humour." 
 
 Sandford perceived that it would be futile to 
 pursue argument with this foolish man. Peter 
 de Savoy's apathy to impending danger was ever 
 too manifest, his love of ease proverbial. His 
 pride knew no bounds, and the only anxious care 
 he indulged was that his niece should form an 
 alliance with some noble baron. Hastily quitting 
 the hall, the young man went in search of Lady 
 Emmeline. He pursued enquiries for some time 
 before he was informed that she was in the chapel,
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 19 
 
 engaged in those devotional acts of piety, which 
 her never-failing custom observed. 
 
 Strict adherence to instructions would prompt 
 Sandford's return, when he had gathered full 
 particulars of Leicester's movements, but the 
 safety of Lady Emmeline weighed greatly on his 
 mind, so he endeavoured to persuade himself 
 that by remaining at Pevensel, and holding out 
 against the Earl's forces, he might execute a 
 diversion in the Prince's favour. Interrupted in 
 these reflections by the lady's appearance, he was 
 received with an affectionate welcome, which 
 would by no means have pleased Savoy, could he 
 have witnessed it. 
 
 "These troubled times," said Emmeline, 
 " scarce afford you fitting occasion to leave the 
 Prince's service. Heaven grant that I am not 
 the innocent cause." 
 
 "I am no seeker of idle pleasure," replied 
 Sandford. " The cause of my royal master has 
 called me hither ; his enemies gather round him 
 like swarming bees. Danger is even hanging
 
 20 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 o'er this castle, of which I have in vain attempted 
 to make your nncle sensible." 
 
 " No danger will arouse his energies, unless 
 immediately imminent," said the lady. " Do 
 not, I implore you, withhold it from me." 
 
 Emmeline listened with manifest anxiety, 
 while Sand ford uttered the following words : — 
 
 " While deluding your uncle with protesta- 
 tions of friendship, the Earl is contemplating an 
 attack on this fortress. I tremble at the thought 
 of your misery, should you fall into the power of 
 his brutal followers." 
 
 " Leave that," cried Emmeline, with emotion, 
 " to the great Disposer of all things. It will 
 little forward their purpose to wreak vengeance 
 on a weak and forlorn girl. Eeturn at once to 
 the councils of your Prince, who will need all the 
 help your energies can afford." 
 
 ^' It is useless to rush on certain captivity," 
 rejoined the young man. " I remain to defend 
 this fortress to the last extremity. Is it possible 
 to revive Savoy's slumbering spirit, fain would I
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 21 
 
 rush into his presence, and pouring out the tale 
 of our love and affection, claim a right to protect 
 you ; the outburst of his temper might awaken 
 some latent faculty of his mind." 
 
 The utterance of this resolution caused Emme- 
 line to pause for a few moments, but continuing, 
 she reasoned in the following manner with great 
 earnestness : — 
 
 '* The path of duty is always open when affec- 
 tion is stifled in our breasts. In vain might we 
 urge the consummation of our mutual desire. 
 Your virtues and the accomplishments of your 
 genius, my uncle would treat with sullen indif- 
 ference — rank alone would flatter the vanity of 
 his soul." 
 
 Impulsive passion was not common to Sand- 
 ford's nature. A little consideration soon con- 
 vinced him that it was not desirable to widen the 
 breach between himself and the noble Lord. He 
 soon regained his self-control, replying in a calm 
 and placid voice — 
 
 ** Let us, then, not delay the preparations for 
 defence ; use every effort to convince your uncle
 
 22 THE INTRIGUEES. 
 
 of his peril, every moment but increases the diffi- 
 culty of our situation." 
 
 ^^Our men at arms are numerous," rejoined 
 Emmeline, " my presence will infuse fresh courage 
 into their hearts, but they will need direction. 
 Retire now to your rest, and fear not, for the cause 
 of the just — but quick, away ! I hear my uncle's 
 footstep." 
 
 The meditations of the various members of 
 this household that night formed a striking con- 
 trast. Sandford contemplated the best means of 
 strengthening the most easily assailable points 
 of the fortress. Emmeline thoughtfully con- 
 sidered by what means she could satisfy her 
 uncle of impending danger, interrupted by the 
 loud laughter of merry men retiring from their 
 evening pastimes. The noble lord reclines on a 
 couch with contented mind ; having the favour of 
 the King, and empty promises of Leicester's 
 friends^hipi he vainly imagined that nothing could 
 arise to disturb his peace. We must for the 
 present leave him to enjoy this happy state of 
 otium cum dignitate.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 23 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 "The cause of Heaven your zeal demands.' 
 
 A LEVEL spot of ground, about two miles from 
 tlie Castle of Pevensel, is a scene of active and 
 laborious preparation. The numerous bodies of 
 the Earl's levies are receiving instruction in the 
 art of warfare, and developing their muscular 
 frames with manly exercises. Others mounted on 
 spirited chargers, whose necks were ornamented 
 with jingling bells, tilt with lances at a figure, 
 which on receiving the thrust resents the out- 
 rage, endeavouring to strike the intruder with a 
 bag of sand, attached to its arm. Among the 
 spectators was no less a personage than the Earl
 
 24 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 of Leicester, his eagle eye scanning the movements 
 of his followers. 
 
 This remarkable nobleman, not destitute of 
 good qualities nor intellect superior to the rude- 
 ness of feudal ages, bore the aspect of a man 
 whose soul was swollen with ambitious concep- 
 tions. Beside him stood Rochfort de Vere, a 
 knight of stern and vigorous appearance ; who, 
 determined on the accomplishment of some pre- 
 conceived idea, conversed with the Earl in a 
 manner marked by the great earnestness which 
 both displayed, though their objects were very 
 diverse. 
 
 A third person, the Prior of Dunsmore, was no 
 unimportant addition to the conference. Having 
 partaken of the hospitality of the Castle, he 
 was present at the disagreement of Sandford and 
 Savoy, also in full knowledge of the attachment 
 between that young man and Emmeline, whose 
 conversation he overheard. 
 
 These circumstances had just been recounted 
 by this worthy ecclesiastic to the two eager
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 25 
 
 listeners. Rochfort was urging an immediate 
 attack on Pevensel, more for the purpose of 
 carrying out his selfish design; viz., to possess 
 himself of Lady Emmeline by force if needful, 
 which plan Leicester had not been unwilling to 
 promote, when a messenger placed a written scroll 
 in the hands of the Earl. 
 
 *^ I fear," he said, after perusing the document, 
 " we must for the present leave Savoy to his 
 meditations ; my immediate presence is required 
 in Loudon, whence the Prince is marching with 
 numerous followers." 
 
 ^' Let not," replied Rochfort, " such eager 
 haste overcome your resolution. Savoy is so in- 
 credulous of our intention that the Castle would 
 be an easy prey to a sudden attack. Nay, my 
 retainers shall not follow you one step until the 
 fortress is won." 
 
 ** Peace to your brawling," retorted the Earl, 
 ^'and forget not the justice of our righteous 
 cause through your licentious desires. Let this 
 worthy father return to Savoy, and informing him 
 
 VOL. I. c
 
 26 THE INTKIGUEES. 
 
 of his niece's intrigue, urge her removal to Duns- 
 more. Our power once established we will 
 soon compel a compliance with your desires." 
 
 " Such a plan would at once command my 
 allegiance/' replied Eochfort, " but where shall 
 the mercenaries now arriving be received, and 
 will this holy man acquiesce in our design ?" 
 
 ^*The Port of Hastings/^ rejoined the Earl^ 
 " will provide good landing for our foreign levies. 
 A little license in those acts of piracy now 
 pursued by the inhabitants with such unbridled 
 energy would soon secure their favour, while the 
 help of this holy man would be willingly 
 afforded if a bountiful contribution is a consequent 
 sequence." 
 
 " It is the desire of my heart to serve my liege," 
 said the Prior, '^ but the contribution is a pressing* 
 necessity to satisfy the just demands of his 
 Holiness." 
 
 It may be necessary to remark that during the 
 reign of Henry III., the power of the papacy in 
 this country was probably greater than at any
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 27 
 
 other period of English history. Not content 
 with imposition of Peter's Pence, unlimited 
 demands, without the King's consent, were made 
 on both clergy and laity, against the customs and 
 privileges of the realm, reducing the former to 
 the greatest extremity, in order to satisfy the 
 requirements of the infallible Father of the 
 Church. The Prior was, therefore, a ready 
 listener to any plaa which would assist in the 
 way of contribution, and involve a further sum 
 for pardon and indulgence when the business was 
 concluded. Possession of this young heiress 
 presented to his mind a fruitful source for future 
 exactions. Nor was Leicester's motive for con- 
 ciliating Rochfort less apparent ; a great struggle 
 was pending ; to obtain the necessary support, the 
 renowned son of the mighty conqueror of the 
 Albigenses was as profuse in his promises as he 
 was backward in their performance, when the 
 reins of government had passed into his 
 hands, 
 
 " Eager avarice," said Rochfort to the Prior, 
 
 2
 
 28 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 "will but prejudice your ultimate reward; our 
 arms triumphant, my coffers will be enriched by 
 the forfeiture of some fair barony, no trifling 
 share will be your portion." 
 
 " My service is ever at your commands," said 
 the Prior, submissively; "bat the demands of 
 our Holy Father are immediate and peremp- 
 tory." 
 
 " Waste not," said Leicester, " these precious 
 moments with idle words. Take the amount of 
 your pressing needs, and retrace your steps back 
 to Pevensel. Pride will soon prompt Savoy to a 
 ready compliance with your suggestions, but fail 
 not to warn him of our displeasure by continuing 
 to harbour that plebeian spy, who yet eludes our 
 vigilance." 
 
 " Leave the issue to me, and he will not do so 
 long," replied Rochfort ; " my retainers following 
 my liege, I will find concealment for a small 
 detachment. It will require but little of the 
 Prior's persuasive power to induce this stripling 
 to accompany the lady on her journey, which he
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 29 
 
 must be led to believe is solely for her greater 
 security ; at once then we should have him in 
 our grasp." 
 
 " Your sagacity has at length prompted the 
 right direction of your energies," said the Earl. 
 " I myself depart to London with a sufficient band 
 of retainers ; the rest of our forces will march 
 forthwith to Fletching. There you will assume 
 the lead, when your immediate design is accom- 
 plished, and await our further commands." 
 
 A slight bow of acquiescence was the answer to 
 these positive directions. Rochfort desired to 
 maintain the closest friendship of the Earl, trust- 
 ing that a good share of the spoils would be an 
 immediate result, should the Earl succeed in 
 establishing his power. 
 
 The course of action being determined upon, 
 Simon de Mountfort, of all men whose deeds are 
 rendered famous in British history, was the least 
 likely to delay prompt execution of his decisions. 
 The demands of the Prior were soon satisfied 
 from proceeds of acts of piracy, perpetrated by
 
 30 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 the agents of Eochfort de Vere in the port of 
 Hastings. These lawless practices were carried 
 on at the Cinque Ports about this time to an 
 alarming extent. Even when Leicester attained 
 the full zenith of his authority, they were con- 
 tinued with the same license, without respect of 
 persons. A striking instance is afforded by the 
 following circumstance : — The Pope, inclined 
 strongly to the cause of King Henry, despatched 
 Cardinal Guide to England with instructions to 
 excommunicate Leicester aud his associates. 
 Meeting in France the Bishops of London^ Win- 
 chester and Worcester, the Cardinal commanded 
 them to carry the Pope's bull to this country, 
 which after pressure they were reluctantly com- 
 pelled to do. When the prelates arrived off the 
 coast of England, they were boarded by the 
 piratical inhabitants of the Cinque Ports, un- 
 ceremoniously plundered, and the Pope's bull, in 
 the confusion, consigned to the great deep. Only 
 one point was yet undecided, how to dispose 
 of Sandford should their effort for his capture
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 31 
 
 prove a success ? The King excited the jealousy 
 of the Barons by furnishing the castles he ob- 
 tained with arms and ammunition. Leicester 
 seized many fortified places, for, after many 
 changes, a strong adherent of the Barons was 
 appointed constable of Dover Castle, which 
 stronghold all considered a suitable place for the 
 confinement of our young hero, until Eochfort's 
 intrigue was fully completed. 
 
 These preliminary arrangements concluded, an 
 order was speedily issued for the march. The 
 Earl was not slow to impress on his followers 
 the favourite theme, that the cause in which they 
 were about to fight was justice, religion, and 
 liberty. Never were men's hearts more fully im- 
 pressed with this sentiment, when, to the call of 
 the hoarse trumpet, they assembled with a 
 rapidity and precision which spoke highly for the 
 discipline already attained. 
 
 " Sound an alarm, your silver trumpets sound, 
 And call the brave and only brave around, 
 Who listeth follow to the field again, 
 Justice with courage is a thousand men."
 
 82 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 For some miles round the polished mail of 
 many a noble knight was visible in the bright 
 rays of the morning sun, while waving banners 
 added lustre and brilliancy to a scene which, 
 watched narrowly from the distant castle, filled 
 its various inmates with surprise and consterna- 
 tion, raising numerous speculations as to the 
 ultimate intention of theraovement. 
 
 The evening had already somewhat advanced 
 before the last of these warriors disappeared. 
 Eochfort, determined to secure the fair lady at 
 once if possible, soon found suitable cover for 
 the small band who were to remain in ambush; 
 nor did he fail to communicate its whereabouts 
 to the Prior. Leicester was rapidly proceeding 
 by forced marches to the great city, while the 
 holy man remained solitary on the spot which 
 had just witnessed such an impressive display 
 of martial power. The surrounding country re- 
 stored to its usual state of tranquillity, save the 
 dismal tolling of the distant curfew, he slowly
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 33 
 
 wended his way back to the noble castle, intent 
 only on various plans of avarice and gain, which 
 might be extracted from the sinister undertak- 
 ing wherein he was to play so distinguished a 
 part. 
 
 c 5
 
 T]5E INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 And fiends might pity what I feel, 
 To know that thou art lost for ever." 
 
 To indulge in taunt and sarcasm is an innate 
 weakness of man's nature. Danger for the 
 moment averted is seldom recognised as a warn- 
 ing against greater disaster, when the dark clouds 
 of impending peril are apparently dispelled by 
 the light breeze of security and comfort. 
 
 It may easily be premised that Savoy, when 
 the Earl's forces had departed, was not sparing 
 of his taunts upon Sandford for having, to all ap- 
 pearance, raised unnecessary alarm. Little did 
 he imagine that, at the very moment, Leicester
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 35 
 
 miglit be meditating his future destruction. But, 
 to the more thoughtful mind of the young man, 
 this movement was full of importance, foretelling 
 the early occurrence of some startling event. It 
 required a full exercise of his self-control to 
 restrain the expression of his resentment, when 
 taxed with neglect of duty by not returning, in 
 obedience to the Prince's commands, and with 
 some hidden motive for prolonging his stay. 
 A serious altercation might have resulted, had 
 not Savoy been interrupted by the arrival of the 
 worthy Prior of Dunsmore, who was received 
 with the welcome due to so distinguished a 
 guest. 
 
 ^^ What brings you back tq waste more precious 
 moments of your godly life?" said Savoy. " By 
 the Eagle of Pevensel, I could but believe you had 
 engaged as Chaplain to my Lord of Leicester. 
 He will need many indulgences and absolutions 
 for his acts of plunder." 
 
 " Heaven forbid !" .replied the Prior ; "my 
 Lord is too deep an enemy to Mother Church to
 
 36 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 receive the benefit of our holy "pardon. It is to 
 serve my liege that I return once more to claim 
 his hospitality." 
 
 " Good Father," said Sandford, '^ may the 
 words of your mouth prove an echo of your 
 heart's sentiments. My Lord, by gesture, offers 
 the freedom of his castle before it is asked, and, 
 doubtless, your reverence will do ample justice to 
 its wine cellar. But, in heaven's name, tell us 
 what occasions this sudden change of policy in 
 the Earl's enterprise ?" 
 
 " Good youth," replied the Prior, ^' I am not 
 the Earl's Father Confessor, that I should be ad- 
 mitted into the secrets of his crimes. If his 
 word is reliable, the Prince's march on London, is 
 the pretence for a delay of his wicked purpose. 
 To siege this noble estate is his ultimate in- 
 tention." 
 
 <« Q-o to — " rejoined Savoy, still incredulous ; 
 *' here is another dreamer, whose vain alarms 
 would again disturb the repose of my weary 
 soul."
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 37 
 
 " If self- security," continued the Prior, '' will 
 not move my liege's spirit, let me implore con- 
 sideration for the fair lady's safety, whose grace- 
 ful presence ever lends a charm this noble 
 castle could not otherwise possess. In order to 
 ensure the benefit of his support, the Earl has 
 engaged to betray your niece into the grasp of 
 Rochfort de Vere." 
 
 There are few persons whose energies have 
 utterly flagged. Almost everyone possesses some 
 limit of endurance, which at last reached, the ire 
 of their soul is forthwith aroused. Men of this 
 stamp often prove the most determined when 
 once their latent spirit is inflamed. Such was 
 the case with Savoy ; the Prior had touched the 
 most tender cord of the noble Lord's heart. He 
 cut short the dialogue, and gave way to an out- 
 burst of passion that resounded through the 
 spacious hall. 
 
 " To that dastard knight, whose vile minions 
 plunder my fair domains — whose castle is noth- 
 ing but a sink of licentious indulgence, and a
 
 38 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 nest of thieves. My old arm shall yet wield the 
 sword until the cause of our Royal Prince is 
 triumphant, and his audacious enemies trampled 
 into the dust." 
 
 " Suffer not," said Sanford, endeavouring to 
 soothe his rage, '' such anger to prejudice your 
 calmer judgment ; we must prepare to fight to 
 the last extremity, but first let us consider some 
 immediate measure for the lady's safety." 
 
 " May it please my liege," said the Prior. 
 '' I would suggest that for a time the lady should 
 seek a safe retreat with the sisters of Dunsmore. 
 The sanctity of its sacred walls will afford a 
 reliable shelter until this tyranny be overpassed ; 
 and this young man, anxious to return to the 
 Prince's council, would have a safe convoy by 
 proceeding with us, during the most hazardous 
 part of the journey, disguised as one of the 
 attendants." 
 
 This sinister suggestion was thrown in at a 
 moment so opportune that it needed no further 
 argument to carry conviction. The arrangement
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 39 
 
 was forthwith concluded, and Sandford, with an 
 eagerness which might have raised Savoy's sus- 
 picion, undertook to inform Emmeline, who, 
 doubtless, would readily acquiesce in any project 
 he might deem most advisable. Quitting the 
 hall with zealous haste, he was narrowly eyed by 
 the cunning Prior. 
 
 Left alone with the noble Lord, this holy man, 
 now all his objects were attained, deemed it un- 
 advisable to provoke any further disturbance by 
 exposing the true state of affairs between Sand- 
 ford and Emmeline. It better suited his im- 
 mediate purpose to throw off the diplomatist and 
 play the beggar. 
 
 *^ May I presume to urge," he said, " upon my 
 noble Lord the deep requirements of the Priory, 
 through just and positive demands of our Holy 
 Father ?" 
 
 '' With all my heart," rejoined Savoy, promptly. 
 " Even larger sums would fail to requite the 
 service you are about to render." 
 
 Such was Savoy's enthusiasm at the moment,
 
 40 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 that he would have granted almost any request 
 the Prior might make ; while the godly man was 
 sorely vexed through the unhappy oversight he 
 committed in not assessing the contribution at a 
 far larger sum. 
 
 It would be impossible to exaggerate the satis- 
 faction of Sandford's heart, when at last Savoy's 
 spirit was awakened even to martial energy, and, 
 as he believed, a safe measure was devised for 
 Emmeline's protection. That estimable lady 
 spent the greater part of a most trying night in 
 prayer and supplication to the God of battles, 
 imploring protection for her beloved guardian, 
 and the sincere friend on whom her soul could 
 but fondly dote. It was a sore trial to separate, 
 even for a brief interval, from all that were dear 
 to her youthful heart, when in such times of tur- 
 bulence no human conception was able to foretell 
 whether they would again meet, save in the 
 heavenly mansions of eternal bliss. Believed 
 by the womanly tear which trickled down her 
 lovely cheek, she sunk into a placid repose. Many
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 41 
 
 restless minutes called back the recollection of 
 former years, when for the first time she was to 
 leave a beloved home, associated with her bright 
 and early joys. 
 
 Nothing disturbed the fair lady's rest but the 
 sonorous snoring of the old Prior in an adjoining 
 apartment. He had not omitted to safely secure 
 the money bags containing the contributions 
 skilfully extorted from both Eochfort de Vere, 
 and his deadly foe Savoy. Collectively they 
 would afford the means of compliance to the 
 inordinate demands made by the successor of St. 
 Peter. 
 
 The following day was spent in preparation. 
 No light task for a lady departing on a journey 
 extending over three days, which all can easily 
 appreciate who have witnessed a lady's prepara- 
 tion at the present day for a railway trip occupy- 
 ing the same number of hours. On the next 
 morning Emmeline took the hasty leave of her 
 guardian which her feelings only permitted, and 
 sallied forth from the portal, accompanied by the
 
 42 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Prior, Sandford, and a few attendants, to the 
 sincere grief of all the ^inmates of the Castle, 
 who ever felt a charm and joy from the lady's 
 smiles that now they could never experience. 
 
 Proceeding on well caparisoned chargers about 
 six miles, they came to an orchard tipped with 
 the radiant beauty of nature^s spring. Then 
 suddenly they were surrounded by a band of 
 armed men, who demanded their names and des- 
 tination ; amongst them was the massive form 
 and forbidding countenance of Rochfort de Yere. 
 
 Sandford, unable to restrain his emotion, at 
 first contemplated a courageous resistance, but 
 the overpowering number of the assailants ren- 
 dered it apparent that such an effort would be 
 worse than useless. He then demanded in the 
 Prince's name a safe conduct for tlie lady, who, 
 trembling with terror, was supported by her holy 
 betrayer. In reply, Eochfort de Yere taunted 
 the young man with attempting escape in the 
 disguise of a menial ; then exulting in the pos- 
 session of the fair lady on such easy terms, told
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 45 
 
 the gallant youth that it must be deemed an act 
 of mercy if the halter or the axe was not his 
 fate. No time was allowed for further discussion, 
 numerous guards forcibly hurried our hero away^ 
 utterly confounded and amazed by the sudden 
 blow. 
 
 Whether Sandford, in the course of these 
 transactions, bad exercised the penetration which 
 usually characterized his daily acts, or had 
 omitted the ordinary precautions that such dan- 
 gerous times would prompt, his future career will 
 afford the best opportunity for judgment. At 
 fearful cost he had gained a bitter lesson of ex- 
 perience, which he long remembered. His confi- 
 dence in the old ecclesiastic was severely shaken, 
 when before his eyes the beloved lady fell into 
 the grasp of that licentious villain both he and 
 Savoy had so greatly dreaded. With no possible 
 means of communicating his disaster to the 
 Prince, on the success of whose arms he could 
 alone hope for the desired release ; perhaps for 
 months, no prospect of ascertaining the fate of
 
 44 THE INTEIGUERS. 
 
 Lady Emmeline, or even sending intelligence of 
 her miserable condition to the Lord of Pevensel, 
 his faculties seemed paralysed with terrible re- 
 alities. Engrossed with these agitating thoughts, 
 he did not once endeavour to form a conjecture 
 as to his destination, until the cavalcade came in 
 sight of the town and port of Dover. The day 
 was fast waning, when aided by a reddened glow 
 of the sinking sun, they ascended a nearly per- 
 pendicular steep, and attained the giddy height 
 of the ancient Pharos.
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 45 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 " Fill, fill, till the cup runs o'er ; 
 He's a King and something more 
 That's fond of drinking." 
 
 Barely had the good citizens of London awoke 
 from their nocturnal slumbers — the grey dawn of 
 returning daylight shedding its first ray over old 
 St. Paul's — when a loud knocking was heard at 
 the Crown Inn, then situate at the west extremity 
 of Cheapside, in a yard of considerable dimen- 
 sions. Outside stood Robert Morton, a retainer 
 in the service of Leicester, who arrived with in- 
 telligence of the Prince's march by Kingston 
 through the county of Surrey.
 
 46 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 The portly landlord opened a lattice and eyed 
 the newly-arrived guest, whom he did not at first 
 recognise, though a frequent visitor, possibly from 
 the attractions of the host's pretty daughter. 
 
 '' What midnight massacre have you now been 
 perpetrating?" said John Bluff, the innkeeper. 
 '' Is not the house of Israel yet extinct?" 
 
 " I am no slayer of the tribe of Judah. Open 
 at once to Morton, or perchance he will do so for 
 himself. Nor will it be long before the bell of 
 St. Paul's shall call the citizens to arms in the 
 cause of our noble Earl." 
 
 " My concern," said Bluff, " is more with the 
 baron of beef than the Baron of Leicester. But 
 the door shall open; though you would have 
 been the more welcome, had you deferred arrival 
 for a couple of hours." 
 
 " A truce to your brawling," said Morton ; 
 " the City Militia are already called out, and 
 your bulky form will march to the defence of 
 liberty and justice." 
 
 ^' In our march to Isleworth they were but glad
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 47 
 
 to leave me on the road," answered Bluff. " But 
 we will soon pledge the Earl's success by doing 
 justice to a tankard of ale." 
 
 The weary messenger was glad to rest until the 
 hour of noon approached ; when, seated at a 
 sumptuous table, together with the jovial land- 
 lord, his pretty daughter and a few citizens, the 
 urgency of the Earl's cause was soon forgotten in 
 the convivial humours of our worthy friend Blaff, 
 who, possessing the qualities of the gourmand 
 rather than the politician, was more skilled in 
 handling the tankard than wielding the battleaxe. 
 
 Our lively host, now seated before a goodly 
 round of beef, assumed all the bustle of im- 
 portance usual to persons with whom style is not 
 a natural accomplishment. 
 
 " My friend," he said, " I pray thee partake of 
 the strong food which nourishes mankind, and 
 better liquor will not be found in the City of 
 London." 
 
 '^ Would that my Lord of Leicester," said 
 Morton, *' was as open-mouthed to swallow his
 
 48 THE INTEIGUERS. 
 
 foes as I to devour my quota of that excellent 
 cheer, already feasted on by our good host's 
 eyes." 
 
 " The good man," said Bluff, ^'speaks truth 
 for himself. For my part, the sight of the eye 
 will not satisfy the cravings of the stomach; 
 while the eyes of my worthy friend are sufficiently 
 feasted. The fair damsel opposite will mar the 
 tone of his appetite." 
 
 " The blush of modesty on the fair maid^s 
 cheek,^' said Morton, " doth ^outvie the ruby tint 
 of our host's jowl reddened by copious potations 
 of ale." 
 
 "I blush," said the maiden, "but for the 
 dullard followers of Leicester, whose seeming wit 
 doth far outstrip their understanding." 
 
 "Thou art a well-spoken lass," said Bluff; 
 " the bright tint of modesty will soon give place 
 to a more permanent hue as the cup passes 
 round." 
 
 At this moment an attendant entered the room 
 with the Mayor's commands that Bluff should
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 49 
 
 call out his troop of militia, while the winding of 
 horns and galloping of horses were heard in the 
 distance. 
 
 '^ Not content,'^ said Bluff, " with spoiling the 
 whole tribe of Israel, my Lord would spoil a 
 worthy citizen of his dinner. Tell him my troop 
 shall be in good time to form the rear guard. 
 Bring hither the wine flasks that we may make a 
 paction with old Bacchus for our success." 
 
 " Our good host is desirous that we should 
 march with our heads downwards," said Morton. 
 '' Fair damsel, it will be a wearisome season 
 when your jovial parent is called away on war's 
 alarms; would that I were able to supply his 
 place !" 
 
 *' Pass the cup swiftly round," said the damsel, 
 " and I am in no fear for his loss. I pray thee 
 also retire early, or we may be troubled with thy 
 company as well." 
 
 '' My retirement is impossible while you are 
 present," replied Morton. ** Withdraw not, or 
 this festive scene will soon lose half its charms, 
 
 VOL. I. D
 
 60 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 and all its recollection during the coming adven- 
 tures." 
 
 " The sooner its remembrance is gone, the 
 better, I should say," returned the girl. " Ad- 
 venture will never be my lot; nothing is seen 
 here but eating and drinking, and no diversion, 
 save the jargon of some fool's prattle." 
 
 ^' Nothing but eating and drinking ! By all 
 the saints, what is life for ?" roared Bluff. 
 " What comes of an empty platter but ill- 
 temper ? and, the cup exhausted^ friendship soon 
 ends. Hush ! you silly child." 
 
 " If it were so," replied Morton, ^' the sound 
 of that distant trumpet would not force its un- 
 welcome clamour upon mine ear. Come, my 
 worthy citizen, it is now the portion of thy life 
 to throw off the host and become the soldier." 
 
 This conversation was not got through without 
 copious refreshers of good wine, which began to 
 take a marked effect on our friend Bluff, who 
 became the more indifferent to his duties as a 
 valiant member of the City Militia. He at
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 51 
 
 length declaimed that if every man did his duty 
 as he had done his to-day, the Earl might be 
 sure of success ; and once more he eadeavoured 
 to pledge it in a bumper of sack. 
 
 The cup was with difficulty raised to his lips, 
 apparently taking aim at any other feature but 
 the mouth. The noise of numerous metf now 
 assembling was treated with sullen indifference. 
 At last, assisted to a couch, the good citizen 
 snored loudly, despite the clamour of trumpets 
 and rattling of arms. Whether his troop assem- 
 bled, historians fail to inform us ; but the rumour 
 of the Earl's approach caused the other partakers 
 in the feast to rush into the forming ranks with 
 quickened haste, after vainly endeavouring to 
 awaken the reposing host, who had far out- 
 stripped all opponents in the quantity of his 
 potations, if not in zeal for the combat. 
 
 The shades of evening had almost overtaken 
 our gallant warriors before the various detach- 
 ments had crowded the narrow labyrinths of the 
 old city. Numerous were the adieus to the 
 
 d2
 
 62 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 pretty daughter of our friend Bluff, the good 
 man still enjoying his heavy sleep. It was not a 
 little remarkable that Morton was about the last 
 man to join the ranks, though by no means 
 steadier for his afternoon's entertainment. 
 
 During these proceedings, the Crown yard was 
 filling with armed citizens, summoned by the 
 sonorous clang of the bell of St. Paul's. Its 
 tones did not call the peaceful worshipper to his 
 devotions; but the Cathedral yard was quickly 
 filled with armed warriors, while Leicester con- 
 versed with John Fitz John, a strong partizan, 
 
 who supplied the Earl's requirements for the 
 
 enterprise by murderiog a wealthy miser named 
 
 Cork Ben Abraham. 
 
 ''The spoil of that degenerate man, Abraham," 
 
 said Leicester, " will supply the desired means. 
 
 Would that the usurous old wretch was unable to 
 
 tell the tale of our plunders." 
 
 '' His lying tongue," said Fitz John, " will no 
 
 longer utter its accustomed falsehoods. With 
 
 my own hands have I cut his avaricious throat.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 63 
 
 But should our arms succeed, what fair baronies 
 will be spared from your eager grasp, to become 
 my humbler share of the spoil." 
 
 " My engagements," replied Leicester, " are 
 already deep to Rochfort de Yere. Such men we 
 must not neglect, until our objects are gained, 
 when we may dispense with his assistance now 
 dearly bought with such promises." 
 
 " What licentious project occupies his corrupt 
 mind ?" said Fitz John ; " but thou hast a fellow 
 to deal with as determined and covetous as 
 thyself." 
 
 ** My covetousness will be sorely curbed to pro- 
 vide what your conscience will be satisfied to 
 accept," replied Leicester ; " Rochfort, to render 
 us much service, is too intent on his unlawful 
 design to seize the Lady Emmeline de Savoy, who 
 is now, I hope, safe with the sisters of Dunsmore." 
 
 " The better for our purpose," said Fitz John, 
 " he will the more readily attain his desires, while 
 his dissolute passions will prevent the energetic 
 exercise of his rapacious greed."
 
 64 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 These considerations duly pondered over, the 
 assembled citizens required the immediate atten- 
 tion of these two noted chiefs, who soon formed 
 their raw troops into an appearance of marching 
 order. They squadded awkwardly over the 
 bridge, unconscious as to their destination. Our 
 worthy friend Bluff was too far overcome with 
 the indulgences of the day to afford the benefit 
 of his assistance ; so we are debarred the 
 pleasure of his jovial humour during the march 
 to Fletching.
 
 THE INIRIGUERS. 
 
 65 
 
 CHAPTEE VII. 
 
 " Farewell ! if ever fondest prayer 
 
 For others' weal availed on high, 
 Mine will not all be lost on air, 
 But waft thy name beyond the sky. 
 
 Bteon. 
 
 There is frequently an admixture of good in the 
 evil this world contains. With all his duplicity 
 the Prior appeared somewhat desirous of soften- 
 ing the blow he had been the principal means of 
 inflicting, and a little touched at the distressed 
 condition of Lady Emmeline, left in so critical a 
 position, when her most reliable friend became a 
 captive in the hands of his enemies.
 
 56 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Moreover, greediness of gain was rather to be 
 attributed to necessity forced by exactions of the 
 Court of Rome, than to any bad quality inherent 
 to his own nature. But even in this pursuit of 
 lucre he stood in a difficult position ; Leicester's 
 arms successful, great hope of reward lay in 
 lending himself to Rochfort de Vere's nefarious 
 purposes ; but in the possible event of the EarFs 
 cause experiencing a reverse, it was from Savoy 
 only that he had any reliable prospect of re- 
 muneration. 
 
 The best course was to endeavour to persuade 
 Eochfort that duty required his immediate 
 presence elsewhere, and that his company on the 
 journey would but raise suspicion of ultimate 
 intentions, while he best pleased the opposite 
 parties by ridding the fair lady from the society 
 of a man, so utterly detested and feared. Besides, 
 he was not without serious and well founded ap- 
 prehensions that Eochfort, or some follower, 
 might cast too longing an eye on the amply 
 stocked money bags.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 57 
 
 When the guard conveying Sandford to his 
 goal of captivity disappeared in the distance, 
 and that attention had been paid to Lady 
 Emmeline which so startling a shock rendered 
 imperative, Kochfort and the Prior were con- 
 versing apart from the few remaining followers. 
 
 " I implore my liege," said the Prior, " to 
 disarm suspicion of any sinister designs by per- 
 mitting the fair lady to pursue her journey to 
 Dunsmore alone. Besides, from persuasions of 
 the unworthy youth, who has so justly fallen into 
 your honourable power, Savoy contemplates at 
 once taking up arras in favour of the King, and 
 doubtless may intercept your necessary supplies 
 and reinforcements arriving at Hastings." 
 
 " The worse for him," replied Rochfort, '* he 
 will but incur the risk of certain forfeitures, of 
 which a considerable share will fall to my advan- 
 tage. Pursue your journey at your pleasure ; 
 my fixed intention is to conduct the lady forth- 
 with to my castle at Hurstingham." 
 
 " I beseech my Lord," said the Prior, " not 
 
 D 5
 
 58 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 to forget the righteous claim of duty, nor his 
 zeal in an honourable cause, which might be 
 prejudiced by so hasty a determination." 
 
 ** My purpose," replied Eochfort, ^'is deep 
 and peremptory ; nor am I willing to be despoiled 
 of that fair prize I have so vainly longed for. 
 My noble overtures were treated with a disdain 
 to which the spirit of a De Yere could never 
 yield." 
 
 ^' Such a course/' said the Prior, " might 
 incur the loss of our holy father's blessing. I 
 trust my liege will not provoke his displeasure." 
 
 " Such blessings I would willingly dispense 
 with," retorted Rochfort. " Can the noble 
 eagle be allured from prey fallen into its mighty 
 grasp? Go to ! Return to those religious duties 
 too long neglected, and so essential to purify 
 your soul from its avaricious greed." 
 
 The Prior, finding he could in no way prevail, 
 argument serving but to harden so obdurate a 
 man, stood transfixed to the spot, with remorse 
 at the unhappy issue of this miserable proceed-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 69 
 
 ing. The lady's fate he could easily conjecture, 
 and all his hopes of future guerdon apparently 
 vanished into thin air. The unfortunate lady, 
 after the first outburst of grief, seemed 
 strengthened by some invisible hand, feeling a 
 full confidence of protection from a higher power, 
 exceeding all succour that human might could 
 possibly afi'ord. 
 
 They had started but a few paces, when sud- 
 denly a clamorous sound of prancing steeds 
 caused the earth to apparently vibrate. A nu- 
 merous troop of mounted warriors halted to 
 refresh their weary animals at a running stream, 
 cutting off the only available retreat unbarred by 
 densely-packed thickets of copse-wood cresting 
 the neighbouring hillocks. Their trappings 
 denoted adherence to the Prince. The flying 
 banner of a noble Knight indicated the presence 
 of some distinguished personage. 
 
 Emmeline regarded them as long as her 
 swollen eyes would permit ; while Rochfort's 
 countenance overspread with a deadly pallor, as
 
 60 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 though seized with that terror common to all 
 overtaken by sudden danger in the perpetration 
 of some nefarious act. Assurance at length 
 regained, it crossed his vigorous mind that the 
 Prince must have changed his tactics, and instead 
 of marching on London, had probably masked 
 that great city a few miles to the west, passing 
 through the county of Surrey into Sussex. If 
 these conclusions were correct, to accompany the 
 Prior, or to pursue the journey to Hurstingham, 
 would almost with certainty expose him to the 
 fate inflicted on the unfortunate young courtier. 
 He compelled the remnant of his followers to 
 seek concealment in the short brushwood at the 
 base of the hillocks, and there waited anxiously 
 the departure of the noble band. 
 
 The new comers remounted without observing 
 their hidden prize, and proceeded hastily towards 
 the Castle of Pevensel, Rochfort, calling the 
 Prior aside, again addressed him, though in a very 
 altered tone. 
 
 " I have," he said, " determined for the present
 
 THE INTllIGUERS. 61 
 
 to commit the lady to your charge, returning to 
 my forces now encamped at Fletching — woe^ 
 betide your holy coat if you fail me in my ulti- 
 mate purpose." 
 
 Before the Prior could reply, the Knight gal- 
 loped off with his followers, leaving the holy 
 father, Emmeline, and a few attendants sole 
 occupiers of the ground. 
 
 Our Prior's reliance on Eochfort's promises 
 were somewhat shaken, still he made considerable 
 opposition, when Emmeline insisted that an 
 attendant should return to Pevensel, conveying 
 intelligence of their calamities and her escape. 
 
 The released travellers then continued their 
 journey, each occupied with silent thoughts, 
 rarely disturbed save by the convulsive sobs of 
 the unhappy lady, who at last broke a prolonged 
 silence — 
 
 " May I implore your reverence for any par- 
 ticulars within your knowledge concerning the 
 fate of that excellent young man, now in the 
 power of such merciless persecutors ? Withhold
 
 62 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 not a word, I beseech you ; blessings of 
 heavenly grace will support me in all my afflic- 
 tions." 
 
 " Fair lady," said the Prior, " be assured he 
 will but endure a brief captivity, which all my 
 best influence will be used to shorten." 
 
 " Then Heaven bless your holy name," replied 
 the lady, "you shall not fail to be provided 
 with your deep requirements, whatever fate may 
 befall me." 
 
 Departing daylight rendered essential the 
 choice of suitable accommodation for the night. 
 For the purpose of better satisfying the fair 
 lady, the Prior deemed it most advisable to seek 
 the hospitality of some noble lord, loyal to the 
 King. The Earl of Arundel sided with the 
 barons in their early proceedings, more to correct 
 abuses than from desire of subverting the powers 
 that be, but the faction degenerating into sub- 
 mission to the will of Leicester, he was an un- 
 willing party to designs deemed absolutely 
 traitorous. This worthy noble had been engaged
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 6S 
 
 in defending the Castle of Rochester against the 
 Earl's forces, but the travellers had every reason 
 to anticipate a welcome reception from the 
 estimable lady, whose virtues graced his noble 
 domain. 
 
 The towering keep of the Royal Castle, be- 
 queathed by the renowned King Alfred to his 
 descendant Adhelm, was already visible in the 
 dim twilight. Our approaching travellers were 
 eagerly watched by the noble Lady of Arundel, 
 who, in the full reflection of the now risen moon, 
 stood gazing thoughtfully from a lofty battlement, 
 with anxious craving for intelligence of her noble 
 lord. Entering the spacious portal of William 
 the Strong, who daring to reject the fair hand of 
 the Queen of France was caged with the roaring 
 lion, but soon exhibited his prowess by tearing 
 out the tongue of the king of beasts, our way- 
 farers received the hospitable salutation of a 
 worthy hostess, sorely troubled at the unhappy 
 aspect of her fairer guest. 
 
 They are ushered into an apartment of
 
 64 THE E^TRIGUERS. 
 
 splendour. Emmeline retired with the estimable 
 lady of the castle, to seek the solitude of quiet 
 repose, leaving the Prior to his meditations, and 
 enjoying the creature comforts of life. The relief 
 tears afford the troubled soul was exhausted, but 
 she felt a charm in pouring forth her inward 
 anguish to the worthy lady, whose sympathising 
 heart was touched with womanly emotion. Weary 
 and sad she retired to rest. Once more her 
 lovely form is bent in prayer, imploring a watch- 
 ful Providence over the adored youth, whose dire 
 calamity she had unfortunately witnessed. With 
 a confident hope that the evil which had befallen 
 her would work some ultimate good, she cheer- 
 fully recognized it as the chastening hand of 
 God's love. It was a happy frame of mind. 
 Even the anxious suspense was endured from 
 necessity she could but regard as a passing 
 autumn in her life, which leading to days of 
 wintry sorrow, would bloom in a coming spring 
 with renewed loveliness and glee. 
 
 The Prior, impatiently waiting the return of the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 65 
 
 Lady of Arundel, hoped to engage her in some 
 pastime. Oppressive thoughts burdened his soul, 
 which by this means he hoped to dispel. 
 Through that eventful day the constant sight of 
 Lady Emm eline's broken spirit, and contemplation 
 of her holy resignation seemed to have stupefied 
 his senses. He felt a terrified dismay, and grave 
 apprehension of some impending calamity, for 
 which he was utterly unable to account. An 
 inward grinding of conscience was gnawing the 
 very vital cords of his heart. 
 
 The fair hostess returning, he experienced some 
 difficulty in an efibrt to assume an appearance of 
 cheerfulness, with only partial success ; trusted 
 by the innocent heart and youthful confidence of 
 Emmeline, he feared the suspicions of the 
 more experienced lady, from whose society he 
 hitherto anticipated lelief. This was rendered a 
 still more trying ordeal by the lady's conversation 
 during the repast, 
 
 " The anxiety of my lord's absence," said the 
 lady, " in these stirring times, has scarce
 
 66 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 troubled my aching heart so much as the deplored 
 anguish of that unhappy girl. Greatly do I fear 
 that the fond youth has been betrayed by artful 
 machinations of some designing men." 
 
 Some little time elapsed before the Prior could 
 offer the following reply — 
 
 *' I implore you to banish distressing thoughts, 
 too long laid on my burdened soul, by the 
 exercise of that exquisite accomplishment, which 
 has spread my lady's fame through the length 
 and breadth of Sussex. The prowess of that 
 renowned giant so associated with this noble 
 domain has even reached the retirement of 
 Dunsmore. To celebrate his praise is doubtless 
 a favourite theme of my lady's song, with which 
 I am but too desirous to be favoured." 
 
 The beloved spouse of the Lord of Clun eyed 
 the holy man with a slight glance of scrutiny, 
 but did not hesitate compliance with his request, 
 though averse to music characteristic of a ruder 
 age.
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 67 
 
 ' Beavis, greatest man that God e'er made, 
 From Sussex to Isle of Wight did wade ; 
 At the Castle's portal if the stranger knocks, 
 This bulky man full soon the gate unlocks ; 
 With two hogsheads of beer, fifty stone of meat, 
 Was the weekly prog this giant man did eat ; 
 A tower was built of strength and weight, 
 To furnish room for his ugly pate ; 
 The grave to hold his form complete. 
 From end to end was thirty feet." 
 
 A mound, said to be this monster's grave, still 
 exists, also a tower, bearing his name; un- 
 fortunately it is only calculated for a man of 
 ordinary dimensions, but this is unworthy of 
 record, compared to the evidence of tradition. 
 
 Possessing, in an eminent degree, some refined 
 qualities of the troubadour, this rude melody, 
 although raising his curiosity, scarcely pleased 
 the cultivated taste of the holy man, who ex- 
 claimed — 
 
 " I prithee let us permit the worthy giant's 
 fame to rest with his bones. Those sprightly 
 melodies of which my lady is so apt in execution 
 would better suit my present humour." 
 
 ^' To neglect," said the lady, '' the praise of
 
 68 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 that renowned giant, who raised the fame of this 
 Castle, would be but base ingratitude. But, to 
 please the refined ear of my holy father, I tune 
 my well-strung harp to a beloved ditty of my 
 girlhood — 
 
 " Should my love upbraid, 
 Naught will I repine, 
 But brightly seek to charm 
 With happy songs divine. 
 
 " Should my love be sad. 
 Soon my merry glee, 
 With cheerful, lively smile. 
 Shall cause dull thought to flee. 
 
 " Should my love be gay, 
 I, with heart and soul, 
 Prolong the joyful hours 
 Till past the curfew toll. 
 
 " Thus the live-long day 
 
 I chant my verse and rhyme. 
 And merry moments pass 
 Through all enduring time." 
 
 " That lively chant," said the Prior, " doth 
 develope the sweetest tones of my lady's voice. 
 But the vesper hour is long passed, and my 
 weary frame needs refreshing sleep." 
 
 This diverting amusement concluded, the
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 69 
 
 Prior was desirous of retiring at the earliest 
 moEQent consistent with courtesy. The lady's 
 suspicions caused him to dread any return of 
 conversation on the events of the day. His 
 adieus were brief. Tbe hours of darkness had 
 far advanced before the inmates of the castle 
 retired to rest, and all was hushed in the stilly 
 calmness of a peaceful night. 
 
 Quitting this noble domain on the following 
 day, about the hour of noontide, our travellers 
 steadily pursued their way to a venerable city, 
 which enjoyed a reputation of antiquity almost 
 beyond belief, even in more credulous ages of 
 legend and romance. Anticipating the founda- 
 tion of Rome by one hundred and forty years, it 
 witnessed the renowned deeds of King Ludor, 
 Haus, Hudibras, and its walls were the reputed 
 handiwork of Dunwallo Mulmutius, a cotemporary 
 of Darius of Persia. It is much to be regretted 
 that such wonderful occurrences were never re- 
 corded for fifteen hundred years after the worthies 
 had passed from this mortal world. Nevertheless
 
 70 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 suitable accommodation for the ensuing night 
 was afforded to our jaded travellers by the city of 
 Winchester. It had already assumed a reason- 
 able aspect of comfort compared to the rude mud 
 huts of ancient Caer Gwent. 
 
 Passing that grand sacred edifice, where for 
 centuries the " pealing anthem has swelled the 
 note of praise," and where the virtuous Queen 
 Emma, to disprove the unfounded accusation of 
 her intrigue with the worthy Bishop Alwyn, 
 walked unscathed over nine red hot plough- 
 shares, it was an advanced hour of the evening, 
 considering the exigency of the times, before 
 the travellers alighted at one of the best inns, 
 again seeking the comfort of placid repose. 
 
 The city of the King's birth had been for some 
 time a scene of great contention between the 
 Eoyal and baronial forces. Its still disturbed 
 state of commotion rendered the Prior desirous of 
 quitting its ancient walls for the sanctity of Duns- 
 more at the earliest available moment. 
 
 The remainder of the journey lay through a
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 71 
 
 district of forest land where the Prior was ex- 
 posed to considerable risk. At this particular 
 period of England's history, robberies and 
 treacheries were so prevalent, through the weak- 
 ness of the King, that the nation appeared to 
 have lost all sense of right and wrong, everyone 
 doing as it seemed good in his own eyes. Many 
 strong castles were but dens of thieves, and the 
 King's own servants often confederates of the 
 robbers. On one occasion the worthy monarch 
 was stopped on a journey to ^Winchester, the 
 baggage plundered, and his wine drank before his 
 very sight. 
 
 These lawless proceedings were particularly 
 prevalent in the neighbourhood of this venerable 
 city, from whence our travellers advanced about 
 eight miles through a forest so dense that it was 
 impracticable to proceed in a straight line more 
 than a few yards. A chorus of rude voices broke 
 the deadly silence of this wooded retreat. 
 Speedily were they surrounded by numerous men 
 of rough and unmistakable appearance.
 
 72 THE INTRIGUEKS. 
 
 / 
 
 A leader of this noted band pursued his avoca- 
 tion under pressure of necessity, when despoiled 
 of his fair domain by the unscrupulous hand of 
 some grasping baron. He came forward and 
 scanned narrowly the dejected aspect of Lady 
 Emmeline, not failing to perceive that her 
 emotions arose more from sore trials deeply 
 rooted in her youthful heart, than from any 
 present dread of brutal violence. 
 
 " Fair lady !" he exclaimed, " be not appre- 
 hensive of danger which gallantry would forbid ; 
 and your holy companion can as readily pursue 
 his journey by divesting himself of that treasure 
 which craft will soon replace." 
 
 '^ I pray thee," said the Prior, " lay not the 
 hand of violence on the just rights of our holy 
 father, whose needs are pressing and peremptory." 
 
 " The needs of the servants of God, inhabiting 
 these forests," said the stranger, " are as deep 
 as the holy father's. Follow swiftly thy dreary 
 course, or the darkness of night will overshadow 
 these leafy woods."
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 73 
 
 The Prior, pale and agitated, feared to provoke 
 further disaster by not submitting to the loss 
 with even an assumed show of grace. Then 
 proceeding fleetly on their lightened palfreys, the 
 Priory was reached about the hour of twilight. 
 Emmeline, calm and resigned in her anxious sus- 
 pense, the pallid hue of her lovely features 
 depicting emotions of inward sorrow ; while the 
 holy man was, as yet, unenriched with means to 
 satisfy the papal demands, notwithstanding his 
 complete success in the skilful exercise of various 
 little arts of chicanery. 
 
 VOL. I,
 
 74 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER YIII. 
 
 " The chilly ground contains her wasted frame, 
 
 From Heaven her spirit haunts my nightly dream ; 
 No more can human wish those charms reclaim 
 Which ever made the heart of friendship beam." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 The noble Lord of Pevensel, left to solitary 
 thought after the departure of Sandford^ and 
 Emmeline, calmly considered various measures 
 in favour of the Prince, which lay within possi- 
 bility of execution. Several plans that crossed 
 his fertile mind were speedily deemed imprac- 
 ticable or beyond discreet limits of prudence. 
 At length, interrupted by a portly warder
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 75 
 
 announcing a distant movement of warlike 
 troopers, he ascended a lofty watch tower with 
 precipitate haste. 
 
 For some time he scanned narrowly the 
 mysterious horsemen, who, approaching the 
 Castle with forced speed, caused no little surprise 
 when discerned as loyal subjects of the King. 
 The noble lord, continuing his observation, soon 
 recognized the banner of an aged Knight, the 
 intimate conpanion of former years, and whose 
 daughter was a constant playmate of Lady 
 Emmeline in the earliest days of childhood, 
 though for several years he lost sight and know- 
 ledge of these esteemed friends. 
 
 The great mass of this band were compelled to 
 seek a rendezvous at a suitable spot about a 
 hundred yards from the Castle-gate. The old 
 Knight entered its massive walls, and was met 
 by Savoy, both exhibiting a deep and visible 
 emotion. The worthy host clearly perceived that 
 a sorrow hung on the furrowed cheek of his 
 noble guest. He feared some disaster even more 
 
 E 2
 
 76 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 profound than such stirring times could possibly 
 occasion. 
 
 After exchanging the salutations conmion to 
 sincere friends long parted by the call of duty, 
 William de Manville, the newly arrived warrior, 
 requested a short repose, the hurry of his 
 journey severely taxing so aged and shattered a 
 frame. Barely had he retired with this object, 
 when the attendant arrived whom Emmeline 
 had despatched with intelligence of the ad- 
 venture recorded in the earlier pages of our last 
 chapter. 
 
 These particulars were duly communicated ; 
 Savoy, much affected at the fate of Sandford, 
 whom lately he almost despised, endeavoured to 
 persuade himself that his niece was secure from 
 further harm, though with difiSculty he drowned 
 suspicion of unfair and hidden schemes. 
 
 Coupling these circumstances with the fact of 
 the newly arrived reinforcements, he drew nearly 
 those same conclusions as to the Prince's move- 
 ments which had already influenced the mind of
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 77 
 
 Eochfort de Vere. Doubt was soon removed 
 by the return of the now refreshed Knight, who 
 at once addressed his old and valued comrade. 
 
 " The sight of these venerable walls doth 
 awaken recollection of happier years, but I 
 pronounce an old man's blessing on the noble 
 house of Petrus de Sabandia. Where is Lady 
 Emmeline, whose childish frolics haunt my now 
 weary sight ?" 
 
 " Of her we will presently speak,'' said Savoy, 
 ^^ it much imports me to know the meaning 
 of your sudden appearance in this perturbed 
 country. " 
 
 " From Nottingham," replied De Manville, ^' I 
 marched to join the standard of my Prince ; ap- 
 proaching London its citizens were armed in 
 Leicester's service, so passing by Kingston, the 
 forces proceeded through the County of Surrey 
 to the Castle of Lewes, from thence I pushed 
 forward with my choicest followers, to concert 
 with you some prompt measures for intercepting 
 the Earl's supplies and reinforcements."
 
 78 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 ** We, indeed/' said Savoy, '^ approach some 
 decisive issue. Already have I reason to believe 
 that a large party of the Earl's forces are collected 
 at Fletching, and fain would dread that our worthy 
 leader might be taken at an unguarded moment.'* 
 
 ^^ Thanks for your caution," replied the Knight. 
 ^ ' Nor will I fail to take measures to thwart the 
 realization of so well-founded an apprehension. 
 What means are at your disposal to assist in the 
 execution of our purpose?" 
 
 ** My men at arms are legion," answered 
 Savoy. " Added to those well-equipped warriors 
 who now await your commands, we may, by a 
 judicious distribution of our forces, readily ac- 
 complish the desired object. My retainers, well 
 acquainted with this country, it will require no 
 little discernment to escape their well-directed 
 observations." 
 
 " It is agreed ; I return to Lewes," said the 
 Knight. "But how are matters at Kochester? 
 Has Arundel been enabled to hold that important 
 fortress ?"
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. . 79 
 
 " On reliable authority," said Savoy, " I am 
 informed that Leicester has raised the siege ; his 
 forces will doubtless join the array at Fletching, 
 supported by a march of the Londoners." 
 
 '^ These important movements," replied De 
 Manville, " forbode an early struggle. We must 
 at once prepare. My failing strength will avail 
 little in the heat of contest, but my heart and 
 counsel shall never lack zeal." 
 
 '^At once, then," said Savoy, "we call our 
 men to arms ; further words are but idle delay in 
 these desperate moments. But how, and where 
 is Marion ?" 
 
 A gloom of sadness passed over the old 
 Knight's face, when this magic name was pro- 
 nounced. Savoy's worst feara could little antici- 
 pate the wretched fate of that unhappy girl. 
 The increasing distress of his aged friend told the 
 unmistakable tale of her passage to eternal joy. 
 
 " To recount her woes," said the Knight, " at 
 these stirring moments would burst my aching 
 heart, when all my nerve, and the sinew still
 
 80 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 left in an aged frame, will be needed for the 
 coming battle. The vision of her angelic form 
 chanting hymns of praise will infuse new 
 courage into my soul. Oh, righteous heaven f 
 could it but revive my bodily strength for a few 
 short weeks." 
 
 " Distress not your saddened heart," replied 
 Savoy, "with vain regrets, but rather, give place 
 to the contemplation of her happy and eternal 
 bliss." 
 
 " Such has ever been my constant effort," said 
 the Knight; "but now once more I ask for your 
 fair niece. She will recall the happy hours of 
 my beloved girl's childhood, which seem passed 
 as a tale that is told." 
 
 " Dreading the treacheries of these disordered 
 and licentious times," said Savoy, " I have sought 
 protection for a short period by placing her in the 
 holy keeping of the Sisters of Dunsmore, at the 
 suggestion of the worthy Prior." 
 
 " What !" exclaimed De Manville, in a voice 
 that caused Savoy to stagger backw^ards, '^ with
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 81 
 
 that vile miscreant, whom no holy coat shall pro- 
 tect from the vengeance of my withered hands ! 
 Fain would I tear the flesh from his hellish 
 visage !" 
 
 '^ Stay,'' replied Savoy, interrupting sharply, 
 " belie not the holy man, whose fatherly care is 
 now the hope of my niece's future joy. I will 
 not suffer his worthy motives to be questioned 
 within these walls." 
 
 " Hearken unto me," replied the aged Knight, 
 when excess of agitation permitted ; '' the bitter 
 trials of this transient world were softened by a 
 beloved daughter of my loins, the comfort of my 
 aching bosom, a very joy of my inward soul. In 
 faded years her childish frolics beguiled the weary 
 hours, her sweetest smiles the solace of my declin- 
 ing life. The music of her bright charms my fol- 
 lowers all adored. The contemplation of her virtue 
 might cause the very angels to rejoice. In these 
 troubled times I deemed it but a measure of ex- 
 pedience that she should seek a brief retreat with 
 the sisters of Dunsmore, when pressed by the 
 
 E 5
 
 82 THE INTKIGUEES. 
 
 requirements of our holy father, whose infallible 
 acts I will not dare to question, the Prior, for 
 mercenary considerations, betrayed her lovely 
 form to Kochfort de Yere, a vile and dishonourable 
 knight. She sickened with brutal violence and 
 disrespected virtue, and then the welcome hand 
 of death afforded release from his villainous grasp. 
 Oh! merciful Heaven! infuse once more the 
 strength of youth into my aged frame, that I may 
 rid the fair face of nature's earth from the con- 
 taminating tread of that licentious fiend." 
 
 Manly tears stole down the furrowed cheek of 
 the aged Knight, while Savoy stood motionless, 
 as though stunned by some thunder-bolt of 
 heaven. The once chilled and stagnant blood 
 boiled within the thready cords of his veins. Each 
 breathed a silent prayer for a blessing on the 
 arms and prowess of their noble Prince, which, if 
 successful, they might confidently hope for a con- 
 summation of their hearts' desires. But we must 
 now leave these worthy men to pursue their plans 
 of warfare.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 83 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 " The din of battle now is heard, 
 Its clangs through air resound ; 
 To many noble warriors bold 
 It is a deathly sound." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 On the evening following the meeting of the two 
 noble Lords at Pevensel, the bright moon-light 
 which illumined the path of Emmeline and the 
 Prior to the Castle of Arundel, served to guide 
 De Manville and the greater part of his followers 
 on their return to Lewes, the head-quarters of 
 the King's forces, whither they were summoned 
 by the imminence of impending battle. 
 
 The royal army was drawn up on a hill about 
 a mile west of the town, annually frequented at 
 the present day by lovers of the turf. An emi-
 
 84 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 nence, used as a beacon, retains the name of 
 Mount Harry, and commands extensive views of 
 the South Downs, which, though destitute in 
 appearance to admirers of growing foliage and 
 renascent crops, possess peculiar beauties in their 
 bold outlines and graceful slopes, inspiring the 
 mind with a deep sense of the grandeur of Nature's 
 inanimate works. 
 
 The troops, regaling themselves with rattle- 
 headed pastimes and merry songs, recounted tales 
 of their distinguished deeds ; while conspicuous 
 amongst a numerous retinue, mounted on a 
 spirited charger, was the tall, commanding figure 
 of Prince Edward, who, already on the alert, 
 issued commands and directions for the coming 
 struggle. The flashing fury of his eye exhibited 
 a firmness of purpose. Gentle and benign in his 
 demeanour with friends, he was ever the most 
 determined of enemies. His fair and handsome 
 countenance only prejudiced by a drooping eyelid, 
 and engaging manners by a slight hesitation of 
 speech.
 
 THE INTKTGUERS. 85 
 
 At Fletching, about nine miles north, then 
 surrounded by a dense forest, gathered the army 
 of Leicester. Each man decorating his breast 
 with a white cross, as a badge of distinction, de- 
 voted the evening to prayer ; receiving the bless- 
 ings and absolutions of the Bishop of Winchester* 
 A message of conciliation despatched to the King 
 was returned with an answer of defiance, confi- 
 dence too often abused leaving no alternative but 
 an immediate appeal to violence and the sword ; 
 the issue of which combat would determine the 
 question of power and control in the affairs of 
 the State ; affecting, in no less a degree, the 
 future prospects of that unhappy youth impri- 
 soned in the fortress of Dover, and the fair lady 
 in a still more perilous sitaation at Dunsmore. 
 On the following morning the Baronial forces 
 moved to a position west of the Royal army, the 
 King drew his sword, crying oat, *' Simon^je vous 
 dejie ;" and the fearful scene of carnage forth- 
 with commenced. 
 
 In an age when "unqualified praise was be-
 
 66 THE Intriguers. 
 
 stowed on undaunted strength, rather than 
 obedience to duty, zeal was too apt to overstep 
 the proper limits of discretion. Forgetting, in 
 his youthful ardour, the sagacity of the general, 
 the Prince led a furious onslaught against the 
 unfortunate Londoners. Utterly routed and pur- 
 sued for a distance of four miles, the eyes of 
 many worthy citizens were darkened by the 
 unsparing hand of death in its most savage form. 
 Leicester's martial experience was not slow to 
 take advantage of this ill-judged-division of the 
 Koyal forces; the King, vainly seeking refuge 
 in Lewes Priory, became a captive to his enemies, 
 while the Prince, returning from such ill-directed 
 display of valour, was equally reduced to th« 
 necessity of compulsory surrender. 
 
 fouch was the battle on Mount Harry; the 
 noble Prince, to protect his Royal Father, became 
 his hostage, and was committed for safe custody 
 to the stroDghold of Dover, where his gallant 
 satellite lay maddened with suspense and anxiety, 
 even to stupefaction and despair. The Earl,
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 87 
 
 vested with full authority, the King, now but the 
 mere shadow of monarchy, concluded that well- 
 known treaty commonly called the Mise of Lewes. 
 
 Whilst these arrangements were undergoing 
 the requisite process of adjustment, a venerable 
 knight lay wounded on the field, broken down 
 with mental and bodily affliction. Despoiled of 
 his helmet, white dishevelled hair bespattered 
 with gore, and battered armour, bore witness 
 to the gross ill-usuage already experienced. 
 Many devoted followers groaned by his side in 
 the last agonies of expiring life; the handsome, 
 though time-marked features of the sufferer 
 were easily recognised as William de Manville, 
 the esteemed friend of the lord of Pevensel. 
 
 This patriarchal warrior still in prostrate 
 dejection, a cavalade drew up within a few feet 
 of his dew-moistened couch, headed by a knight 
 whose massive jaws supported a sable beard of 
 profuse pilosity. His projecting teeth extended 
 into that grin, a distortion natural to the ex- 
 pression of iniquity which o'ershadowed the re-
 
 88 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 pulsive counteaance of Roclifort de Yere. Event 
 most brutalised and minatory in aspect, his re- 
 tainers turned upon their chargers to a position of 
 convenience, eying the expiring veteran, who, 
 unable to raise his shattered form one inch from 
 the ground, was supernaturally strengthened in 
 mind by the vision of this exciting incident. In 
 powerless agony he exclaimed against his bitter 
 foe, while the red blood of excitement flushed 
 his furrowed cheeks. 
 
 " Accursed wallower in the mire of iniquity, 
 what demon of Satan hath sent you to chide my 
 distress ? Tf thou canst not restore my daughter, 
 forbear from the atrocities now engrossing your 
 degenerate mind, or thy life's blood shall answer 
 for those crimes, from which the deepest damna- 
 tion of eternal purgatory can never purify the 
 souls of such men of Belial." 
 
 " Foolish dotard," replied Rochfort, " dishonour 
 not thy aged tongue by the utterance of such 
 yelling jargon, but rather exercise that reason 
 more becoming thy advanced years. Rest con-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 89 
 
 tent that I have sufficient of the spirit of chivalry 
 to spare the few embers of vitality yet left in 
 thy decayed and worthless trunk." 
 
 " Vile hound," continued De Manville, " a 
 stain to the noble order of knighthood. Oh ! 
 that the spirit of Hercules could enter my pros- 
 trate frame for a few short moments, thy de- 
 bauched body should lay grovelling in the dust, 
 from whence it was taken, to disgrace the form 
 and fashion of the human shape." 
 
 " Concern not thyself with my crimes," said 
 Eochfort, "but prepare to answer for thine own. 
 If thou can'st comfort thy dying spirit, do so by 
 the contemplation of your fair belongings for- 
 feited to my eager prey to perpetrate those so 
 reputed enormities on which my mind is so 
 firmly purposed. " 
 
 " Heartless murderer of my beloved child," 
 answered De Manville, " may heaven yet spare 
 my ancestral halls from the pollution of any 
 child of hell bearing the odious nameofDe Yere. 
 Easy is it for thy craven spirit to triumph over a
 
 90 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 weak and fallen foe, while thy seeming prosperity 
 will bring thee nearer to destruction both of body 
 and soul." 
 
 "Which you will never witness," retorted 
 Rochfort. " Were it not for departed strength, I 
 would reduce thee to a base scullion of my house- 
 hold, but now thy useless carcase shall be thrown 
 aside as carrion to the crows of the air." 
 
 With triumphant scowl the dastard knight 
 departed, with his equally unfeeling minions, the 
 rapidly failing power of the dying veteran ren- 
 dering his renewed declamations almost in-* 
 audible. 
 
 " Oh, Heaven of Justice ! is it decreed that 
 yon incarnate villain should pass unscathed 
 before my sight, when I lie here like the crushed 
 reptiles that crawl upon the face of earth ?" 
 
 Further cries for vengeance were smothered 
 in the weakened voice of exhausted nature — he 
 sinks — he sleeps — but not the sleep of soft 
 repose, which, when the sun sinks in the far west 
 sky, o'er takes the frail mortals of this world. In
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 91 
 
 that cheek of pallid hue, behold the blessed 
 peace of a weary pilgrim, whose vital spark now 
 rests in heavenly mansions of eternity. For 
 days his besmeared corpse lay neglected, as the 
 perished camel in a wild and dreary desert, wel- 
 tering in heated rays of the blazing sun, until 
 consigned by rude and unceremonious hands to a 
 huge cold grave crowded with victims of conten- 
 tious strife. 
 
 " No useless coffin enclosed Ms breast, 
 
 Not in sheet or in shroud we wound him ; 
 But he lay like a warrior taking his rest, 
 With his martial cloak around him." 
 
 Burial of Sir John Moore. 
 
 Scarcely had Nature's vital spark quitted the 
 last representative of the noble house of De Man- 
 ville, when four mounted knights halted at the 
 fatal spot to hold a brief and hastened conference, 
 a scanty retinue of attendants only surviving the 
 fury of recent encounters. Three of their number 
 — Earl Warrenne, Hugh Bigot, and William de 
 Yalence — experienced and valiant warriors, ap- 
 peared stricken down with terror and dismay.
 
 92 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 The fourth — Henry de Meudon — a stripling noble 
 of some twenty summers, assumed a more hope- 
 ful aspect, though horrified and excited by the 
 momentous result of that eventful day. Yet, 
 lacking the full robustness of manhood, his figure 
 was tall and imposing. A countenance, unusually 
 fair for one of pure Norman extraction, beamed 
 with lively smiles of frankness and condescension. 
 The overflowing vivacity of his animal spirits, so 
 skilfully exercised the art of a deipnosophist, in- 
 variably proving the soul of any banquet graced 
 by his presence ; but now, like the rolling sea in 
 a solemn calm, every trace of cheerfulness was 
 for a time dispelled. Whether influenced by his 
 own sentiments, or overawed by elder and serious 
 companions, the general bearing of his demeanour 
 seemed to have undergone a magic transformation,^ 
 which some sudden and startling occurrence would 
 be requisite to occasion. 
 
 " If flight," said De Valence, " will protect our 
 mortal bodies, may God preserve the inheritance 
 bequeathed by our fathers of blessed memory !"
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 93 
 
 *^ Suffer not," said the junior Knight, " vain 
 regret to possess the soul now waxed faint within 
 you. At Hastings lives an old freeman, who, 
 from old associations, will his vessel lend. With 
 the assistance of this hardy seafarer, I ship to 
 Flanders, where, informing our Royal Queen of 
 recent disasters, we might speedily raise a well- 
 ordered force, sufficient to retrieve our fallen 
 fortunes." 
 
 ^' The younger shoulders," said Bigot, " would 
 seem to carry the wiser head. Meanwhile, let us 
 seek the shelter of Pevensel ; there could we also 
 ship for France, should need give occasion for 
 further succour." 
 
 '' Alas !" said De Valence, ^' what new disaster 
 do I now behold? The noble house of De Man- 
 ville exists but in the empty records of forme^ 
 days. Be was a noble patriot, and a sterling 
 friend. Ever cherished in fondest memory, his 
 deeds shall be recounted in our minstrels' songs; 
 but for these urgent moments, soon should his 
 bones rest in the sepulchre of his fathers !" 
 
 In the stillness of hushed winds, they gazed
 
 94 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 thoughtfully on the pallid features of the deceased 
 Knight, till Warrenne broke a silence disturbed 
 only by stifled cries of mangled humanity. 
 
 " Comrades, the dead cannot retrieve the deso- 
 late woe of our unhappy country ; delay may but 
 provoke greater disaster, the dire apprehension of 
 which o'erpowers my troubled soul !'' 
 
 Influenced by these considerations, they slowly 
 pursued their dusky way in solemn gloom, en- 
 hanced by a lowering and blackened sky, over- 
 shadowed with sable clouds of night. Arrived at 
 Pevensel, the three elder warriors entered its 
 massive walls through a small postern, or sally 
 port, gavoy, under similar depression, preceding 
 them but a few minutes, after vainly searching 
 for his aged friend. The younger Knight went 
 his whither to the Port of Hastings, seeking con- 
 cealment from his foes in the humble retreat of 
 the old freeman, who oft conducted his father 
 across the stormy seas. In token of early recol- 
 lections of childhood, he hoped to receive the 
 tribute of a similar service.
 
 THE INTEIGUEES. 95 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Adieu, adieu, my native shore 
 
 Fades o'er the waters blue ; 
 The night winds sigh, the breakers roar, 
 
 And shrieks the wild sea mew. 
 Yon sun that sets upon the sea 
 
 We follow in his flight ; 
 Farewell awhile to him and thee, 
 
 My native land, good night." 
 
 Byb,o-!>(. —Childe Harold. 
 
 Owing to the placid stillness of a becalmed sea, 
 the hours of darkness had long o'erspread the 
 Port of Hastings, before a burly sailor, by name 
 Peter Portevin, had safely landed from his well- 
 trimmed argosy. He was threading his well- 
 known course through obscure ''and narrow 
 passages of the old town; and meeting a Knight, 
 who endeavoured to unravel the mysteries of these
 
 96 THE INTKIGUEES. 
 
 complicated windings, the agitation of the 
 warrior's manner attracted the seaman's notice. 
 Though oft as a child De Meudon was a familiar 
 playmate on board the hardy man's vessel, it was 
 no matter of surprise that he should then fail to 
 recognise the son of an old patron, whose in- 
 creased stature was almost hidden in the sur- 
 rounding darkness of dusky byways. 
 
 '' Goes there — Peter Portevin ?" said the young 
 Knight. "Vainly have I been seeking your 
 snug retreat amid the contorted windings of this 
 complicated town." 
 
 " What wandering adventurer pronounced my 
 familiar name at this dead hour of night?" said 
 Portevin, drawing his dirk. *^ If a foe I am 
 prepared to encounter thy attack, but if a friend 
 speak, or a ghost shall represent thy lanky and 
 mysterious form." 
 
 " A friend, whom in childhood thou hast fondly 
 caressed in playful hours. It is Henry de Meudon, 
 vk ho now claims your shelter for the night, and a 
 safe passage to Flanders in the morning."
 
 * THE INTRIGUEKS. 97 
 
 "To thy father's son is my service ever at 
 •command," replied the seaman, in startled 
 accents, replacing his dirk. '' Stand not here at 
 this unseasonable hour. To inquire thy full pur- 
 pose will to-morrow's returning light afford more 
 fitting opportunity. Aye ! now I behold the same 
 well remembered face, though by some inches 
 more elevated from the ground." 
 
 Two figures now pursued their steady way to 
 the quaint abode of Portevin. The tall stateli- 
 ness of De Meudon formed a striking contrast to 
 the rough bluffness of his companion, whose 
 broad and stumpy frame exhibited a pair of 
 brawny arms, extraordinary in muscular develop- 
 ment ; a profusion of thick black curly hair well 
 corresponded to his weather-beaten countenance. 
 To a manliness of bearing was superadded a 
 loquacious humour and boundless good nature, 
 rendering him an especial favourite with the 
 aborigines of the old Cinque Port ; and although 
 given to the perpetration of little piratical 
 transactions, then regarded as the almost daily 
 
 VOL. I. F
 
 98 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 business of life, the victims of his lawless pro- 
 ceedings he invariably treated with mercy and 
 consideration. 
 
 But we have filled up the time requisite to 
 bring the wayfarers to their destination — a 
 thatched hovel of mean exterior, sundry latticed 
 openings serving for light and ventilation. 
 Entering its shelter with his rough and hardy 
 host, De Meudon partook of sufficient nourish- 
 ment to satisfy the cravings of a suspended 
 appetite, and, drinking a cup of stimulant, re- 
 vived his flagged and depressed spirits. He laid 
 down on an old couch, when, in spite of a mixture 
 of agitating passions, after the exhaustiog fatigues 
 of the day, he was soon lulled into a profound 
 repose, with looks of care unusual to his youth. 
 The morn somewhat advanced he slowly woke 
 from a vision of nightly dreams, the events of the 
 previous day fleetly passing before his half- 
 opened eyelids. 
 
 The various inmates of this remarkable house- 
 hold afforded curious examples to students of
 
 THE INTRIGUERS, 99 
 
 human nature. The wife, a tall, gaunt, bony 
 woman, with hard features large for her sex ; the 
 pupil of her eye small and round, coloured of the 
 deepest jet. Prone to turn to ridicule anything 
 beyond the grasp of her ignorance, she was a 
 crabbed disciple of Xantlppe, with whom few 
 exchanged a single word beyond the requirements 
 of necessity. Fourteen dreary winters had passed 
 since blessed with a daughter, a little frolicsome 
 lass, who portrayed much of her father's nature. 
 Her sharp, lively face bore an expression of 
 sprightliness. With skittish tricks she hummed 
 her merry tunes, dancing to their lays ; she was 
 beloved by the old sailors, attaining the title of 
 ^^ Kitty Portevin, the madcap of the Cinque 
 Ports.'' 
 
 Fully aroused from slumber, it required some 
 tact on the part of De Meudon to carry out his 
 immediate object; Portevin and all associates 
 being strong partizans of Leicester, our hero was 
 obliged to negociate for a voyage on the ground 
 of personal favour. The host promised assistance 
 
 F 2
 
 100 THE INTRIGUERS, 
 
 with hearty good will, accompanied by many 
 allusions to former days, engaging to set sail a 
 little before sunset should fair winds prevail. 
 The morning meal consisted of honey cakes and 
 hot fish, which the peevish housewife was pre- 
 vailed upon to cook in her best style. It was 
 served in an apartment clean and convenient ; a 
 table of polished oak, somewhat clumsy in shape, 
 matched with chairs of rude construction, but 
 not uncomfortable. The whole scene was cheered 
 by a bright ray of sunlight peering through a 
 gaping lattice. 
 
 During brief intervals of domestic life, per- 
 mitted by Portevin's roving occupation, the 
 frequence of matrimonial brawls caused him to 
 pass the time in jovial companionship of his ship- 
 mates and fellow-townsmen. The room soon 
 filled with sunburnt mariners, warmly debating 
 with their leader against the hurry of future pro- 
 ceedings. 
 
 " How fares our worthy Captain ? Where's 
 the little lassie ? " said a veteran seaman : " her
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 101 
 
 merry face hath not charmed my heart for many 
 a long day." 
 
 " See that the vessel is fully trimmed — tackle 
 ready for use," said Portevin ; '' before another 
 sunset we shall again set sail." 
 
 " What means this furious haste ?" said the 
 seaman ; " time will not permit a cup to wet for 
 our safe passage, or the invocation of our patron 
 saint before sunset !" 
 
 '^ Aye, before the day is passed," replied 
 Portevin, " with freshened breeze, which heaven 
 send, we sail to Flanders — three short hours 
 and we are gone." 
 
 ^' Provoke not the just anger of our Holy 
 Mother," said the seaman. " Yesternight the 
 moon did struggle through dark overhanging 
 clouds with misty light. A blackened haze now 
 hangs in the distant sky — while the seagull, 
 skimming the surface of the still and rip- 
 pling sea, foretells the violence of a coming 
 squall." 
 
 *^ Get you away," replied Portevin ; " when
 
 102 THE INTRIGUEKS. 
 
 all is ready return and drink the cup, which 
 exhausted, thou shalt as freely replenish." 
 
 The old man shrugged his shoulders, shaking 
 his head with thoughtful disapprobation. The 
 room was cleared, save two or three of Portevin's 
 principal officers, but the diminished party was 
 soon increased by the arrival of several towns- 
 men, excited with the news of recent battle, the 
 table being quickly decorated with well-stocked 
 flagons, surrounded by numerous cups. 
 
 Already aroused by the arguments of the old 
 sailor, De Meudon's fears were not lightened by 
 several efforts of the guests to induce Portevin to 
 make a night of it. Various toasts given, and 
 freely responded to, a cup in honour of my Lord 
 of Leicester was gall and bitterness to our young 
 Knight. Knowing the necessity of concealing 
 his sentiments, his downcast looks scarce escaped 
 detection, while standing erect, with outstretched 
 arms, cups clashed in pledge of their troth. 
 Bountiful in quantity, the liquor was taken with 
 a discretion oft disregarded in more advanced
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 103 
 
 ages, raising the spirits without dispelling all 
 sense of decorum from the festive board. 
 
 As Portevin adhered firmly to the determina- 
 tion of sailing that evening, despite repeated re- 
 monstrance, a demand for a display of vocal 
 ability was readily acquiesced in by the noble 
 Knight. He was glad in present company to 
 avoid any conversation on the passing events of 
 those stirring times, though his refined taste 
 could have been but little gratified by the rude 
 and uncultivated brawlings of the old seamen. 
 Further allusion to recent occurrences might 
 perhaps have disclosed his object in proceeding to 
 Flanders, where he hoped to oppose the Earl by 
 raising a force of mercenaries, and then to claim the 
 hand of the Lady Emmeline de Savoy as a reward 
 for his services. He was little conscious that the 
 lady was already in the grasp of a scoundrel, or 
 that her affections were bestowed upon the captive 
 youth at Dover. 
 
 So much satisfaction was aff'orded by Portevin's 
 performances that universal demands were imme-
 
 104 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 diately made fox further exhibitions of his skill. 
 He easily excused himself. It was solely to be- 
 guile the dull hours on shipboard, that he indulged 
 in this pastime. At home his sprightly daughter 
 supplied the need. At the host's suggestion the 
 little lass was summoned, with a burst of appro- 
 bation from all the company. Entering she re- 
 ceived hearty salutations, which she little regarded. 
 With blushes becoming a maiden's cheek, at the 
 request of her paternal, she at once chirruped 
 forth a merry lay, accompanied by an old three 
 stringed instrument. 
 
 " Come to the festive scene 
 Of dance and lively talk, 
 In troubled paths of life, 
 The course we oft must walk ; 
 So fill the brimming cup, 
 While others sport and play, 
 The cheerful notes of song 
 Will drive dull care away. 
 A merry night shall pass, 
 Till morning grey appears ; 
 No man can ever live 
 Amid his hopes and fears." 
 
 At the conclusion of this lively chant, using the 
 same instrument, she danced and skipped, in a
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 105 
 
 manner to vie with any Circassian slave at the 
 sweet waters of Europe, to the intense diversion 
 of assembled spectators. 
 
 " A lass so bright, 
 From morn till night, 
 With frolic and with mirth, 
 Would never rest, 
 Be ever blest, 
 The hour that gave her birth. 
 
 That heart so gay, 
 
 In sport and play. 
 
 Would weary hours employ, 
 
 No goat could leap. 
 
 O'er rock and steep, 
 
 With such unbounded joy." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 The proceedings were at length interrupted by 
 the old seaman returning to quaff the promised 
 cup. This hastily done, they soon embarked, 
 the ample vessel again ploughing its course 
 through the Channel. Watching the distant 
 cliffs, in dim rays of departing daylight, De 
 Meudon threw off a burdensome load of oppres- 
 sion, when borne away on the blue wave of 
 
 F 5
 
 106 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 the rolling deep. The good ship rode merrily 
 o'er the dashing breakers, during the night-squall 
 so truly foretold by the prophetic spirit of the 
 old mariner, whose experience in these important 
 matters seldom proved unworthy of confidence.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 107 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 •Your mind is all as youthful as your blood, 
 Now hear me speak with a prophetic spirit, 
 For e'en the breath of what I mean to speak. 
 Shall blow each dust, each straw, each little rub, 
 Out of the path which shall directly lead 
 Thy foot to England's throne." 
 
 King John. — Act 3, Scene 4. 
 
 The merry month of May was on the eve of de- 
 parture. A refreshing breeze swept the towering 
 cliff that carries the grand fortress of Dover. 
 Bright rays of an evening sun stretched their 
 level beams towards the kingdom of France, and 
 rendered its well defined outlines distinctly 
 visible from a rampart or outwork, that almost 
 beetled over the stony beach. There, beneath the
 
 108 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 lofty abyss, boomed a foaming surge, plainly 
 audible, even on the bare and lofty heigbts, that 
 rose majestically above the threatening waves. 
 
 Still oppressed in mind, Sandford paced the 
 rampart with irregular and nervous strides, to 
 invigorate his body, impaired by close seclusion 
 within the thick and massive walls of the Castle. 
 His thoughts wandered from Pevensel to Duns- 
 more, and to the camp of the Prince's forces. 
 But all was mystery. He shrank from the bare 
 contemplation of Lady Emmeline's fate with a 
 thrilling shudder. It might be one to which 
 death was a consummation devoutly to be pre- 
 ferred. What misery is suspense! Even a 
 knowledge of the greatest calamity is compar- 
 atively a light and trifling anguish. Oh ! 
 Liberty ! thou fair Goddess ! could thy blessings 
 be but purchased for a few short days, if at the 
 price of bodily annihilation, or peace of mind 
 destroyed for the remainder of a weary life. 
 
 In this mood of contemplative excitement, he 
 was approached by a chief oiScer of the Castle,
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 109 
 
 whose stern expression was heightened by a thick 
 moustache of sable hue. A long mantle enve- 
 loped his wiry frame almost to the heels, fastened 
 with a girdle, carrying a dirk of deadly aspect. 
 His head was covered with a cap of fur. Past 
 the middle age of life, his once athletic figure 
 portrayed the effects of exertion and constant 
 danger, during wars extended to all parts of 
 Europe. 
 
 " Hear my Lord's pleasure/' said the important 
 functionary, '^ prisoners of more importance will 
 now occupy this ancient stronghold. From Eng- 
 land's shore thy form is banished for ten long 
 years. If, at the expiration of two days, you still 
 persist in wandering through Britain's fair 
 domains, that moment will be your death.'' 
 
 " Thanks for your communication," replied 
 Sandford, in wild astonishment. " But tell, I 
 pray thee, by whose commands I am thus for- 
 bidden the cherished haunts of former years." 
 
 " By the express orders of my Lord of Leices- 
 ter," said the officer, "who, since recent victories,
 
 110 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 doth now assume the full sway of his authority. 
 But haste and get thee away, the time is short 
 before you must quit these realms.^' 
 
 The oflScer vanished before Sandford, staggered 
 by this startling, though indefinite intelligence, 
 was able to pursue any further enquiries. He 
 imagined some reverse must have occurred to the 
 Princess fortunes, which, heaven grant, it might 
 not be too late to redress. It was deemed pro- 
 bable that officers of higher rank in the royal 
 service were about to be secluded in his former 
 quarters. Two short days yet remained to ascer- 
 tain the fate of the beloved lady, and to reach 
 the Princess army at all hazards, still hoping to 
 render some valuable assistance. Scarcely had 
 he formed these firm and decided resolutions 
 when the tall and handsome figure of the heir 
 to England^s throne drew near with rapid steps. 
 The reality was but too palpable. No phantom of 
 the night could have produced so alarming an 
 effect on Sandford's soul. A serious expression of 
 saddened gloom overshadowed a usually cheerful
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. Ill 
 
 face, while the Royal Prince waited in silence to 
 enable his minion to collect the scattered thoughts 
 of a bewildered brain. 
 
 " Compose thy confused mind, my faithful 
 servant," said the Prince. " With all the bitter 
 cup of fortune's woes, which no^v I deeply drink, 
 I can rejoice that my imprisonment will release 
 thee from the narrow confines of this frowning 
 fortress, to breathe the purer air of unrestrained 
 liberty." 
 
 " Oh, that Heaven would have spared my eyes 
 this unwelcome sight !" said Sandford. *' Liberty 
 is dearly purchased by separation from all that 
 renders life a pleasure, adding oppressive care to 
 a load of grief." 
 
 *' Grief ever haunts my weary soul," said the 
 Prince, ^' surrounds my bed, and attends my 
 daily walks. Its indulgence is but shame and 
 worthless waste of vain regrets." 
 
 ^' Most truly speaks my Royal liege/' replied 
 Sandford. " Command, I beseech thee, that 
 service which will be rendered reckless of life
 
 112 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 itself. Surely there are numerous stout hearts 
 in England who will rise for thy release ?" 
 
 " I should be unwilling to believe it other- 
 wise," replied the Prince. '^ In solemn vows 
 have I made a sacred oath. Its violation might 
 provoke the just vengeance of a righteous heaven. 
 It is but meet that I should deal advisedly, when, 
 to save my Royal father, now but a monarch's 
 shade, have I surrendered myself as a pledge of 
 surety. I am not a man of stone, impenetrable 
 to entreaties of my faithful followers, but of acts 
 of violence my conscience will not permit the 
 exercise." 
 
 " Forget not the days of thy former glory,^' 
 replied Sandford. '' The misery of an oppressed 
 people will raise a cry sufficient to reach thy 
 Royal ears through these solid walls ; nor will 
 they be content to regard the vessel lost while 
 yet the pilot survives. Let thy perturbed con- 
 science rest. Thou art the hope of England's 
 future, the source of her people's joys. No loyal 
 subjects will rest until thy power is again restored
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 113 
 
 amid their shouts of triumph, and thine un- 
 scrupulous enemies scattered like straw before a 
 rushing wind." 
 
 " Joyfully would I witness the fulfilment of 
 your prophecy," said the Prince. " On your 
 allegiance I implore you to rest content. Heaven's 
 decree shall reverse our dire calamities. Resist- 
 ance would add renown to the tyranny of our foes, 
 bringing the deeper oppression of an unhappy 
 people." 
 
 " Forgive my importunity, I implore my Royal 
 liege," said Sandford. " The gentle tenderness 
 of your heart cannot disregard the misery of faith- 
 ful followers, despoiled of all earthly treasures. 
 Jheir very domestic joys violated by acts of brutal 
 license, while remorse will prove the downfall of 
 your Royal house. No, once more put on thy 
 bold and venturous spirit, that England's glory 
 may be at last secure. With all the hopes of the 
 world upon you, suffer not your soul to droop 
 under pressure of one reverse. Soon will I light
 
 114 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 a flame that will reacli from shore to shore of 
 Britain's land." 
 
 '' Nay V said the Prince, vehemently, " from 
 error to danger is a certain step. I believe you, 
 my friend. Willingly am I ever yours. Our 
 interview is already too long. Fare thee well ! 
 Every moment begets the fear of additional 
 disaster." 
 
 Determined by some means to promote his 
 escape, Sandford briefly took leave of the Royal 
 Prince. He hastily quitted the fortress, and 
 sought a few hours of restless repose in a com- 
 fortable inn of the town, after completing full 
 preparations to start for Pevensel at the earliest 
 dawn of returning daylight. 
 
 Though somewhat impaired in bodily strength 
 by the melancholy of restraint and suspense, 
 Sandford's natural firmness of mind returned 
 under pressure of those startling disclosures the 
 day had revealed. Nightly solitude afl'orded 
 opportunity for calm reflection. He determined
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 115 
 
 first to ascertain Lady Emmeline's present situa- 
 tion, and to gather full particulars of recent 
 events, then to direct his efforts in a proper 
 course of action; at the moment, with such 
 imperfect information, he was quite unable to 
 form any definite conclusion.
 
 116 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIL 
 
 "Great lords, wise men ne'er sit and wail their loss, 
 But cheerily seek how to redress their harms ; 
 What though the mast be now blown overboard, 
 The cable broke, the holding anchor lost, 
 And half our sailors swallowed in the flood, 
 Yet lives our Pilot still." 
 
 3rd Part Henry 6th, Act 5, Scene 2. 
 
 While the latest stars of night were gradually- 
 fading from mortal vision through the brighten- 
 ing radiance of the rising sun, Sandford had 
 already started on his anxious mission, accom- 
 panied by two attendants, mounted on fleet and 
 powerful steeds. They were urged to their 
 utmost possible speed, inspiring a hope of reach- 
 ing Pevensel at an early evening hour. To avoid 
 the risk of observation, a circuitous route was
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 117 
 
 selected. It was over an expanse of country- 
 beset with numerous obstructions, and frequently 
 it became imperative to lead the horses to ensure 
 a due regard for safety. 
 
 While steadily wending his course in the de- 
 sired direction, Sandford became a little more 
 hopeful and assured, under a strong presentiment 
 that Lady Emmeline might, by some means, 
 have escaped the dangers which threatened her, 
 when last parted from, under such trying circum- 
 stances. Still harpiag on this topic, his youthful 
 mind was deeply absorbed in thoughtful muse, 
 when the little party of wayfarers suddenly 
 arrived at a small rivulet, approached by a 
 sloping bank, and encumbered with large un- 
 sightly blocks of stone. The stream spread the 
 surface of its wide but shallow waters over a 
 foundation of pebbles, distinctly visible through 
 the crystal ripples of the purliog brook, though 
 darkened by broken shades of overhanging 
 foliage. Descending in safety, the animals 
 paused to satiate the cravings of thirst. Then,
 
 118 THE INTEiaUERS. 
 
 cooled and refreshed, they ascended the opposite 
 bank somewhat hastily ; Sandford's horse, stum- 
 bling over a rugged stone, rolled heavily to the 
 ground, severely injuring its off fore leg, the 
 rider escaping with slight contusions. 
 
 The maimed and limping steed proved a great 
 barrier to the future progress of the journey, and 
 dark shades of coming night already added to 
 the difficulty of the situation, when Sandford, 
 recognising a familiar spot about three miles 
 from the Port of Hastings, left the attendants in 
 charge of the horses, and hastened on foot to the 
 old town. 
 
 All thought of proceeding that night aban- 
 doned, the abode of an old man, who followed 
 the occupation of a ropemaker, was immediately 
 sought. A son of this worthy subject filled 
 some office in Savoy's establishment. Here our 
 young adventurer soon obtained a full knowledge 
 of Lady Emmeline's present danger, and the 
 passing events of recent days. On the following 
 morning he reached Pevensel, armed with a
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 119 
 
 matured plan of future operations, after spending 
 a long and dreary night in the deepest contem- 
 plation. 
 
 During the interval that had elapsed since the 
 decisive contest at Lewes, the Lord of Pevensel 
 and his noble guests, who waited a favourable 
 opportunity for flight to the kingdom of France, 
 spent their useless hours in despondent inaction 
 and despair. Entering with an air of resolution, 
 which seemed to awaken the lethargic stupor 
 that overpowered their terrified senses, Sandford 
 received a welcome of greater condescension than 
 Savoy usually accorded, especially to one re- 
 garded as an inferior, even in the slightest 
 degree. Whether this was due to surprise at his 
 appearance, or to any change of inward disposi- 
 tion, the future progress of circumstances must 
 determine. Taking him warmly by the hand, 
 he addressed the young man in flurried accents, 
 while the other noble lords stood by in silent 
 attitudes of solemn thought. 
 
 ^' What guardian angel hath in watchful care
 
 120 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 unlocked the strong gates of Dover heights ?" 
 said Savoy. '' Now have I a purpose for which 
 thou art a fitting messenger, and one where 
 gallantry would prompt a ready acquiescence." 
 
 *^ Faithfully would I obey your commands," 
 replied Sandford. " In banishment my captivity 
 is but lightened of half its load. Before to- 
 morrow's sun is set, must I leave for many 
 weary years the beloved country of my birth. 
 Thy purpose I can easy guess. Your niece has 
 but escaped danger to encounter a deeper peril, 
 which by heaven's help we may yet avert. Why 
 this sinful loss of time ? a delay that may have 
 produced the most dire of human calamities." 
 
 " My desires have you most truly premised," 
 replied Savoy, visibly affected. "Forget not that 
 the vigor of my drooping spirit is fading under 
 the expiring years of declining life. Your 
 presence infused my heart with a renewed hope. 
 Youthful energy might execute an undertaking, 
 restoring the joy of my remaining days." 
 
 " I am but a wanderer in a strange and un-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 121 
 
 known land," replied Sandford. " But give me, 
 I implore thee, a fall acquittance of my needed 
 sums, in the name of Half de Bourdon, a young 
 and trustworthy friend, on whose fidelity you 
 may truly rely. If yet in time, his zeal will 
 quickly foil the malignant designs of De Vere's 
 craft." 
 
 '' Be assured of my ready compliance," said 
 Savoy, " though by what means this consumma- 
 tion is to be reached surpasses the grasp of my 
 comprehension. If England must lose the ser- 
 vice of so good a subject, take with you my 
 letters of recommendation to our Royal Queen, 
 who in Flanders will accord the reception your 
 worth deserves till happier days return." 
 
 '' With many thanks," replied Sandford, '^ such 
 is not my present need. Delay not by further 
 enquiries, but honour me with your noble con- 
 fidence, and the bitterness of disappointment 
 shall not add a wrinkle to your anxious brow." 
 
 "There is a heavenly blessing in the joy of 
 youthful hope," said De Valence, the first of the 
 
 VOL. I. G
 
 212 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 tnree lordly guests to break silence. " This 
 worthy young friend disdains to indulge in blank 
 despond, while we fly to distant lands to end our 
 days in solitude and regret." 
 
 '^ Is the star of your noble house for ever set ?'* 
 replied Sandford, " while through the known 
 regions of the world are cherished the mighty 
 deeds of your venerable forefathers." 
 
 " Foster not such flights of boyish fancy,'' said 
 Bigot. "From the weakness of former rule 
 springs our present woe, raising a hundred 
 tyrants. Our domains already fallen to their 
 rapacity, we are but the living ghosts of our 
 fathers' glory." 
 
 " Fie upon thee, my noble lords," replied 
 Sandford. " Why waste your precious lives in 
 vain regrets, until the beauty of hope is gone ? 
 Our arms are reversed, but not disgraced, nor is 
 the warlike courage of your retainers degenerated 
 into the craven spirit of a coward's fear. What 
 though our course is beset with rocks of op- 
 pression, dashed with the surging breakers of
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 123 
 
 degrading ruin ; dark clouds of despair e'er- 
 hanging our heads, impelled by the fierce winds 
 of tyranny ; yet a trusty guide that shall direct 
 our barque to the haven of security still draws the 
 breath of life. His captivity is but the shame of 
 apathetic followers, who rest until his triumph 
 is achieved. Deem not my expressions the wild 
 imaginations of a youthful brain, but let yeur 
 hearts' sentiments sympathise with the deep 
 earnestness in which I endeavour to clothe my 
 feeble words. Your possessions, your rank, and 
 the glory of former honors, all depend on present 
 energies. Thousands of willing though oppressed 
 subjects await but the signal of your call. With 
 your scattered thoughts collect our forces both at 
 home and abroad. Then may we redress these 
 crushing harms, and render our enemies a by- 
 word to future generations." 
 
 *' Upon my life," said Warenae, " the youth 
 doth counsel wisely ; let us ship at once to France, 
 in her fair domains can we raise a worthy force, 
 to assist in the redemption of our unhappy land." 
 
 G 2
 
 124 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 " Such a determination is more worthy of my 
 lord's former renown," said Sandford ; "now I 
 bid thee farewell. It is not in idle banishment 
 that my soul will rest content to pine. In un- 
 known regions will I shape a future career of 
 usefulness. May God direct its issue to His own 
 good purpose." 
 
 Fortified with the acquittance so cheerfully 
 granted by Savoy, the young man hastily quitted 
 the Castle, sternly disregarding all enquiries as 
 to his ultimate intentions and destination. 
 Mounted on a light palfrey, he rode swiftly away, 
 over a level country, watched from the fortress 
 by the attentive gaze of numerous spectators, 
 until he disappeared in the dim shades of a star- 
 light eve ; after casting back many an anxious 
 glance toward the favourite haunt of his happiest 
 days. 
 
 In the midst of agitating and painful appre- 
 hensions, Savoy indulged in numerous conjectures 
 as to Sandford's purpose, but his reflections only 
 involving the matter into greater mystery, he
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 125 
 
 dismissed the subject. With feelings of admira- 
 tion at the young man's courageous daring, he 
 had the utmost confidence in his perseverance 
 and good judgment. In a few days the distin- 
 guished guests took ship for France, greatly 
 stirred by their youthful adviser's earnest appeal. 
 Bidding them a hearty farewell, with many wishes 
 for the success of their undertaking, the Lord of 
 Pevensel was again left to the loneliness of 
 solitary life.
 
 126 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTEK XIII. 
 
 ** Scarce can I speak, my choler is so great, 
 Oh ! I could hew up rocks, and fight with flint, 
 I am so angry at these abject terms." 
 
 King Henry VI.— 2nd Part, Act 5, Scene 1. 
 
 During a long course of years, extending almost 
 to very recent times, the vulgar phrase of '^ seeing 
 the Lions" has been one of common use. 
 Whether it drew its origin from the carnivorous 
 animals for several centuries confined in the 
 Tower of London we cannot undertake to 
 determine, nor could such discussion awaken 
 much lively interest. It will better serve present 
 objects to deal with a savage lion in the human
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 127 
 
 shape, vaunting within the solid walls of that 
 ancient fortress. 
 
 Rapidly passing over the drawbridge, accom- 
 panied by a small retinue of attendants, a lordly 
 Baron paused for a few minutes, on a large open 
 space of ground, where several men of humble 
 rank exhibited their feats of strength by throwiog 
 blunted javelins through a raw bull's hide. After 
 witnessing some dexterous casts, and rewarding 
 the successful competitors, this distinguished 
 personage proceeded towards the Lanthorn Tower 
 to the King's apartments, an ancient palace, the 
 site of which is now occupied by the buildings of 
 the War Office. 
 
 The indifference of his reception would naturally 
 cause much surprise, especially to an individual 
 of Rochfort de Vere's distinction. After endur- 
 ing great neglect and inattention, he was at last 
 ushered into the King's Chamber, a saloon 
 recently renovated and adorned with a painting 
 of the story of Antiochus. Here was another 
 protracted and impressive pause, before the door
 
 128 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 was thrown open. But instead of giving entrance 
 to my Lord of Leicester, with whom our adven- 
 turer had peremptorily demanded an immediate 
 audience, his anger and astonishment was beyond 
 all reasonable bounds, when accosted by the 
 Balestarius or Keeper of the Crossbows, and other 
 official jack guard ants. 
 
 " By desire of my Lord of Leicester," said the 
 chief official, "we require you to deliver up the 
 proceeds of illegal seizures made on the domains 
 of William de Manville, without the license of 
 our Sovereign Lord the King. In failure of com- 
 pliance we declare you an enemy to the State, 
 and forbid you to appear in armour, or to march 
 with horses or arms through these realms." 
 
 " What means this wanton insolence ?" replied 
 Eochfort. It is not my purpose to be taunted by 
 menials, but with Leicester I require an imme- 
 diate audience. Go tell him to beware how his 
 daring arrogance ventures to provoke me by a 
 denial." 
 
 " By virtue of authority assigned by our lord
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 129 
 
 the King," said the official, " we command you 
 to keep better rale on your tongue within these 
 walls. Your demand is flatly refused. Provoke 
 not a further resentment by any delay of ac- 
 quiescence, or the forfeiture of your barony at 
 Hurstingham may atone for such rashness." 
 
 '' Enough of this rude babble," replied Roch- 
 fort, ^'to which I will no longer listen. My 
 Lord is mistaken. Say again unto him that 
 Rochfort de Yere insists on a compliance with 
 his requests, or disavowing all authority, he will 
 no longer subscribe to my Lord's injunctions." 
 
 '' It is useless to waste further time with vain 
 words," said the officer. " We shall acquaint 
 my Lord with your contemptuous disregard to his 
 desires, and doubtless you will soon receive the 
 intimation of his pleasure, to your disadvantage." 
 The choleric rage of De Yere at that moment 
 almost baffled description. The spoils of De 
 Manville he regarded as his own by the rules of 
 war, and anticipated a further share of various 
 forfeitures, in accordance with Leicester's form er 
 
 G 5
 
 130 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 engagements. Now was it plainly evident that 
 he had been hoodwinked into a vain and unpro- 
 fitable allegiance. So, consoling himself with 
 thoughts of vengeance, he exulted in the success 
 of the enterprise to kidnap the Lady Emmeline 
 de Savoy, whom he now imagined safely caged in 
 his Castle at Hurstingham, having satisfied the 
 Prior of Dunsmore from the proceeds of the 
 above-mentioned plunder. 
 
 During these reflections the little band of 
 officials departed through the same aperture which 
 served for their admittance. Adjoining was the 
 great hall of the Palace, and scarce had the door 
 closed upon the retiring deputation before the 
 quick glance of Rochfort espied Leicester, seated 
 at the further extremity of that spacious apart- 
 ment, surrounded by numerous favourites. Rush- 
 ing madly with violent haste, he completely up- 
 set the equilibrium of a functionary who en- 
 deavoured to prevent his entrance. Then, dash- 
 ing forward regardless of threat or remonstrance, 
 with flashing eyes he stood face to face before the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 131 
 
 object of his wrath, all power of utterance choked 
 by extremity of passion. The Earl regarded him 
 with a complacent smile of serene contempt, 
 while the bystanders mutely gazed on the start- 
 ling scene in the eagerness of expectant astonish- 
 ment. 
 
 " Has arrogance so blinded your reason that 
 you dare to tread on sands wherein you may 
 quickly sink?" burst forth Rochfort, trembling 
 with passion^ ** Confront me no more with idle 
 jargon of pampered slaves, thereby rushing with 
 seeming madness from danger to destruction. 1 
 demand at your hands a just partition of spoils, 
 my right both by the rules of war and the solemn 
 assurance of former vows." 
 
 ^'You are already informed of the King's 
 commands," replied Leicester, " it will avail jou 
 but little to indulge a vain imagination that I 
 shall blench from my purpose for empty threats 
 of one covetous knight. I require an instant 
 restitution of seizures made without my know- 
 ledge and sanction ; and as regards further spoils
 
 132 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 it is enough that, by the triumph of my arms, I 
 saved you from forfeitures and attainders justly 
 hanging over your head." 
 
 " Talk not to me of the King's commands,'* 
 retorted Eochfort, "he is but a weak and servile 
 puppet of your pleasures. The required restitu- 
 tion I decline to make, even were it in my power. 
 To the Prior of Dunsmore have T transferred the 
 possessions of De Manville, in obedience to my 
 promise. My ends so far gained, I will wager 
 myself for your destruction, unless you are pre- 
 pared to grant my just and positive claims." 
 
 ^' Let, then, the holy man make the best of his 
 bargain," replied Leicester. " Expect no more 
 at my hands, when, even the Lord of Gloucester^ 
 my greatest and most powerful supporter, has 
 received a far less consideration. By contempt 
 alone will I answer such boastful and villainous 
 threats. Wherefore should I tremble at the 
 taunts of a noble lord who seeks but to waste 
 his days in the idleness of licentious indul- 
 gence ?"
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 13^ 
 
 ** Flatter not your rapacious soul with the 
 vanity of ease," continued Rochfort. '^ The great 
 Llewellin of Wales already marches his faithful 
 followers, and will doubtless find support from 
 the victims of your selfish avarice. The Queen 
 is raising a force in Flanders, which will render 
 effectual aid, v^hile a turbulent populace utter 
 indignation at the restraint of their beloved 
 Prince. Think not under such pressure to des- 
 pise the goodwill of former adherents, or your 
 ambitious projects will be trampled under the foot 
 of destruction, like a faded flower, thrown care- 
 lessly to the wayside, and trodden by the meanest 
 serf." 
 
 " Such torrents have I already taken effectual 
 measures to stem," said Leicester. " Is it needful 
 to remind you, that, in the event of hostilities, 
 your domains at Hurstingham would add to my 
 wealth a further increase ?" 
 
 " In that stronghold I bid you defiance," replied 
 Rochfort. " Why should I value the friendship 
 of one, who, in spite of my request, has even
 
 134 THE INTRI&UERS. 
 
 released that despicable youth, whose wild dreams 
 dare to aspire to the fair hand of the lady of my 
 noble choice ?" 
 
 "Then spend not your worthless time in the 
 enthusiasm of pompous ostentation," retorted 
 Leicester, sharply, " or that enterprising gallant 
 may yet despoil you of a fair prize." 
 
 With these words Leicester left the great hall, 
 followed by numerous menials, while Eochfort, 
 expressing many bitter invectives, hastily quitted 
 the fortress, giving vent to the coarsest oaths of 
 vengeance, for wrongs whether real or imaginary. 
 After the least possible delay, he commenced a 
 journey to Hurstingham, to make the most of a 
 supposed triumph, in gaining possession of the 
 fair lady, towards whom, it is now to be feared, 
 his depraved and revengeful spirit would show 
 no tenderness or consideration.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 135 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 " The man of firm and noble soul, 
 No factious clamours can control, 
 No threatening tyrant's darkling brow 
 Can swerve him from his just intent." 
 
 Byron's Translation from Horace, 
 
 "Good service should ever meet its just reward, 
 while I receive but empty promises of a covetous 
 man. My companions, in whom it is ruin to 
 confide, daily demean themselves with filthy 
 license, drunken slaves, loathsome to my sight, 
 the servile clowns of a degenerate master, for 
 whose vile purposes, I, "an obsequious knave, lack
 
 136 THE I^JTRIGUERS. 
 
 all earnest of my fidelity, with the loss of fame 
 and reputation.'* 
 
 Such were the wandering sentiments of Arthur 
 Conisburgh, leader of a scanty cavalcade, direct- 
 ing its course from the confines of a small forest 
 towards the city of Winchester. A morass, 
 flooded to impassable depths by copious downfalls 
 of recent rain, compelled a digression for a few 
 miles, when searching in vain for a safe passage 
 across the obstructive waters, with exhausted 
 patience the band reached a sylvan hovel, con- 
 structed of rough materials, hidden by leafy 
 creepers that covered the tottering walls. This 
 rustic abode was tenanted by an old man, com- 
 monly known as " Honest John," who, with his 
 more juvenile and buxom spouse, was ever de- 
 lighted to entertain, in a humble manner, the 
 perplexed travellers of that intricate country. 
 
 The habiliments of these puzzled men distin- 
 guished them as the servants of some lordly 
 baron; but high or low, rich or poor, Honest 
 John ever treated alike. With many acknow-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 137 
 
 ledgments they received a blunt welcome from 
 the lowly recluse, inviting them to share a simple 
 though well-laden board. 
 
 '' By kindly looks my spirits are already 
 cheered," said Conisburgh, " while your pre- 
 ferred hospitality is a boon most acceptable, for, 
 by the faith of St. Anthony, I have not broken 
 fast these eight hours. But, prithee, where may 
 we set our horses ?" 
 
 " You are right welcome to such as I am able 
 to offer," said Honest John, as the banquet com- 
 menced. ^^ Your horses are already in safety; 
 rest awhile in shelter from the pouring rain, 
 which soon will fall from yon blackened cloud, as 
 though the heavens were weeping for the crimes 
 of man." 
 
 " Your kindliness makes every dish a feast," 
 said Conisburgh, " but our stay must be brief, or 
 we shall fail to reach the city of Winchester 
 before the darkness of night overtakes us in this 
 difficult country." 
 
 " The fault shall not rest on me," said Honest
 
 138 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 John. Soon will I a route direct that shall 
 thither lead by a short and ready path. Though 
 thrice have my possessions fallen to some rapa- 
 cious lord, until compelled to seek retreat in this 
 seclusion, yet am I no enemy to mankind, but an 
 ever willing friend to those from whom I ne'er 
 received a harm." 
 
 " Like an honest man who can pleasure give 
 to the heart of friendship," said Conisburgh. 
 '^ I firmly believe you speak no empty words of an 
 idle boast, but the time-honoured sentiments of 
 an upright mind, cherished through a long and 
 weary life." 
 
 " Aye, cherished from my youth up, even until 
 now," said Honest John. " Despite the persecu- 
 tions of the oppressor, or the temptations of vice, 
 have I endeavoured to fulfil the revered theme of 
 my childhood thoughts." 
 
 " Of which we earnestly beg one more repeti- 
 tion," said Conisburgh. 
 
 '' The words am I ever pleased to repeat to 
 willing ears," replied Honest John, " It is not
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 139 
 
 a Bong; my old and faltering voice has ever been 
 a stranger to the strains of melody. More fitting 
 such accomplishments for a gallant youth, or the 
 fair maiden of his affections. It is this — ' though 
 beauty's smile will oft alarm, it is an honest 
 heart alone that can give joy and impart true 
 friendship ; our daily life is lightened by its 
 leaven, while its pleasures extend beyond this 
 earth' — remember that, young man." 
 
 The reception accorded to this sentiment was 
 one of general satisfaction. Time scarce per- 
 mitted its expression before a mounted traveller, 
 bearing the aspect of knightly distinction, 
 engaged the attention of the assembly, startled at 
 the unusual circumstance of such a personage 
 proceeding alone and unattended. His attire 
 consisted of a leathern doublet fitting close to the 
 body, hidden by a scarlet mantle, the outer 
 garment being bespattered .with mire, and 
 drenched with the downpouring torrents of 
 rain. Breathless exhalations from a panting 
 steed denoted eager haste during a prolonged
 
 140 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 journey. The nervous twitchings of his youthful 
 and handsome features exhibited a mixture of 
 forced cheerfulness, influenced by cautious dread, 
 while halting abruptly at the rude door of the old 
 cottage, he cautiously replied to a plain-spoken 
 challenge from its occupant. 
 
 ^^ I am a young and adventurous Knight," 
 said the traveller, *' suffering from the painful 
 vicissitudes of these exciting times. My name 
 is Ralf de Bourdon, and I claim no more than 
 the assistance of your guidance to the Priory of 
 Dunsmore." 
 
 " You must seek the City of Winchester," said 
 Honest John ; " from thence it will be needful ta 
 obtain some experienced guide, or you may, till 
 all eternity, wander through complicated windings 
 of an intricate forest." 
 
 " Accept the best thanks of a sincere friend," 
 said De Bourdon, *•' whose obligations will be 
 deepened by a ready direction to the venerable 
 city." 
 
 " If your lordly condescension will for a time
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 141 
 
 be satisfied with tlie shelter of my lowly walls," 
 said Honest John, '' I have friends there as- 
 sembled, seeking the same destination, who shortly 
 departing have already the promise of any 
 humble benefit my temporary care is able to 
 afi'ord/' 
 
 This invitation needed no second repetition. 
 As the mysterious Knight entered the solitary 
 retreat the assembled guests made their obeisance 
 with much ceremony, at first exhibiting the 
 reserve commonly inspired by a superior presence. 
 This backwardness soon vanishing through the 
 frank and communicative address of the newly 
 arrived traveller, whose mild affability was 
 strange to the ears of men accustomed to rude 
 rebuffs from a proud and overbearing master. 
 Not only were these familiar blandishments 
 prompted by benign attributes of natural disposi- 
 tion, but the supposed Knight, with great surprise, 
 recognised the humble company, by their peculiar 
 garb, as servants of Rochfort de Vere. So by 
 exercising a proper judicious tact, he confidently
 
 142 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 anticipated some valuable information, conducive 
 to the successful furtherance of a resolute and 
 important end. 
 
 " My friends,'^ said the supposed Knight, " let 
 not my presence interrupt the cheerfulness of 
 your humble festivities. And whence came ye 
 to these desolate wilds, wandering alone without 
 the supervision of your lordly master ?" 
 
 " We came hot from scenes of plunder," said 
 Conisburgh; "our master remains in London. 
 Something left undone rendering his presence a 
 necessity, or else he engages in the concoction 
 of deeper crimes." 
 
 " Our friend is melancholy mad," said one of 
 the company, drawing a grim face on the wall in 
 imitation of his fellow servant. " The trifling 
 license of a master's deeds doth shock his tender 
 conscience. Could he but prattle ave and paters, 
 soon a monkish garment would serve to hide the 
 multitude of his sins." 
 
 '•' Such is too commonly its office," replied 
 Conisburgh, "and most willingly would I be
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 143 
 
 spared my share of this present undertaking, 
 though enacted within the holy walls of Duns-- 
 more, when nothing will reward fidelity to my 
 master, save the lofty and ill-tempered looks 
 showered upon those who care not for his 
 favours." 
 
 " And what is the intention of this hurried 
 journey to the sanctified retreat of Dunsmore ?" 
 replied the supposed Knight, endeavouring to 
 suppress his eager earnestness. " Surely you do 
 not contemplate assuming the monkish cowl in 
 obedience to your friend's suggestion ?" 
 
 " .You are far wide. Sir Knight, of the object 
 of our instructions," said Conisburgh. " Having 
 accompanied our lord in an expedition to seize 
 the domain of a Knight, slain on the field at 
 Lewes, by name De Manville, the proceeds of 
 this forfeiture have been handed to the Prior of 
 Dunsmore. By way of consideration he engages 
 to deliver into our care a fair lady, whom we are 
 charged to escort to the safe custod}^ of our master's 
 stronghold at Hurstingham."
 
 144 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 '* Where, by a ready compliance to his desires 
 she may secure the attention becoming her rank," 
 said one of the company. " My friend had better 
 remain at Winchester, if his tender compunc- 
 tions cannot endure the sight of woman's 
 tears." 
 
 Kegaling themselves with copious draughts of 
 liquor, the assembly now indulged in coarse and 
 noisy pastime, while observing the mildness of 
 Conisburgh under the vulgar insinuations of his 
 loathed companions, the supposed Knight sat 
 musing in a corner, overpowered by the buxom 
 hostess, who showed that submissive regard 
 which oft becomes a nuisance. The advancing 
 day necessitated a hasty departure. The honest 
 old man accompanying the travellers to a direct 
 and unmistakable path, took his leave of the little 
 troop. The noisy portion hurried forward, De 
 Eourdon and Conisburgh following at some little 
 distance, they proceeded through a thickly packed 
 forest, over a smooth, grassy glade, the wide- 
 spreading and intermingled branches of numerous
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 145 
 
 towering oaks affording a slender shelter from 
 the heavy shower of pitiless rain. 
 
 ^' It surprises me much, Sir Knight," said 
 Conisburgh, " to see you thus solitary and un- 
 attended, while I have honestly served a master 
 from my youth, from whom I receive nothing but 
 blows and angry looks. Permit me to follow 
 your wandering course, for there is in your 
 manner a charm that would command my 
 faithful service." 
 
 '^ Your fidelity is worthy of a better master," 
 said De Bourdon. '^ At present such an engage- 
 ment would be of little avail, even to the most 
 zealous of deserving followers." 
 
 " Forgive my importunity. Sir Knight," 
 replied Conisburgh. " My sight has been long 
 sickened by the nightly revels of licentious com- 
 panions. Forced by a violent and brutal master 
 to complicity in acts of vicious wickedness, I am 
 wearied with such loathsome and degrading occu- 
 pations. Whatever hardships I may be called 
 upon to endure, faithfully would I prove your 
 
 VOL. I. H
 
 146 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 trusty servant, even to the sacrifice of life ; but 
 free me, I earnestly implore you, from such abject 
 serfdom to iniquity and sin." 
 
 '' That will I speedily accomplish if you will 
 follow my present injunctions," replied De 
 Bourdon. *'When to-morrow's dawn has dis- 
 pelled the darkness of the coming night, proceed 
 with your train to Dunsmore ; returning with the 
 fair lady, I will again meet you at a small stone 
 which lies a short distance from the King's Gate. 
 An entertainment will be provided suitable to 
 occupy the degenerate minds of your degrading 
 companions, when, riding quickly away with the 
 noble lady, proceed to the Castle of Pevensel, in 
 Sussex, bearing this scroll to one Peter de Savoy, 
 in whose noble service you will be forthwith re- 
 tained, until the chances of life again bring us 
 together. These silver pieces which I now offer 
 will prove the earnest of my integrity and good- 
 will if you fail me not.". 
 
 Though widely distant their station in lite, 
 this solemn compact was concluded between the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 147 
 
 young men in cheerfulness and ready zeal. With 
 deep regret Conisburgh deemed it necessary to 
 part for a short interval from his new acquaint- 
 ance, overjoyed at the prospect now before him, 
 which seemed a visionary belief in impossible 
 dreams. He quickly rejoined his companions, 
 when, arched by the prismatic haze of an evening 
 rainbow, the venerable Cathedral of the ancient 
 city burst proudly into view. 
 
 With urgent speed De Bourdon retired to the 
 solitude of a secluded inn, the natural buoyancy 
 of a hopeful spirit directing his storm-beaten 
 course to the haven of confident success in a 
 dangerous enterprise. It required a powerful 
 display of intellectual ability to outstrip the 
 unbridled machinations of revengeful foes, who 
 made the perpetration of sinister and designing 
 crime the habitual occupation of life. 
 
 H 2
 
 148 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 " A light and goodly bark 
 Glides through the softest breeze 
 Of zephyr's gentle breath 
 That swept the glassy seas ; 
 Its purpose to unfold 
 In haste a lordling strove, 
 Mingling with war's alarms, , 
 
 A message of sweet love." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 While the gentle ripples of a glassy sea were 
 swept by the breath of softest zephyrs, a small 
 vessel entered the little haven of Pevensel, from 
 which a juvenile Knight landed so speedily that 
 it might safely be assumed he was the bearer of 
 some intelligence, the mystified inhabitants, who 
 endeavoured to gain some information as to its
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 149 
 
 purport, being completely baffled by the incom- 
 prehensible gibberish of a Flemish crew. 
 
 Though suffering from the effects of a some- 
 what protracted sea voyage, the gallant youth 
 displayed a great vivacity of manner. Tall and 
 handsome in person, his countenance beamed with 
 complacent smiles of self-satisfaction, denoting 
 the inward pleasure afforded by his mission. 
 With graceful courtesy he nodded in answer to 
 respectful salutations greeting his arrival, and 
 rapidly proceeded to the Castle in a light walk, 
 broken occasionally by short trots. His sprightly 
 earnestness soon aroused Savoy from a state of 
 listless somnambulism. The noble Lord was 
 astonished at the unexpected appearance of one 
 whom he imagined still exhibiting his talents in 
 the fair regions of Flanders. 
 
 Since the three noble Lords left for France, 
 after Sandford undertook the release of Lady 
 Emmeline from her danger, Savoy had spent the 
 long and dreary days in the anxiety of contem- 
 plation, which, telling visibly on the hallowed
 
 150 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 cheeks of his increasing years^ caused a depres- 
 sion of spirits visible even to the humblest 
 domestic of the Castle. His mind was now filled 
 with the direst apprehensions — " The good youth 
 is banished from the land — Ralf de Bourdon — that 
 name is not familiar to my ear — he may be a 
 goodly knight, and worthy of the trust of my 
 acquittance in unlimited sums." Such was the 
 thoughtful muse interrupted by the newly arrived 
 visitor. The noble Lord determined at once to 
 enlist him ii the fair lady's service. He was 
 only prevented by the quickness of address which 
 characterised De Meudon's proceedings, who^ 
 since he left England under the care of Portevin, 
 had been charged to convey a communication 
 from Damme, sent by the Qaeen to her son. It 
 was io be delivered to the capiive Prince, if 
 possible, without the knowledge of his appointed 
 guards. 
 
 '' What kind winds," said De Meudon, "have 
 impelled my gliding bark to this hospitable 
 haven that I may pour forth words to dispel the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 151 
 
 melancholy thoughts oppressing my Lord's soul. 
 Mine is, indeed, a goodly office^ and may it meet 
 its due and fair reward." 
 
 " There is nothing 1 can bestow which your 
 knightly distinction would deem a recompense," 
 said Savoy. '^You have already my welcome, 
 and can, if so inclined, render me earnest service. 
 I am troubled with horrible imaginings that drown 
 my brooding thoughts in surmises of pres ent evil. 
 But what brings you in haste from Flanders?" 
 
 " I come first to talk with you — and where is 
 the living man I would more gladly serve, even 
 to undertakings of desperation?" replied De 
 Meudon. " But, soft, the Queen is gathering a 
 vast force in Flanders to restore the liberty of her 
 injured son. She requests the immediate con- 
 veyance of all available sums, and I am charged 
 to convey this intelligence to the Prince. Before 
 to-morrow's sun has run its course must this be 
 accomplished ; then I seek of my Lord a recom- 
 pense, should my boldness of heart prove worthy 
 of a fair lady's love."
 
 152 THE INTRIGUEKS. 
 
 *^ Let what is to be done be done quickly,'* 
 replied Savoy, visibly affected at intervals. ^* If 
 I comprehend your desires aright, and can trust 
 my aged and failing ears, you aspire to the fair 
 hand of Lady Emmeline. Heaven grant that 
 you could restore her to this home in safety and 
 honour, then would you earn a measure of thanks 
 more than her affections or my gratitude could 
 ever repay. My niece doth now require a pro- 
 tection, which my declining years fail to afford, 
 and it would accomplish the desire of my life to 
 see her matched to one of such noble parentage. 
 Accept my heartfelt acquiescence even before it is 
 asked. '^ 
 
 *• My Lord is gifted in the utterance of pro- 
 phetic syllables," said De Meudon, " and hast 
 spoken words of joy to so unworthy a subject as 
 myself. If the fair lady's honour is at stake, the 
 more fitting opportunity for a gallant Knight to 
 win the reward of her affections." 
 
 Accompanied by visible emotions of sorrow, 
 Savoy poured forth a full recapitulation of Lady^
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 153 
 
 Emmeline's danger. It will scarcely be necessary 
 to repeat these particulars. He added the ex- 
 pression of his fears, that she might have fallen 
 into the snares so deeply dreaded. The name of 
 Ralph de Bourdon proved an inexplicable myth 
 to the eager listener, who vowed to effect the 
 lady's rescue, regardless of life, even under the 
 worst of circumstances. During the midst of 
 indulgence in mingled protestations of bravery 
 and love, the attention of the noble Lords was 
 directed to another vessel, then entering the 
 haven of Pevensel. The bustle and confusion 
 occasioned by this circumstance indicated the 
 importance of the personages it conveyed, and the 
 young Knight was deputed by Savoy to offer the 
 hospitality of the Castle. 
 
 In the execution of this errand, De Meudon was 
 surprised to meet an old acquaintance, a noble 
 attached to the French Court, who came to Eng- 
 land with communications from the King of 
 France, accompanied by the fair companion of 
 his existence. Having resided sometime in 
 
 H 5
 
 154 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Provence witli his father, the young Knight had 
 spent many happy days with these esteemed 
 fnends, whom be now conducted to the Castle to 
 receive the salutations of its Lord. 
 
 The courUer engaged Savoy in a conversation 
 conducted in the French language, the latter for- 
 bearing to ask any questions concerning hi& 
 guest's purpose, which the rales of hospitality 
 would forbid, while De Meadon gathered from 
 the lady, by his graceful blandishments, the 
 expression of her determi nation to visit the 
 Prince at Dover. So far did the young man 
 ingratiate himself into the lady's good favour^ 
 that he persuaded her to deliver privately the 
 scroll brought from Flande^-s, though she was 
 utterly ignorant of its contents. Thus having 
 accomplished that desired object, he was free to 
 pursue his rival love suit without further let or 
 hinderance. 
 
 There was much movement in the Castle to 
 prepare a feast suitable to such important guests. 
 A table was at length spread with the choicest
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 155 
 
 viands, and groaning under a dazzling display of 
 plate, it denoted the almost regal magnificence 
 of the noble Lord's possessions. During the 
 repast De Meudon was engaged in one constant 
 endeavour to conceal the depression of Savoy's 
 spirits, so evident in his exclamations and 
 gestures. The distinguished guests did not fail 
 to observe its burden, the noble courtier ventur- 
 ing on some slight enquiry as to the cause of 
 such grief. 
 
 " Why sufier your brow to be clouded with 
 deep remorse ?" said the courtier. " Does op- 
 pression reign so triumphant through your land, 
 that my lord is not safe from fears and alarms T' 
 
 "You truly premise that sorrow hangs on my 
 aged brow," replied Savoy. '^ Daily I walk on 
 the quicksand of disaster. Our King is prisoner 
 to his foes ; even my noble possessions are no 
 longer safe from the rapacious grasp of covetous 
 men. Yet there is an unspeakable dread of even 
 greater evils, which lays a burdensome secret on 
 my weary soul."
 
 166 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 ^*You would do well to exchange such dire 
 forebodings for more delightful measures," said 
 the courtier. "It is ever on his ills rather than 
 his blessings that man is apt to dwell. We have 
 here a young Knight, whose skill can soon dispel 
 this melancholy by those musical arts which 
 gained him great renown, even amongst the 
 accomplished notables of Provence." 
 
 There was a short pause, during which, in 
 deference to the wishes of his guests. Savoy 
 assented to their request by a slight inclination 
 of the head, though song was by no means in 
 accordance with his present humour. The in- 
 habitants of the south of France still retained 
 much of their old love for music and poetry, 
 notwithstanding the cruel persecution endured 
 throughout the Albigensian war, which ravaged 
 their country in the early part of the thirteenth 
 century. 
 
 Possibly it was owing to residence in those 
 fair districts, that De Meudon had acquired his 
 knowledge of the troubadour's art.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 157 
 
 " There was a man iu olden time, 
 A troubadour was he ; 
 Whose passing chant and lilting rhyme 
 Had mighty charms for me." 
 
 Eliza Cook. 
 
 The young Kniglit complied by singing a 
 familiar tune, displaying his ability in rhyme, 
 by suiting its measure to the following verse, 
 given quite impromptu : — 
 
 " With zealous haste I crossed the wave, 
 Speaking of strife and war's alarms ; 
 But now I banish thoughts so brave. 
 To contemplate a maiden's charms. 
 
 " A threatening fiend mars beauty's lot, 
 And dangers great attend his sway ; 
 To crush a vile and wicked plot, 
 My valour strong will I display. 
 
 " In anxious moments must I wait. 
 
 Oh, fates, spare thine adverse decree 
 Fair lady, if not yet too late. 
 My love shall echo soft to thee." 
 
 A little pressure was requisite before the fairer 
 guest was likewise induced to display her talents. 
 But this diversion was brought to a somewhat 
 abrupt termination, through an announcement
 
 158 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 that the cavalcades were in readiness, by which 
 the guests were to continue their respective 
 journeys. 
 
 Surrounded by armed men of warlike appear- 
 ance, the horses were adorned with most mag- 
 nificent trappings suitable to the dignity of the 
 travellers, who, after numerous expressions of 
 regret from the noble Lord, declined to prolong 
 a stay at Pevensel, taking their leave with 
 graceful courtesy and thankful declarations. 
 The courtier pursued his way to London, the 
 lady proceeding to Dover to await the arrival of 
 her lord on his return to France. 
 
 As the day slowly advanced. Savoy relapsed 
 into his former sensations of fear and dismay. 
 Actively engaged in preparations for departure 
 in search of Lady Emmeline, De Meudon was 
 endeavouring to allay the noble lord's appre- 
 hensions, when a small party of riders, advancing 
 through the soft twilight of a fading evening, at- 
 tracted the notice of a far-sighted warder, who 
 kept a vigilant guard from his lofty watch tower.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 159 
 
 Scarcely had he time to give an alarm, before 
 the horses came down upon the castle with 
 emulous rapidity. The commotion this circum- 
 stance produced was only succeeded by outbursts 
 of joy, which the termination of our next chapter 
 will explain.
 
 160 THE INTRiaUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER XYI. 
 
 " Oh ! what makes woman lovely ? Virtue, faith, and gentleness 
 in suffering, and endurance through scorn and trial ; these call 
 beauty forth, give it shape celestial, and admit to sisterhood with 
 angels." 
 
 Bbent. 
 
 Shortly after the solemn notes of an early masa 
 had echoed their final sounds through the vaulted 
 roofs of Dunsmore, a pious maiden received an 
 intimation from the Superior that before noon- 
 tide she would cease to be an inmate of those 
 sacred walls, all enquiry as to destination being 
 refused with petulance and evasion. Never on 
 previous occasions had the presence of that 
 spiritual lady so impressed a youthful mind with 
 overpowering horror. Remembering suspicions
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 161 
 
 distinctly implied by the fair Lady of Arundel, 
 even to Emmeline's innocent mind no linoferinsf 
 doubt remained. She was the victim of a vile 
 and licentious plot. 
 
 With prayerful thoughts, she immediately 
 retired into quiet solitude, giving vent to a 
 thrilling passion of grief's first outburst. Then 
 she exclaimed in hopefulness — 
 
 *^ That same gracious heaven, which sustained 
 me through former danger, will not withhold its 
 helping hand in my present need." 
 
 The beautiful allurements of her pallid, though 
 still charming features, were scarcely marred by 
 the weariness of anxious seclusion. Seated at a 
 small latticed opening, she gazed, through 
 tearful eyes, on the graceful undulations of the 
 velvet- turfed slopes that recent showers had 
 refreshed. The sweeping breadths of a lofty 
 forest were before her. This backed the varied 
 landscape with soft emerald shades which were 
 relieved by the ivory brilliance of blossomed 
 chestnuts that shone in vivid rays of morning
 
 162 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 light. A dark cloud, in aspect like a bare and 
 rugged mountain, rose proudly in the distant 
 horizon, foreboding the approach of mid-day 
 storms, which, like the fair lady's trials, might 
 be again dispelled before the shadows of the 
 surrounding objects were lengthened by the level 
 beams of a setting sun. 
 
 Still musing in an attitude of coDtemplation, 
 Emmeline espied a small train of horsemen just 
 emerging from an open vista in the remote 
 forest. She eagerly watched their progress, and 
 broke forth into further outbursts of abject 
 sorrow, when, recognising the dress of Rochfort 
 de Yere's followers, the bitterness of an un- 
 happy fate seemed imminent as a realized 
 certainty. 
 
 By the bushed murmurs of hastened prayer, 
 the fair lady was again strengthened. In the 
 determination that heartless betrayers should not 
 be witnesses of her grief, she bade them a hearty 
 farewell, with the expression of many undeserved 
 blessings. Her manner surprised the bystanding
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 163 
 
 crowd by an apparent lightness of spirits, which 
 they attributed to ignorance of present danger, 
 unable to comprehend the divine purity of her 
 maiden heart. Scarce had the escort reached the 
 confines of the wooded forest, before she was 
 again overpowered by the extremity of terrified 
 grief, and choked with convulsive outbursts of 
 painful sobs. 
 
 With the exception of Conisburgh, the sight of 
 the lady's anguish only provoked unmanly ex- 
 pressions of coarse and indignant taunts. That 
 young guardian, watching a favourable oppor- 
 tunity, stealthily placed in the fair lady's hand a 
 small packet, well and safely secured from the 
 observation of curiosity. After a spasmodic effort 
 to restore composure, with trembling fingers she 
 opened the unexpected dispatch, which, to her 
 overjoying astonishment contained a small ring, 
 given as a keepsake to the adored youth of her 
 affections before she left the beloved home at 
 Pevensel. Attached was a brief writing, exe- 
 cuted in his unmistakable hand — " Be silent and
 
 164 THE INTEIGUERS. 
 
 fear not." She now indulged confident expecta- 
 tions that her devoted friend must be released 
 from a gaol of captivity to effect her speedy 
 deliverance, though by what means was involved 
 in profound mystery — a mystery only exceeded 
 by the fact of such a missive coming through a 
 coadjutor wearing the garb of Rochfort's service ► 
 Still, in passive trust, she rigidly maintained 
 the imposed direction of strict reserve. 
 
 With the following twilight, the little band of 
 travellers reached the stone mentioned on the 
 previous day by the supposed Knight, but, to 
 Conisburgh's dismay, that enterprising character 
 was nowhere visible. An untoward circumstance 
 that was hardly a matter of wonderment. The 
 King's gate at the entrance to the city of 
 Winchester, and the Church of St. Swithin, which 
 rested on the buttresses of that frequented portal, 
 together with the entrance to an adjoining Con- 
 vent, was enveloped in one mass of flame. A 
 riotous mob were wreaking vengeance on all their 
 neighbours. With what object they themselves
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 165 
 
 were probably unaware. It at first appeared little 
 but a motley assembly of — 
 
 " A noisy crowd, 
 Like woman's anger, impotent and loud.'' 
 
 Drtden. 
 
 Though the mischief already perpetrated was 
 shortly followed by indiscriminate acts of deeper 
 violence. 
 
 Halting at the appointed rendezvous, Emme- 
 line remained under the care of Conisburgh, 
 whose five companions, impelled by unrestrain- 
 able curiosity, rushed forward to the stirring 
 scene of tumultuous strife. At that moment the 
 fury of the contending parties seemed to redouble. 
 Two of the band were carried by the violence of 
 a rushing crowd through the burning gateway to 
 a considerable distance within the narrow streets 
 of the old City. Thus these adventurous swains 
 were debarred all possibility of retreat in the 
 confused excitement of a murderous uproar. 
 Their three remaining fellow travellers en- 
 deavoured to seek refuo^e in the Convent of St.
 
 166 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Swithin, and being mistaken for servants of the 
 establishment — the objects of especial hatred— 
 they were speedily numbered amongst the victims 
 of a brutal and lawless massacre. At this critical 
 juncture De Bourdon, unobserved by the fair 
 lady, approached the small stone. By dumb 
 motions he directed Conisburgh to ride away by a 
 suitable track, and followed himself at a respectful 
 distance. After some four miles were accom- 
 plished he advanced. The new candidate for 
 Savoy's service was desired to proceed a little 
 ahead for the purpose of indicating a safe route 
 through the surrounding darkness, and with much 
 difficulty the supposed Knight restrained an im- 
 mediate impulse of joyful emotion, when, in his 
 well-known person, Emmeline quickly recognised 
 the beloved object of her youthful affection. 
 
 "It seems," said Emmeline, after a short 
 pause, *' but the fanciful imaginations of a wild 
 dream, the bitter heaviness of dreary nights has 
 changed to unspeakable joys. I must now owe you 
 a debt of gratitude which no affection can repay.
 
 THE INTEIGUERS. 167 
 
 Oh ! tell me promptly, what blessed spirit of 
 grace has so smiled on your path, releasing you in 
 safety from such dangerous and implacable foes?'^ 
 
 " Unhappily our present situation does not 
 warrant such joyful outbursts of emotion," re- 
 plied Sandford. '^ Thus far fortune appears in • 
 its upward course, but in the midst of its dazzling 
 light there are dark threatening clouds of trouble 
 yet to be encountered. Years of anxious care 
 and foresight may not suffice to dispel them. 
 Still, thanks to a righteous heaven, I have been 
 the happy means of your deliverance from the 
 deepest disasters which could befall so virtuous 
 and innocent a maiden." 
 
 " It is ever my happiness to obey thee," said 
 Emmeline. '' Whatever dangers may surround 
 us, my confiding heart would be lightened of half 
 its load of oppression could we share the endu- 
 rance of all impending disasters." 
 
 '' Be not dismayed at the expression of words 
 which idle affectation would only withhold," re- 
 plied Sandford, gently taking the fair lady's hand.
 
 168 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 "The Prince's arms have experienced a disastrous 
 reverse, our enemies now enjoy a triumphant and 
 oppressive sway. Heaven grant it may be as 
 brief as it is complete ! For ten long weary 
 years am I sentenced to banishment from the fair 
 domain of this unhappy country. Therefore, I 
 implore you, let reason occupy its appropriate 
 place in the contemplations of your womanly- 
 mind. Think of me as a devoted friend ; as a 
 deliverer from licentious violence; a release 
 effected at the risk of my own unworthy life. 
 But no longer regard me as a future lord, a con- 
 summation the vicissitudes of changed and rest- 
 less times have rendered a stern and positive im- 
 possibility." 
 
 " Why should you add to my bitter trials even 
 the most remote hints at a desired infidelity ?" 
 cried Emmeline, in earnest accents. " At your 
 bidding have I endured the miseries of solitary 
 seclusion, and a longsufi*ering suspense, now re- 
 quited by the withdrawal of affections deeply 
 rooted in my trustful heart."
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 169 
 
 *^ Mistake me not," replied Sandford. '^ My 
 arguments were solely based on the dictates of 
 reason. The affection of my deepest love has 
 warmed under the contemplation of your faith- 
 fulness, endurance in suffering, and the constant 
 exercise of nearly all the divine attributes which 
 grace a woman's souh Do me not so severe an 
 injustice, nor speak of infidelity to one, who, for 
 your sake, has dared to remain on the shores of 
 England, when (in the event of detection) his life 
 would atone for so rash an act." 
 
 " Then why seek to terminate an affection 
 which has prompted the incurrence of so fearful 
 a danger?" said Emmeline, with quivering lips. 
 ** Heaven forbid that I should detain you from 
 higher objects. How can I forget a sympathy 
 implanted not only from regard, but heightened 
 by the obligations of gratitude ? In my uncle's 
 declining years, you are the only friend in whom 
 I can look for guidance ; tell me, whether in any- 
 thing, however trifling, I ever gave you dis- 
 pleasure." 
 
 VOL. I. I
 
 170 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 '^ There is but one exception that might be 
 deemed a spot on the purity of your nature," 
 replied Sandford. "The concealment of your 
 affections from the knowledge of your guardian. 
 It much surprises me that a spirit, capable of so 
 much, endurance through scorn and trial, should 
 be weighed down by so imaginary a dread ; nor, 
 to be plain, would it consist with my honest, 
 though lofty aspirations, that my overtures should 
 be regarded as a degradation." 
 
 ^^ Trifle not with my passionate feelings," said 
 Emmeline, suffused in tears. '^ You well know 
 the arrogance of my uncle's pride overpowers 
 whatever good qualities he otherwise possesses. 
 The utmost exercise of my weak powers would 
 fail to convince him. He could never believe 
 that superiority of genius could prove anything 
 but degradation to the imaginary advantages of 
 proud birth, though now I can express my 
 devotion for you as a protector, and urge with 
 energy the affections of a grateful heart. Still, 
 where lies this immediate necessity ? If the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 171 
 
 cruel decrees of fate compel our separation, why 
 may I not be permitted to dote in silent medita- 
 tion ?" 
 
 " Those reasons would be urged to greater 
 advantage while fresh in the breast of recollec- 
 tion/' replied Sandford ; " time only can soften 
 the sternest prejudices of mankind, and there is 
 a pleasure arising from a fearless and conscien- 
 tious performance of duty which exceeds all 
 gratification that human nature is capable of 
 enjoying." 
 
 "I faithfully promise a true and passive 
 obedience," rejoined Emmeline, " even if it 
 should involve the incurrence of my uncle's 
 deepest resentment. But tell me to what 
 distant regions you now direct your rapid 
 flight ?" 
 
 " For the present," said Sandford, '' T seek 
 security in the wild mountains of Wales. There 
 will I endeavour to organise a resistance to our 
 enemies, which may by Heaven's help spread 
 throughout the length of the land. But rest 
 
 I 2
 
 172 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 assured that Rochfort de Yere will still exercise 
 his wicked arts for your destruction. Make me 
 this positive promise, never leave the safety of 
 Pevensel, unless at the bidding of one who 
 shall again produce the little token placed 
 temporarily in your hands during your recent 
 trial ; and be comforted, though parted by 
 distance, my watchful care will ever attend your 
 footsteps.'* 
 
 In the early dawn of a summer's morning the 
 grey towers of William the Strong's fortress rose 
 proudly over a white mist, which enveloped the 
 face of the earth in twisted and irregular coils. 
 "Worn out with excessive fatigue, it was requisite 
 that Emmeline should immediately seek tran- 
 quillity in that hospitable domain. The three 
 travellers entering its castellated walls were ac- 
 corded a sympathising welcome. But even this 
 ancient Palace of Royalty was depressed by the 
 disasters of altered circumstances, its noble lord 
 having received commands from Leicester, had 
 to provide hostages for his good faith or to deliver
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 173 
 
 up his noble possessions at Arundel. This 
 rendered Sandford's stay one of brief necessity. 
 After partaking of suitable refreshment he de- 
 parted through a thickly wooded country to seek 
 concealment. With many protestations of re- 
 newed affection he took a hearty leave of Lady 
 Emmeline, whether for years or for ever the 
 future course of our story will suffice to 
 show. 
 
 The agitation of these anxious moments pre- 
 vented Emmeline from enjoying repose during 
 that trying day. She spent its weary course in 
 exchanging with the Lady of Arundel those 
 mutual consolations needed by their respective 
 troubles. In the early evening she retired, 
 passing hours in the outpouring of tearful and 
 earnest prayer for a further protection of provi- 
 dential guidance over the adored youth who had 
 so fearlessly accomplished her deliverance. She 
 mingled her devotions with expressions of thank- 
 fulness for all recent blessings, until comforted 
 and composed she reclined, in the darkness of
 
 174 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 night, on a richly embroidered couch. Peacefully 
 calm and happy was that repose. 
 
 " The darkness ends a day of anxious care, 
 Her vesper hours were spent in thoughtful prayer, 
 In placid slumber rests her weary head ; 
 Sweet angels guard the soft and lonely bed, 
 On features calm the moon reflects her light. 
 And wind's soft murmurs break the stilly night." 
 
 Anonymous. 
 
 On the following morning she departed for 
 Pevensel, accompanied by Conisburgh and a few 
 more attendants, kindly provided by the Lady of 
 Arundel. That destination was reached in safety 
 shortly before nightfall. The unspeakable joy of 
 her worthy guardian, and the gratification of the 
 domestics, mingled with the cries from her own 
 sobbing heart, was an affecting scene on which 
 we forbear to dwell. She retired quickly to rest, 
 glad to be relieved from the scrutinizing gaze of 
 De Meudon's profound admiration. A full account 
 of all recent proceedings was duly recapitulated 
 by the faithful Conisburgh, who soon felt quite at 
 ease in his new service.
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 175 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 " Each vassal has a wild, distracted face, and looks as full of 
 business as a blockhead in time of danger." — Drtden. 
 
 Secure in a feudal stronghold and embittered 
 with vexatious disappointments, the effect of 
 nightly revels was still distinctly marked on 
 Rochfort de Vere^s countenance, while pacing 
 the ramparts at Hurstingham with that restless 
 impatience usual to men engaged in depraved and 
 sinful deeds. 
 
 " What delays these loitering slaves, for whom 
 I watched till yesterday's sun sank in the western 
 sky, and — ," here he was interrupted by two
 
 176 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 figures approaching by the avenue leading to the 
 fortress. 
 
 The commanding towers were stationed on the 
 crest of a hill; and projecting like a narrow 
 promontory from the adjacent country, the sum- 
 mit of the sloping ground commanded extensive 
 views of a surrounding forest. The banks re- 
 ceded from the Castle walls by a delving steep, 
 the sides covered closely with beeches and copse- 
 wood ; these effectually prevented any encroach- 
 ment, except in one direction, which was studded 
 with a long vista of fir trees. 
 
 After Lady Emmeline effected her ready escape, 
 the riot at Winchester had barely subsided, even 
 on the following morning. At the earliest avail- 
 able moment, during the subsequent confusion, 
 the two servants, carried into the City by the 
 pressure of the crowd, commenced a search for 
 their missing companions ; but the entrance to 
 the Convent was still barred by a large and ex- 
 cited mob. Then making swiftly to the small 
 stone outside the King's gate, they premised that
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 177 
 
 their fellow-travellers, and their fair charge, had 
 continued the journey to Hurstingham. When 
 arriving at the portal of that Castle they were 
 met by Rochfort de Vere, who conducted them to 
 the great Hall, the men naturally supposing their 
 fellow-vassals already to have reached that des- 
 tination, while the master imagined the arrival 
 an advance-guard of the cavalcade which was 
 shortly to be expected. 
 
 The condition of the hall at that moment would 
 give a tolerable insight into the manners and 
 customs of the inhabitants. Anyone possessing 
 the most ordinary observation will be well 
 acquainted with the appearance of a supper table, 
 after the guests have departed, even in modem 
 and polite society. What a confused wreck of 
 former regularity, wine glasses half emptied left 
 in a disordered mingling, plates, yet holding 
 small fragments of undevoured delicacies, the 
 once clean and snowy table-cloth, strewed and 
 bedaubed in the general scramble. Still the 
 worthy partakers have gratified their appetites, 
 
 I 5
 
 178 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 without overstepping the limits of propriety ; but 
 we have now to contemplate the remains of wild 
 and dissolute indulgence. The old oaken tables, 
 which stretched their narrow length in a parallel 
 line round the massive walls, were pushed into 
 diverse angles, while the seats lay scattered like 
 baskets in the bustle of a vegetable market. 
 The drinking cups, thrown in careless heaps, 
 mostly on their sides, were surrounded by small 
 pools of liquid, and a floor greased with trodden 
 fragments of broken viands, made the whole 
 scene a suitable sequel to drunken revelry, con- 
 tinued until the dawn of returning daylight. 
 Here two unsuspecting vassals, with wild and 
 distracted faces, coDfronted the stern and savage 
 countenance of an enraged and impatient master. 
 Under these peculiar circumstances, the 
 affrighted vassals remained stationary, antici- 
 pating some interrogatories concerning their 
 delay in following the rbain body of the expected 
 travellers. After waiting a few moments for 
 information, which he supposed the bewildered
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 179 
 
 serfs could afford, Rochfort at length broke an 
 awful and protracted silence. 
 
 " Wherefore such idleness, you loitering 
 grooms, that now stare on vacancy like block- 
 heads in dismay. It is a week since I sent you on 
 this business. Methinks you conspire to defeat 
 my ends, while your mouths are filled with my ra- 
 tions. Speak out, you rascals, and account for your 
 audacity in thus trifling with my impatience." 
 
 " We are ever my Lord's faithful servants," 
 said one of the men, " and have followed our com- 
 panions to the utmost of possible speed. Oppress 
 not thine unfortunate victims by angry looks, 
 when, to save our lives, we were compelled to fly." 
 
 '" Vile hounds,'^ interrupted Rochfort, " do 
 you come to mock the dragon in his fury — tell 
 me, where are those worthless slaves, and the 
 fair lady ? Whence do ye come ? Provoke not 
 my endurance by the garnish of useless con- 
 coctions, or such punishments await you as never 
 before were inflicted in this Castle." 
 
 In penitential tones the two serfs poured forth
 
 180 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 a full relation of the circumstances which caused 
 the separation from their fellow-travellers, and 
 expressed a full belief that the remainder of the 
 party could not be far distant, if not already 
 arrived. There was no allusion to the supposed 
 knight, of whom, it will be remembered, they 
 saw nothing on that occasion. Quite in ignorance 
 of his intentions, they attached no importance to 
 the accidental rencontre on the previous day ; 
 indeed, in the excitement of terror, this occur- 
 rence had passed away from memory. After listen- 
 ing in silence to the conclusion of these arguments, 
 Eochfort again burst forth, his lips quivering 
 with the vehemence of perplexed excitement. 
 
 ^^ Think not to excuse your neglect by wily and 
 evasive inventions. My purposes are not to be 
 defeated through hirelings and dependents. Re- 
 turn at once, and seek the lost and daring hounds ; 
 if you find them not, your lives shall answer for 
 such rashness." 
 
 " I implore my lord to deal reasonably with 
 those who have endeavoured to execute his com-
 
 THE INTEIGUERS. 181 
 
 mands faithfully/' answered one of the menials. 
 " There is scarcely an occasion for such alarm ; 
 the missing wayfarers will most surely soon 
 return, or probably have sought refuge in the 
 Convent of St. Swithin, yet surrounded by an 
 excited populace, from whom we have escaped 
 with difficulty." 
 
 " Then let horses be saddled at once," replied 
 Rochfort, " I myself will go and seek them out, 
 and woe to the reptiles' heads if I find them still 
 loitering on the road." 
 
 Even to Rochfort's enraged mind, the sugges- 
 tion of his menials seemed to bear some reason- 
 able appearance of probability, though he con- 
 sidered the whole matter as a serious uncertainty. 
 The delay in procuring horses was only exceeded 
 by the difficulty in finding the requisite number 
 of attendants, few being sufficiently sober after 
 the wassailry of the preceding night. On reach- 
 ing the city of Winchester some hours after sun- 
 set, the seekers found that excitement had been 
 succeeded by tranquillity, like a dead calm follow- 
 ing the violence of a gale.
 
 182 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 It would be rather foreign to the purpose of 
 our story to trace every step by which Rochfort 
 pursued his investigation. So closely had the 
 inmates of the convent secluded themselves from 
 further molestation, that no information could be 
 gained until the following day had far advanced, 
 when a solemn mass was celebrated for the repose 
 of the souls of many unfortunate victims, amongst 
 whom were found the mortal remains of the two 
 butchered servants. 
 
 Amid all his vexations and disappointments, 
 Rochfort was now fully satisfied concerning the 
 statements brought to him. All further inquiries 
 were utterly fruitlesst He indulged an imagina- 
 tion of the lady in Conisburgh's custody, returned 
 to Dunsmore to ensure greater safetj^, or lost in 
 the intricacies of the forest, which intercepted the 
 road to that sacred retreat. We now leave him 
 in a fixed determination to form his followers 
 into separate divisions, to proceed to the aforesaid 
 destination, early on the following morning.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 183 
 
 CHAPTER XYIIL 
 
 " I felt it prompt the tender dream, 
 When slowly sank the day's last gleam, 
 
 You rous'd each gentler sense, 
 As, sighing o'er the blossom's bloom, 
 Meek evening wakes its soft perfume, 
 
 With viewless influence." 
 
 COLEEIDGE. 
 
 To regard any proposed schemes, however slightly 
 advanced, as settled and accomplished fact, is a 
 common failing with persons who have reached 
 the years of dotage; a preconceived delusion 
 frequently giving rise to troublesome and un- 
 pleasant inconvenience. Acting under this pecu- 
 liar impression, Savoy's positive conversation 
 with regard to his niece's affections led De
 
 184 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Meudon into grievous error. The familiar tone 
 in which the noble lord was accustomed to speak 
 of future arrangements, implied a notion that the 
 lady must have yielded a ready compliance, and 
 though a spell seemed to hang over the progress 
 of his love suit, still the gallant youth believed 
 his ultimate happiness a secure consummation. 
 
 To the young Knight^s chagrin, the habits and 
 manners of the lady, since her return to Pevensel, 
 appeared to have undergone a marked change. 
 Her features, though more pale and emaciated, 
 maintained their former liveliness of expression. 
 A winning smile often afforded deep pleasure to 
 the beholder, before able to steal a second glance 
 at the object of admiration. Sometimes she 
 would sit for hours in pensive thought, the effect 
 of frequent tears plainly visible in her suffused 
 eyes. Earely joining in society, except at the 
 usual meals, she was accustomed to retire at the 
 earliest available moment ; more time being spent 
 in devotional exercises than former usage had 
 observed. Under an oppressive grief for which
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 185 
 
 no sympathy could be asked, she felt the remorse 
 of a guilty secret in withholding from her uncle 
 any communication of her inward affection. Her 
 affability of manner while in his company forbade 
 De Meudon to suppose any estrangement between 
 them, so he determined to seek immediate op- 
 portunity for an expression of his sentiments, 
 whether by day or in the quiet stillness of night. 
 Soon the desired opportunity presented itself. 
 It was the lady^s custom to take evening exercise 
 on a battlement of the castle, extending between 
 two lofty turrets. The young aspirant noticed 
 her ascent up one of these eminences ; he ventured 
 to follow to the summit of the winding stairs, 
 when, spell-bound in impatient expectation, he 
 awaited near the spot where the fate of his 
 cherished conceptions would soon be spoken. No 
 eye was strained to greet his coming, but the 
 tender maiden looked musingly upon the contents 
 of a small packet taken from her bosom. Then, 
 replacing the treasure, she gazed thoughtfully 
 upon the dancing waves that already sparkled in
 
 186 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 the evening moonbeams. Her thoughts are with 
 one bewildered wanderer far away ; but one 
 momentary sigh escaped, for it was a sacred 
 sorrow that knew no earthly sympathy. Gentle 
 creature. Heaven will reward such true affection ; 
 and though adverse winds may keep the bark of 
 love's fond memorial back, yet may she long for 
 a happy day when severed hearts might meet to 
 part no more ; but still in silent wonderment the 
 intruder watches the unconscious girl. 
 
 This pause was prolonged for several minutes 
 before De Meudon regained sufficient self-posses- 
 sion to disturb the lady's solitude. At length, 
 retracing his steps a short distance down the 
 staircase, De Meudon quickly returned, carefully 
 creating enough noise to prevent any sudden sur- 
 prise at his appearance. Then he approached 
 the fair object of his search with a cordial but 
 respectful salute, when the lady, perceiving a 
 slight embarrassment, addressed him in sweet 
 and agreeable tones, though she would rather 
 have been spared the disturbance.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 187 
 
 ^' What has led you to wander in the dullness 
 of evening and to forsake the merry pastimes 
 which now sound through the old hall in innocent 
 mirth? I pray you seek the repose so greatly 
 needed to refresh your weary looks. Overcome 
 with sad thought, 1 am a poor companion to 
 beguile these lonely hours." 
 
 ^' Forgive, in kindness, the well-meant intru- 
 sion," replied De Meudon. " It is to seek a rest 
 you alone can afford that brings me to the heights 
 of this lofty turret ; peace of mind and relief to 
 my inward soul. No bodily repose would restore 
 my anxious weariness, for I sleep not," continued 
 the exquisite, '* while tears dim the eye of beauty. 
 Away with such constant thoughts of sadness, 
 and let me hope for joys to come !" 
 
 " You assuredly require more than my power 
 can bestow," answered Emmeline. " The mor- 
 row will furnish its allotted portion of cares or 
 joys, as a ruling Power above may deem most 
 expedient for our future good. The hour is long 
 passed which custom' appropriates to devotion,
 
 188 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 my attendants are waiting my return, so pray 
 accept, for the night, the sincere blessings of a 
 maiden's heart." 
 
 Crossing the small platform of the sequestered 
 turret, Emmeline was about to descend the nar- 
 row stairs, when the young Knight placed himself 
 in the arched entrance, gently holding the fair 
 lady's wrist, while continuing his orations in the 
 following language — 
 
 " Stay, fair lady, mistake me not. With the 
 purest motives I endeavour to remove a sorrow 
 which weighs oppressively on my sympathising 
 heart. If this night air imparts a chill to your 
 slender frame, I beseech you to join me in a 
 hawking expedition on the morrow, when I will 
 present a token which may dispel your sad and 
 troubled thoughts." 
 
 Never contemplating his advances as a lover, 
 the fair lady had always regarded De Meudon as 
 a sincere friend. A lively recollection of pleasure 
 afforded in bis boyish days was not effaced by 
 an absence of some five years. His polite accom-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 189 
 
 plishments, both natural and acquired, were ever 
 an engaging recreation for leisure hours ; but 
 such constant flow of levity becomes irksome 
 during the serious moments of life. Though 
 winning every respect by activity in danger and 
 honesty of principle, still even to a mind so 
 youthful and confiding as Lady Emmeline's, he 
 appeared deficient in the more sterling qualities 
 of manhood which characterised the immediate 
 object of her affection. In her simplicity she 
 imagined him as merely tendering good offices, 
 and that the token he was desirous of presenting 
 was the little ring from Sandford, without which 
 she had faithfully promised not to quit the castle. 
 '^ I do most earnestly implore you not to with- 
 hold the precious token from me for a moment," 
 cried Emmeline, in beseeching tones. *^It is 
 dear beyond all my possessions, and would con- 
 vey a joy already bursting within my aching 
 breast. I should be breaking the most solemn 
 of vows were I to accede to your request without 
 it. If conscious of its influence over me, you
 
 190 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 would never subject my beating heart to this 
 protracted suspense/' 
 
 " I did not deem it possible that my words 
 could produce so startling an emotion," answered 
 De Meudon. "You cannot be in ignorance of 
 my desires ; the assurances of your uncle forbid 
 such an imagination. Here is the token in its 
 outward form; but its inward grace is hidden 
 within the recesses of my heart. Though trifling 
 in value, it conveys the sacred promises of deep 
 aflPection, the pledge of my protection even to the 
 sacrifice of life, while its acceptance will complete 
 the joys I have so long and anxiously awaited." 
 
 While uttering these sentiments, he en- 
 deavoured to place in the lady's hand a small 
 -article of vertu, far greater in pecuniary value 
 than the one anticipated. Trembling from head 
 to foot, she poured forth this exclamation — 
 
 " Oh ! forbear ; in heaven's name I implore 
 you forbear! I did not, indeed, expect to be 
 called upon to endure this additional trial. En- 
 deavour to forget that such a passion ever pes-
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 191 
 
 sessed your soul. I regard you deeply as a 
 worthy friend; but urge me not beyond that 
 sincere promise. If you really so esteem me, 
 add not despair to the burden of my anguish." 
 
 " The regard shewn me as a friend have I ever 
 appreciated," replied De Meudon. " Its recol- 
 lections extend to the earliest years of a playful 
 childhood. But as the frail mortals of this tran- 
 sient earth aspire to higher spheres of eternal 
 existence, so my heart longs for closer ties of 
 confidence and affection. It is as a lover, as a 
 protector, that I seek to share these sorrows, and 
 to participate in your innocent joys. Heaven 
 forbid that 1 should add to an anguish which a 
 few weeks of solitude has created in your girlish 
 breast, like black clouds o'ershadowing the bright 
 beams of a noon-day sun. But to remove their 
 weighty pressure from so pure and tender a mind 
 will be the constant end and purpose of my 
 future life." 
 
 " Think not that a brief solitude has sufficed 
 to cloud my heart with such profound grief,"
 
 192 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 replied Emmeline. *' At present you must rest 
 content with the promise already received, or my 
 life will be embittered by the recollection of our 
 acquaintance. I beseech you to press the matter 
 no further ; there is a motive for my trouble that 
 I cannot express." 
 
 '^ To its utmost extent have I already accepted 
 the profession of your esteem/^ rejoined De 
 Meudon. "If you are not prepared to regard 
 me as your future hope, confide in me as a faith- 
 ful friend. There must be a deeper cause for 
 these trials than my weak penetration is able to 
 unfathom.^ Let it not lay a burdensome secret 
 on your youthful mind, when open expression to 
 one who can truly sympathise may relieve all 
 fears, and calm the anxious beatings of a pal- 
 pitating heart." 
 
 In the silent repose of night, and quieted by 
 these friendly assurances, Emmeline poured forth 
 to the young knight a full account of her sorrows. 
 He was distracted with wonderment, and stood 
 looking upon the bright stars which illumed the
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 193 
 
 blue vault of heaven, lost in solemD contem- 
 plation. With remorse at disclosures, appearing 
 to crush his cherished hope, were mingled feelings 
 of pity for the unhappy lady, the realisation of 
 whose afiection he deemed a stern impossibility. 
 At last, aroused from the seeming stupor, he 
 again addressed his fair companion in kind but 
 manly accents. 
 
 " Much deploring the words just uttered by 
 your fair lips, I am pleased that you have sum- 
 moned resolution to honour me with your con- 
 fidence. It is unfortunate that such an attach- 
 ment has possessed your thoughts, while your 
 uncle would never regard with favour an alliance 
 to the almost possessionless descendant of a 
 Saxon franklin. Matters of urgent importance 
 require my presence in France for a few weeks, 
 meanwhile lay these considerations seriously to 
 heart, and I shall yet believe my hopes have not 
 been indulged in vain." 
 
 "I freely acknowledge the difficulties that 
 beset my fortunes," rejoined Emmeline. "Nothing 
 
 VOL. I. K
 
 194 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 can efface the sincerity of a devoted love, no idle 
 fancy of my troubled brain. Admiration of his 
 genius has overpowered all obstacles of tra- 
 ditional pride ; and, truly grateful for invaluable 
 service, the deepest affection would be but a 
 trifling recompense." 
 
 '' Conscious of my own inferiority, I freely ac- 
 knowledge the young man's intellectal capa- 
 bilities," answered De Meudon. " All of us are, 
 or ought to be, sensible of important services 
 afforded at some trying period of our lives ; but 
 you attribute to gratitude a claim, which, if 
 founded on justice, would render it difficult to 
 determine where our affections are rightly due. 
 Many others, even so poor an individual as my- 
 self, may yet earn a similar reward of your 
 thankfulness ; for, doubtless, you will still en- 
 counter great dangers in these restless times. I 
 will not detain you longer from your customary 
 devotions. Weigh my feeble words deeply in 
 your inward thoughts, and I may yet reach the 
 proud position to which my soul aspires.""
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 195 
 
 Departing to seek the solitude of her chamber, 
 Emraeline simply negatived this last proposition 
 by a slight shake of the head, though offering no 
 determined resistance, when the young Knight 
 implanted a tender kiss on her fair forehead. 
 Scarcely believing what he had heard, though 
 not doubting the lady's sincerity of heart for a 
 moment, he continued to pace the battlements 
 upwards of an hour before recovering from agita- 
 tion caused by the recent scene. Manly pride 
 prevented any thought of furthering selfish ob- 
 jects by working on the prejudices of Savoy ; so, 
 comforting himself with an assurance that the 
 fair one would reconsider her determination, he 
 quickly regained his usual elasticity of spirits. 
 When descending from the lofty heights he stepped 
 through a long corridor, and was charmed by the 
 sweetest strains of a melodious voice. 
 
 When Lady Emmeline retired to her private 
 apartments, some time was spent in invocations 
 to the Holy Mother for support and guidance. 
 Her thoughts reverting to the interview with De 
 
 K 2
 
 196 THE INTKIGUERS. 
 
 Meudon, she felt that relief experienced by a 
 bursting heart, after uttering grief to one worthy 
 of confidence ; and though her respect for the 
 young Knight was more enhanced by the few 
 serious moments lately spent in his society than 
 by months of his pleasant gaiety, still her inward 
 devotion wandered to a far distant object, the oc- 
 currence of that eventful evening passing away 
 as a nightly dream is lost in busy scenes of active 
 life. While her attendants were making the 
 necessary preparation for repose, she caught up a 
 little instrument, and, supported by its delicate 
 notes, chanted forth the following ditty to a slow, 
 but impressive melody, entirely unconscious of 
 the attentive listener standing without the massive 
 door : — 
 
 In distant climes, though now condemned to roam, 
 His manly shape that once endeared this home, 
 In fond remembrance haunts my weary way ; 
 With cherished hope through shining beams of day, 
 Dearest, I see thee still. 
 
 But daylight fades, hark to the curfew's knell, 
 My vesper prayers soon bid the world farewell ; 
 In slumber weary, restless, I recline, 
 Sweet nightly vision behold in dreams divine, 
 Dearest, I see thee still.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 197 
 
 By trust in heaven, I oft allay my fears — 
 Oh ! could his cruel foes be moved by tears ; 
 For happy hours I fondly long in vain, 
 While fancy's eye doth yet thy form retain, 
 Dearest, I see thee still. 
 
 For some moments the good youth remained 
 still and silent, anticipating a further expression 
 of sentiment, imparted by the graceful influence 
 of music's power, when, as though moved by 
 sudden impulse, he rushed into an adjoining 
 room, seized a small lute and poured forth a light 
 and cheerful song, the gay occupants of the great 
 hall suspending their festive sports to listen to 
 the firm tones of his manly voice, which echoed 
 through the vaulted passages : — 
 
 Sweet is that face, how mutely I adore, 
 Then wandered my eye its charms to explore ; 
 Blithely I touched the light strings of my lute. 
 The maiden she blushed, looked doleful and mute, 
 In grief to atone for the past ; 
 And still in dismay, 
 Spending the long day. 
 Like a lily bowed in the blast. 
 
 Gentle the moonbeams, the winds to a breeze, 
 Are hushed in the night, while I on my knees 
 Pour forth my soft words in speech and in song, 
 And for a f iint sigh, with anguish I long ; 
 But alas ! like sound to a gale, 
 No rapture- of joy, 
 The maiden is coy, 
 I whispered in vain a love tale.
 
 198 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 If others must woo, in fortune so poor, 
 My lot I lament, a sad troubadour ; 
 Ne'er was the love of one so adored 
 Beguiled by a song, or won by the sword, 
 While looks a deep sorrow impart ; 
 Still music shall glide, 
 Though beauty doth chide, 
 So dotingly fond is my heart. 
 
 This little episode duly concluded to satisfac- 
 tion, De Meudon joined in the merry pastimes of 
 the evening with all his accustomed cheerfulness. 
 His meditations that night were of a very mixed 
 character. Scarcely willing to receive Emmeline's 
 confession as positive truth, he could not avoid an 
 effort to persuade himself that she was merely 
 endeavouring to put some test on the fidelity of his 
 intentions ; and awaking in this frame of mind, 
 he regarded the occurrence of the previous night 
 almost as an imaginary vision. Struck with the 
 pleasing reception which awaited him, when again 
 encountering the fair lady's smiles, and still more 
 deeply gratified by the warm cordiality of her 
 parting adieus, he set sail for the kingdom of 
 France at an early hour on the following morn- 
 ing, and was wafted swiftly across the briny sea 
 by the impulsive force of a northern breeze.
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 199 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 " Oh ! that the slave had forty thousand lives, 
 One is too poor, too weak for my revenge ; 
 I would have him nine years a killing." 
 
 Shakespeare. 
 
 It was not without considerable misgivings that 
 Eochfort de Yere, after marshalling his followers 
 into suitable troops, set out upon the rustic 
 journey from the old city to the retreat of Duns- 
 more. After forwarding two parties by circuitous 
 routes, he took a more direct course, under the 
 guidance of a stranger well acquainted with the 
 wild tracks of sylvan waste through which it was 
 requisite to pass.
 
 200 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Already thwarted in avaricious enterprises the 
 Lord's countenance wore a gloomy and dis- 
 appointed aspect. He answered any remarks 
 with snappish petulance, creating prejudice in the 
 mind of the stranger, while enforcing on his own 
 retainers the silence inspired by dread, his 
 haughty demeanour towards inferiors always 
 causing a distant reserve, which coarse liberties, 
 given during customary revels at Hurstingham, 
 did not suffice to efface. So strikingly did this 
 temper characterise the imperious Baron's bear- 
 ing during the journey, that a considerable por- 
 tion of the forest was traversed in unbroken 
 silence, until the guide, a plain-spoken, honest 
 man, determined, at all risks, no longer to stifle 
 the expression of inward thoughts. 
 
 ^* Sad times these for poor folk," said the 
 guide, " who receive naught but disdainful looks 
 for our service. My noble Lords, since Leices- 
 ter's success, so eager for spoils, despise our 
 wrongs. To satisfy burning thirst, could I empty 
 a cup to our noble Prince, may he soon restore
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 201 
 
 the fortunes of our unhappy country, and cheer 
 your lordly countenance." 
 
 " You do your country a serious wrong," 
 replied Rochfort. " Keep the expression of such 
 sentiments within thy teeth until they are asked. 
 I am unaccustomed to hear my faults recapitu- 
 lated in sinister insinuations, especially from a 
 despicable menial. The duty of your hire is 
 guidance to Duns more ; no more is required of 
 thee but silence and respect." 
 
 " There is no offence in a man enjoying his 
 own ideas," answered the guide, '' or in being 
 thirsty after three hours' riding. While I seek to 
 satisfy the cravings of appetite by returning to 
 Winchester, my Lord's ingenuity will^ doubtless, 
 lead him to Dunsmore, where he can obtain fresh 
 guidance at his further pleasure.'^ 
 
 Seeing that the good man was about putting 
 his threat into execution, Rochfort soon found it 
 worth while to be a little more civil. In the 
 complications of the wood, he was in fact totally 
 at the menial's mercy, who rarely failed to make 
 
 K 5
 
 202 THE ES'TEIGUERS. 
 
 a discreet use of sucli advantages, for profit and 
 extortion. 
 
 " Peace to thine impudence," said the Knight, 
 '' take additional reward for thy service, and a 
 cup to keep thee in temper. It would little serve 
 the Prince's cause were a hundred such serfs 
 drowned in Malsej. Lead us forthwith to some 
 fair bank affording suitable halt to refresh both 
 man and beast, for I trow we are yet some hours 
 distant from the object of our search." 
 
 " We are yet four hours' ride from Dunsmore," 
 rejoined the guide. " A short digression will 
 take us to Blackpool ; there I stayed to rest the 
 weary steeds, when before conducting my Lord's 
 servants through these woods." 
 
 " And how came you aware that the slaves 
 were my servants?" replied Rochfort, " and to 
 what place did you conduct them in safety ?" 
 
 " By the green jerkin that encompassed their 
 bodies, I recognise my Lord's servants," said the 
 guide. *^ It was a pretty lady we brought from 
 the Priory, doubtless now the object of my Lord's
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 203 
 
 pleasure. The second cup shall pledge her 
 health and happiness, if not repugnant to yonr 
 honourable conscience." 
 
 " Concern not thyself with the qualms of 
 another man's conscience," answered the Knight, 
 " but if you anticipate my guerdon tell me where 
 did you quit the fair lady ?" 
 
 "At the stone outside the King's Gate," said 
 the guide, " before I met my lord riding swiftly 
 on the grey charger." 
 
 ^^ You seem a dreamer of strange tales," 
 answered Rochfort ; " T never saw thy sunburnt 
 face before yesternight, nor hath a grey charger 
 carried my weight for these five long years." 
 
 "Then it was some valiant knight in a scarlet 
 mantle, who rode away with the lady, accompanied 
 by a knave, wearing the green jerkin." 
 
 Doubtless the trusty guide would have afforded 
 some further explanation had he not been inter- 
 rupted by Rochfort, whose perception began to 
 solve the mysterious problem. He soon silenced 
 further conversation with an harangue, which
 
 204 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 echoed the loud tones of his sonorous voice 
 through the wild forests. 
 
 '* Let that vile and banished stripling beware 
 how he encounters the lion's wrath, or his worth- 
 less life is fairly sped. While that wretched slave, 
 who has dared to accept the bribes of his master's 
 foes, shall have the skin stripped from his flesh 
 nine times over, one death is too little for my 
 revenge. I would that, like the reptiles, that 
 hound had fifty lives, every one should be tor- 
 mented out of him before my savage and exulting 
 sight." 
 
 Before this outburst of passion was fairly 
 spent, the party arrived at the desired halting 
 place. It was a small pool of clean water, ap- 
 proached by a delving bank, where the short 
 wood had been hewn away for the purpose of 
 reaching the water with greater convenience. 
 Several thick stemmed oaks, which in that moist 
 season had developed their leafy clothing, while 
 the ash was yet a bare and naked skeleton, 
 spread the shadow of their extended arms over
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 205 
 
 the refreshing greensward. Here nature's carpet 
 was relieved by the brightening hues of numerous 
 wild flowers that sparkled with pearly dewdrops, 
 yet undispersed by the hidden rays of a clouded 
 sun. Here the potent cup passed swiftly round 
 to rooisten an ample repast of goodly viands. 
 
 While the servants were satisfying the craving 
 of hunger and the animals drunk copiously from 
 the clear water, the noble lord spent the interval 
 of rest in quiet reflection, which served to calm 
 his embittered soul. His first idea was to issue 
 instant orders for return to Winchester, but 
 second thoughts prompted a different plan of 
 operations. Vainly conjecturing that the lady 
 had fairly decamped with the despised youth and 
 that the Prior would still have the same influence 
 with the Lord of Pevensel, he thus reasoned in 
 mistaken confidence. " It will be easy for the 
 Holy Father to persuade Savoy that his niece 
 escaped from care, and recovering possession of 
 the fair prize, I may yet secure a triumph over 
 the despicable stripling, who shall soon pay the
 
 206 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 peDalty of his crimes/' In this determination he 
 continued the journey, reaching Dunsmore about 
 noontide. 
 
 On arriving at the Priory, immediate enquiries 
 were made for the holy man who presided in that 
 establishment. On attempting to cross the stone 
 flooring of the sacristy to receive his guests, 
 suddenly the old Prior staggered into the arms of 
 two subordinate priests. A livid purple tinted his 
 cheeks, followed by ghastly pallor, that alternated 
 with hectic flushes of crimson. Senseless to all 
 material objects his unconscious fear was suc- 
 ceeded by stupor, and stupor by incoherent 
 ejaculations ; then his eyes were closed by that 
 glassy film which obscures the vision of men on 
 the brink of dissolution, oft afibrding a brief 
 imagination into eternal mysteries. With startled 
 shrieks of wild alarm he beheld demons of dark- 
 ness and lost souls enduring the terrors of 
 Purgatory, when with imploring accents he 
 entreats but one momentary glimpse at joys 
 awaiting those who die a righteous death. ISIow
 
 THE INTRIGUEKS. 207 
 
 screaming in agony he exclaims, '^ Oh merciful 
 Heaven, torment not my agonised conscience by 
 the sight of such holy blessings, yea rather let 
 me fall a martyr to my crimes and sink into utter 
 corruption than behold visions so burdensome to 
 a guilty soul." Foremost amongst the heavenly 
 choir, chanting hymns of praise with well strung 
 lyres, there stood the angelic form of the old 
 Knight's daughter in the purity of virgin 
 innocence. But all is now darkness, the old 
 man sleeps on a couch surrounded by the flicker- 
 ing glare from numerous lights, his cold and 
 lifeless form enveloped in a misty haze of burning 
 perfumes. 
 
 When the confusion occasioned by this event 
 had somewhat subsided, Rochfort gave way to a 
 violent and profane exhibition of passion, which 
 made the sacred walls ring with unaccustomed 
 sounds. No longer could the truckling subser- 
 vience of the old ecclesiastic be made a tool for 
 his nefarious purposes. But it was not probable 
 that so iron a will would rest satisfied under one
 
 208 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 or two defeats, whether inflicted by human in- 
 genuity or the direct will of heaven. A mind so 
 brutally insensible to any object but the gratifi- 
 cation of its own passion would be stirred to still 
 deeper intrigues, followed by force and lawless 
 violence, for which such unsettled times afforded 
 fitting opportunity, when all who possessed 
 authority were indifferent to anything that did 
 not concern their own aggrandisement and gain. 
 
 Perceiving that his new scheme was snapped 
 asunder before developing its first bud, the en- 
 raged Baron awaited in gloomy silence the 
 arrival of his remaining followers. Then setting 
 forth with many curses on the ill-fortune attending 
 his undertaking, he returned to Hurstingham 
 to contrive some determined and revengeful 
 measures.
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 209' 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 There passed a weary time ; each throat 
 
 Was parched and glazed each eye — 
 
 A weary time ! a weary time ! 
 
 How glazed each weary eye — 
 
 When looking westward, beheld I 
 
 A something in the sky. 
 
 At first it seemed a little speck, 
 
 And then it seemed a mist ; 
 
 It moved and moved, and took at last 
 
 A certain shape I wist. 
 
 A speck, a mist, a shape I wist ! 
 
 And still it nearer and neared ; 
 
 As if it dodged a water sprite. 
 
 It plunged and tacked and veered." 
 
 The Ancient Mariner. 
 
 Influenced by motives of revenge and lust^ 
 Eochfort de Vere long and vainly watched an 
 opportunity to execute some plan of violence, 
 but Lady Emmeline remained closely guarded
 
 210 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 by the strong walls of Pevensel. baffling bis 
 utmost efforts. Sandford was yet a wandering 
 outcast in the Welcb mountains, closely haunted 
 by the agents of the Knight of Hurstingham, his 
 lady fair still pouring forth her secret though 
 earnest prayers for safety ; while De Meudon was 
 detained in Flanders, owing to the disruption of 
 the Queen's levies. Thus the time passed away, 
 until the blazing heat of summer suns had given 
 place to winter's hoary frost. 
 
 How often are the greatest results attained 
 from trifling incidents. Even a wandering 
 beggar may be made an instrument in the hands 
 of Providence to work some good purpose which 
 the wealthiest noble or the most intellectual 
 philosopher in the land have failed to accom- 
 plish. 
 
 The night was cold and bleak ; so mightily 
 grew the tempest. An unlucky vessel, as if im- 
 pelled by unseen power, rolls madly forward to 
 the rocks of destruction ; shrill cries of despera- 
 tion are, drowned by rushing winds and mighty
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 211 
 
 breakers of lashing foam. The wildest hope 
 seems gone. Despair has given place to calm 
 and happy resignation, while, with bended knee, 
 all join in utterance of prayer, imploring pro- 
 tection for their mortal bodies, or that their souls 
 may be received into that heavenly haven, where 
 neither wrecks from the power of the great deep or 
 from the miseries of human wickedness can mar 
 the blessings of eternal peace. Another fearful 
 crash and the good ship lies stranded on the 
 stony beach, nearly all its living freight being 
 saved through timely exertion. Again a piercing 
 shriek comes from the breaking vessel. Then a 
 brave youth plunges into the foaming surge, and, 
 safely landing a black-eyed hag, he swiftly 
 conveys her battered form to the Castle of 
 Pevensel. 
 
 When the first consternation caused by this 
 event had somewhat subsided, and the vessel had 
 gone to pieces in the fury of the storm, the old 
 creature was sufficiently restored to engage in 
 active conversation with her rescuer, the faithful
 
 212 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 Conisburgh, who had already been an humble in- 
 strument in the deliverance of Lady Emmeline. 
 Gaunt and bony in stature the stranger, by name 
 Margot, had witnessed the passage of three score 
 summers. Her bold features, with aquiline nose, 
 exhibited the decaying relics of former good 
 looks ; short, curly locks still maintaining their 
 sable hues, while a loud and masculine voice 
 uttered sounds which seemed to inspire a listener 
 with wonder, if not with dread. Such was the 
 strange specimen of humanity with whom the 
 young man thus became acquainted. 
 
 " You will reap but little reward by saving a 
 desolate old beggar from a watery grave," said 
 Margot. " Still you have done a friendly part, 
 and thanks are all I can offer but service, if the 
 assistance of such an old sinner is worthy of con- 
 sideration." 
 
 '' I do not desire a deeper requital than you 
 have already bestowed," replied Conisburgh ; 
 " but tell me the name of the vessel, and from 
 whence ye come ?"
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 213 
 
 " Harkye, young man," answered Margot, 
 '• in a good sliip bound from France to England's 
 shores, my son engaged as seaman ; I myself, 
 hiding in safe seclusion under the bulky stores, 
 when suddenly we were boarded by some of these 
 Cinque Port pirates, who, after ransacking the 
 prize, sunk her in the deep waters of the Channel. 
 In the confusion I escaped, finding fresh conceal- 
 ment in the hostile vessel, and stumbled in my 
 passage o'er the dead body of my murdered off- 
 spring. Then heaven, in vengeance, sent the 
 angry wind, which cast the distracted bark on 
 this stony shore ; but even that calamity shall 
 not shield the owner from the rigour of my 
 vengeance." 
 
 •' How marvellously chance has preserved you 
 through such dangers," said Conisburgh. ^' But 
 what further projects of retribution occupy your 
 mind ; the waves will not again rise in obedience 
 to your commands." 
 
 '^ Speak not of chance, it is what fate has 
 decreed," replied Margot. '^ Now listen to the
 
 214 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 utteraDce of prophetic sounds. Be it remembered 
 that but fourteen summers have passed since the 
 moon, shining with red and swollen light, caused 
 the wind-driven sea to flash with luminous fire. 
 Then rose the roaring ocean until men's hearts 
 were terrified with dismay. Distracted mariners 
 in vain endeavoured to save their sinking vessels, 
 when in anger at our country's cruel wrongs, the 
 encroaching waves nearly swallowed old Win- 
 chelsea's tottering walls. Once again, on the eve 
 of St. Agath, shall the mighty sea threaten des- 
 truction to this inhospitable coast. Then, in 
 more peaceful times of smiling liberty, will the 
 TSio-iuo- waters retire from these broken shores, 
 and render useless the briny retreats of such 
 sinful pirates." 
 
 " For my part I would dispense with this pro- 
 phetic chatter," rejoined Conisburgh. " Let the 
 future take thought for itself. Once again, who 
 was the owner of yonder wreck — the object of 
 your unrelenting passion — let us hear it briefly, 
 before the whole day is wasted in vain conjecture.'
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 215 
 
 " You seem an impatient stripling," replied 
 M argot, " an unwilling listener to doleful pre- 
 diction ; but as sure as death came into the 
 world, so will destruction o'ertake these marau- 
 ders." 
 
 " Did man ever hear a straightforward tale 
 from an old woman's lips?" interrupted Conis- 
 burgh. " I beseech you speak the name of this 
 owner ; I am already able to hazard a guess, it is 
 my resolute desire to aid thy revengeful projects." 
 
 "" You speak well, and soon shall your purpose 
 be put to the proof," replied Margot. "The 
 slaves were but the servants of a noble knight, 
 who employed them for objects of plunder, the 
 name oft fell on my attentive ears— it is Rochfort 
 de Vere, whose destruction shall be the aim and 
 object of my future life." 
 
 " As a deliverer, you could render me no greater 
 service," answered Conisburgh. " Follow that 
 knight's footsteps at every turn, and keep me in 
 constant knowledge of his movements. His 
 career of infamy will yet be ended by some well-
 
 216 THE INTRIGUEKS. 
 
 deserved measure, but keep this a secret in your 
 own breast, especially withiu these walls." 
 
 ^' Kely on me, and heaven grant the fulfilment 
 of my vows/' said M argot, with sagacious look. 
 '' But what assurance have I that you, a menial 
 servant, can accomplish these desired ends." 
 
 " Do not imagine it rests upon me," replied 
 Conisburgh, " 1 am in constant communication 
 with a noble youth, now compelled to seek a 
 refuge in the mountains of Wales, through the 
 artifice of that same tyrant. Could we but feel 
 certain of his villainous haunts, soon should ruin 
 be his lot." 
 
 *'Then this wreck did truly foreshadow his 
 further disasters," said Margot. " Now do I 
 behold something in the western skies like a dark 
 cloud rising over the dismal mist. Its shape doth 
 speak of mighty battles, to which the elements 
 will add the fury of their wrath, when tyrants 
 shall lay mouldering on the fatal field, the red 
 gore flowing as rain in the street." 
 
 " Indulge what flights of imagination you
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 217 
 
 please," answered Conisburgh, "nevertheless, 
 with to-morrow's light depart upon thy under- 
 taking. No longer a wandering beggar, your 
 needs will be amply supplied. That hoarse signal 
 doth summon to the evening meal, say no more 
 of our conversation than secrecy will warrant, nor 
 let backwardness of expression raise curiosity to 
 mar our schemes." 
 
 With this caution, Conisburgh conducted his 
 singular companion to the old hall, where they 
 joined the assembled company. The usual even- 
 ing games were entirely suspended. The eccentric 
 peculiarities of the new guest afforded sufficient 
 diversion. Throughout the evening numerous 
 were her prophecies of coming events, nor was 
 there any lack of credulous swains ready to place 
 a superstitious reliance on these shadowy utter- 
 ances. The burning embers of an expiring fire 
 already extinguished, and the flaming torches 
 ceasing to afford their sombre light, the wonder- 
 ing servants retired to their rest. On the follow- 
 
 VOL. L. L
 
 218 THE INTRIGUEBS. 
 
 ing morning the sunburnt countenance of old 
 Margofc was seen crossing the levels surrounding 
 the Castle. She had started on her important 
 mission, utterly unconscious of the influence she 
 was destined to exercise on the future fortunes of 
 the greatest in the land.
 
 THE INTEIGUERS. 219 
 
 CHAPTER XXL 
 
 " I will not back, 
 I am too high born to be propertied, 
 To be a secondary at control, 
 Or useful serving man or insti'ument 
 To any sovereign state throughout the world. 
 
 King John. — Act 5, Scene 2, 
 
 Hunted like the wild deer, from dewy mountains 
 to the lonely glen, thence to thick covers of bosky 
 retreat, a wandering outcast was hotly pursued 
 by treacherous foes. In desperation he sought 
 refuge with a noble cavalcade which passed the 
 course of his flight. In the midst of this power- 
 ful band was a withered ecclesiastic, whose 
 
 L 2
 
 220 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 fatherly ear had received confessions from many 
 confiding souls, his lips pouring forth comforting 
 absolutions, until the iron hand of Time stamped 
 furrows on his aged cheeks. 
 
 This worthy patriarch was surrounded by 
 several junior priests ; but it was evident, from 
 the length of the train, and from gaudy banners, 
 which added lustre to its puissant and imposing 
 appearance, that the adventurer had now before 
 him the escort of some noble individual, in power 
 and importance scarcely inferior to royalty itself. 
 So closely had pursuers gained on the jaded 
 horse which carried the flying youth, that cross- 
 bow shafts fell closely around his path, when, 
 deeming it impossible to become the prey of 
 deeper enemies than the servants of Eochfort de 
 Vera, the young man dashed boldly into the 
 cavalcade, close to the reverend father. His 
 dreaded foes immediately retreated, thinking he 
 had gained the shelter of friendly protection. 
 The startled agitation of the aged man manifestly
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 221 
 
 apparent, Sandford forthwith addressed him with 
 that pleasant candour which rarely fails to pro- 
 duce a pleasing impression. 
 
 " I beseech my reverend father to afford his 
 holy guidance to a wandering traveller lost in the 
 dreary wilds of these rugged glens. Neither will 
 thy venerable care be extended to unfaithful 
 trespassers, or afibrd reason for regret at the 
 exercise of so kindly an office." 
 
 " Peace be unto thee, my child," replied the 
 priest, " Heaven forbid I should give stones to 
 those who ask bread. If thou art a true and 
 loyal youth, the greater thy welcome ; but I am 
 no harbourer of Leicester's spies." 
 
 " Your holy words have at once dispersed my 
 fears," rejoined Sandford. " A faithful servant 
 of our Prince, I have just escaped the hands of 
 his bitter enemies, for whose destruction my 
 service is ever at command." 
 
 " They are godless men," answered^ the priest, 
 " who deprive Mother Church of her just dues,
 
 222 THE INTKIGUEKS. 
 
 and appropriate to their own advantage the wool 
 which formed our chief revenues." 
 
 The old man had that eye to business common 
 to the priesthood in this age, when flourished 
 that venerable vendor of Yarmouth bloaters, the 
 Abbot of St. Albans. His commercial prosperity 
 had seriously deteriorated through proceedings 
 by Leicester's partizans, who claimed to them- 
 selves a monopoly of that staple commodity in 
 which the old father's transactions had hitherto 
 been extensive and flourishing. 
 
 "I doubt it not," replied Sandford. "They 
 are cruel and selfish oppressors. These are 
 moments of peril, requiring the effort of every 
 strong arm to defeat the treason of designing 
 usurpers. But may I ask your reverence 
 to name the lordly baron with whom we 
 march ?" 
 
 " It is Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester," 
 said the holy man, " whose goodly forces give us 
 safe conduct to Wigmore. Nor need so trusty a
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 223 
 
 subject as thyself fear to travel under the pro- 
 tection of his illustrious banner." 
 
 It was with very mingled feelings that Sand- 
 ford heard this announcement. Gloucester, a 
 leading member of Leicester's faction, was not 
 less powerful than that more grasping baron. 
 The young fugitive was, therefore, in doubt 
 whether strife had arisen between the noble lords, 
 or what was equally possible that he had but 
 escaped one foe to become the prey of another, 
 though perhaps of a less brutal and revengeful 
 spirit. It was not long before he ventured to 
 hazard some further enquiry on the subject. 
 
 *^ I crave pardon of my venerable father for 
 any seeming importunity," answered Sandford. 
 '^ On the fatal field of Lewes, my noble Lord of 
 Gloucester fought side by side with the usurping 
 Earl ; where, therefore, is that security for a loyal 
 follower of the Prince of which I have already 
 received your venerable assurance?" 
 
 "In the vengeance of uncontrollable resent-
 
 224 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 ment," returned the Priest, " my noble protector 
 would lack the soldier's heart, by submitting to 
 the overbearing contumely of rapacious equals, 
 denying even rightful claims, and thereby pro- 
 voking my lord's hostility. But I will deal 
 openly with thee. These guards, suspicious of 
 thy intentions, will presently conduct you into 
 my lord's presence, when from his own lips will 
 come expressions of intended malice." 
 
 Scarcely had the holy father uttered these 
 words before Sandford was seized by armoured 
 warriors, and hurried before the Earl of Glouces- 
 ter with uncourteous roughness, despite the 
 assurance of his willingness to accompany them. 
 On a risiug mound in the midst of numerous re- 
 tainers there stood the noble earl, a sullen frown 
 cloudiug his rigid features. It denounced wrath 
 and indignation to any guilty of the slightest 
 presumption. The whole pageant was impres- 
 sive, inspiring the young prisoner with apprehen- 
 sion that the Priest's conclusions were incorrect,
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 225 
 
 and a fear that his persuasive powers would fail 
 to make impression on one so evidently prejudiced. 
 When placed in the power of men inclined to 
 such haughty sullenness, a state of mind 
 generally produced by disappointment and vexa- 
 tion, it is invariably better to offer suitable 
 replies to their arguments before advancing any 
 of one's own. So thought Sandford on this 
 occasion. He waited in silence to hear what 
 accusations the noble lord might have to bring 
 against him. 
 
 " Thou prying knave," said Gloucesterj ^' does 
 thy audacity even exceed the ingratitude of your 
 master, whose ambition breaks all ties of kindred, 
 seeking to reduce his equals to mere propertied 
 instruments of selfish projects ? Know that I 
 am too high to be a secondary in the government 
 of this powerful State. Go, tell your all- 
 assuming lord that spies, daring to enter our 
 ranks, will meet the destruction he himself 
 deserves." 
 
 L 5
 
 226 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 " My lord is not so deeply possessed by anger 
 but what lie will suffer an honest man to speak," 
 replied Sandford. '^I am no servile slave of 
 any usurping lord. A victim to the oppressor, 
 now an object of your present wrath, I should 
 be a ready helpmate in any revengeful project, 
 consistent with manliness and a noble spirit." 
 
 "I hold no conference with nameless stran- 
 gers," replied Gloucester. '' Think not to hood- 
 wink my just resentment by adding deception to 
 roguery. Be thankful that foolish mercy pre- 
 vents the infliction of punishment on one so 
 abusing my hospitality and license." 
 
 " My lord is discomposed without occasion," 
 rejoined Sandford. '^ I am a true and honest 
 franklin, a devoted servant of my Prince, in 
 whose cause have I dared to remain on England's 
 shores, when degrading banishment was my 
 pronounced sentence. Pursued by my lord^s 
 enemies, though his former friends, I sought 
 refuge by surrendering to these guards, and now
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 227 
 
 claim only an honourable imprisonment, until I 
 prove the fidelity of my words." 
 
 **I have already been subject to the deepest 
 injuries," returned Gloucester. " If you utter 
 the words of truth, I will at once avail myself of 
 your assistance in an enterprise to release the 
 Prince, but I must have an. earnest of good 
 faith. Name some noble and loyal lord who can 
 vouch for your trustiness, and remember that if 
 your actions are but attempted machinations of 
 vile imposture, your life is forfeited through such 
 rashness." 
 
 ** I have nothing further to ask from my noble 
 lord," answered Sandford ; '' let man and horse 
 bear a scroll to Peter de Savoy and you will soon 
 be satisfied of my zeal in so agreeable a service ; 
 meanwhile I am content to remain under any 
 restraint your prudence may deem necessary." 
 
 ^' So shall it be done," replied Gloucester., '* You 
 will remain under the care of officers ijntil my 
 further pleasure ; if proved a true man you shall
 
 228 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 receive the higliest reward the grandest wish could 
 desire." 
 
 The openness with which Leicester engrossed 
 the control of the State, defying all former 
 associates, excited envy and hatred in the mind 
 of numerous Barons, and particularly of Gloucester. 
 Already had this powerful nobleman unfurled the 
 Eoyal Standard, anticipating support from the 
 Welsh marches. The rival Earls opened a 
 negociation at the suggestion of mutual friends, 
 but each party only strove to overreach the other. 
 Leicester was already alive to the necessity of 
 crushing his opponent, and fearing the popular 
 cry for the restoration of the Prince to liberty, he 
 began to be sensible that he had built the Castle 
 of his greatness on a sandy foundation, and it re- 
 quired strenuous efforts to maintain himself on 
 the giddy heights of nominal sovereignty to which 
 he had climbed. 
 
 The decided tone in which Gloucester's last 
 words were spoken left a most favourable impres-
 
 THE INTRIGUEES. 229 
 
 sion on Sandford. He could not entertain the 
 slightest apprehension but that Savoy, from 
 motives of gratitude, would prove his friend, and 
 hearing from present associates of the Prince's 
 contemplated removal to Hereford, he hoped by 
 some means to establish himself in the noble 
 lord's confidence sooner than any communications 
 could arrive from Pevensel. So greatly were the 
 guards prepossessed by his urbanit}' and good 
 grace that imprisonment soon became more 
 nominal in restriction than real in terror, afford- 
 ing security from foes, who for months had 
 constantly harrassed his daily path. Here for the 
 present we leave the captive enjoying those 
 blessings which can only be produced by hope, — 
 may his long cherished desires be realized to the 
 very letter.
 
 230 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 ' How dangerous it ia that this man goes loose, 
 Tet must we not put the strong law on him ; 
 He's loved of the distracted multitude." 
 
 Hamlet, Act 4i. 
 
 It is a common resource of Machiaveliaa coq- 
 trivance to seek support from popular agitation, 
 and pretended concessions, when the elements of 
 power have no longer a reliable foundation in the 
 countenance of the higher and more intellectual 
 classes. Such was Leicester's position at this 
 moment. Eapacious covetousness was already 
 doing its work. Numerous and powerful lords
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 231 
 
 who assisted to drag him to the zenith of his 
 rule were now becoming his greatest enemies. 
 Under the circumstances the Earl endeavoured to 
 strengthen his sway by the first appeal to popular 
 government which had yet been attempted. The 
 cities and boroughs, previously too despised to be 
 admitted to any share in the control of the State, 
 were summoned to return two representatives to 
 Parliament, though care was taken that their 
 choice should be limited to partizans of the Earl. 
 This period has commonly been called the epoch 
 of the House of Commons. 
 
 But even so decided a step failed to accomplish 
 its desired object. Further measures were 
 necessary which had a more important influence 
 on the course of our story. The cold winds of 
 March were sweeping with their chilly blasts 
 over the clear waters of Father Thames, when a 
 noble assembly of lordly Barons graced the ample 
 chamber of old Westminster's spacious hall. 
 Here an important question awaited decision.
 
 232 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 It was too dangerous an experiment to permit 
 the Prince the full liberty of unrestrained freedom. 
 Yet so much was he beloved by the populace 
 whom it was now essential to conciliate, that ap- 
 pearance of concession was absolutely indis- 
 pensable. Soon afterwards the noble heir to 
 England's throne was brought from Dover and 
 declared free in the presence of the assembled 
 Barons, though he was never permitted to move 
 unless accompanied by a large staff of Leicester's 
 favourites. But the black cloud of a threatening 
 storm was still lowering in the horizon of faction 
 and discontent. Affairs were now becoming so 
 critical that Leicester removed his quarters to 
 Hereford, taking with him a numerous force, 
 conveying the King and also the Prince, who, 
 although permitted to take outdoor exercise, was 
 closely watched under the irksome surveillance of 
 continued restriction. 
 
 In the progress of this march to the ancient 
 city, Leicester was engaged in close consultation
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 233 
 
 with his sons, FitzJohn, and some other im- 
 portant supporters, when a determined Baron 
 demanded instant admittance to the conference. 
 Such are the vicissitudes of human greatness, 
 that a request, which, but a few weeks previously, 
 would have been repelled with the scornful pride 
 of arrogant assumption, was now submitted to 
 as a necessity, conciliation being the only policy 
 able to uphold the tottering fabric of falling 
 power. Without the ceremony of further invi- 
 tation, there entered Eochfort de Yere with a 
 sarcastic smile of bitter resentment. His passion 
 unexhausted, he came boldly to announce intended 
 secession from the Earl's cause, but inward choler 
 so choked these wrathful utterances that Leicester 
 first addressed his former ally with those peculiar 
 blandishments he was so capable of exercising, 
 when suited to immediate interests. 
 
 " Come not into our presence with angry 
 scowl," said Leicester. " If conscience does not 
 rebuke thy words, speak your demands, which
 
 234 THE INTEIGUERS. 
 
 sliall be conceded if not too exorbitant. But 
 we give no listening ear to futile utterance of 
 premeditated treachery; nor will any partaker 
 in sedition and conspiracy find favour or admission 
 to our councils." 
 
 ^' My requirements are not characterised by 
 exorbitance, but by justice," answered Kochfort. 
 ^' I will be no longer bearded by the taunts of 
 avarice and power; I desire nothing but the 
 faithful fulfilment of broken promises, which 
 deny not, or my banner will soon wave amongst 
 the forces arrayed for your destruction." 
 
 " We give no heed to the treasonous brawling 
 of recreant Knights," said FitzJohn. ^'My 
 Lord owes nothing to one who seized on a lordly 
 domain without his knowledge or license. Ee- 
 tract your seditious words, or you quit not this 
 conference except in the custody of my guards." 
 
 " I came not here to bandy words with pam- 
 pered favourites," retorted Eochfort. ^^ Silence 
 would better become the enriched murderer of
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 235 
 
 despoiled Jews, whose coffers are doubtless replete 
 with this ill-gotten plunder. It is with my Lord 
 of Leicester that I desire to speak ; nor will I be 
 balked in my determination by the idle threats of 
 subservient flatterers." 
 
 " Go hence, thou base utterer of false slander," 
 replied FitzJohn. " Has the madness of indul- 
 gence so blinded your senses that you address 
 an equal like the degenerate menials of your 
 licentious household ?" 
 
 " Peace, contentious Knights," interrupted 
 Leicester, *^ and disturb not our deliberations by 
 your worthless broils. This is no time for the 
 discussion of petty misunderstandings. On you, 
 Eochfort de Vere, we confer the noble possessions 
 of Peter de Savoy, in the County of Sussex, 
 which we declare forfeited ; and it is our further 
 pleasure that he should deliver into your hands 
 the Castle of Pevensel, where we shall find fitting 
 accommodation to receive our supplies from 
 France."
 
 236 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 " Am I thus to be jostled out of promised re- 
 wards to buy the support of wavering bannerets ?" 
 exclaimed FitzJohn. " Your faithful followers 
 are thus discarded, to pander to the covetous de- 
 sires of those dependents who mouth their 
 treason before your very sight." 
 
 " I should have imagined that the thirst of 
 your avarice was already satiated/' answered 
 Eochfort, whose countenance had now materially 
 changed ; ^^ but need I repeat once more that my 
 business is with my Lord, and my own ends 
 served, it little matters how it may please his 
 obsequious partizans." 
 
 '' I dare you to again provoke my anger by 
 insolent ejaculations," retorted FitzJohn. " Nor 
 will I consent to forego one jot of conditions 
 already proffered without ample equivalents. 
 Let my Lord beware how, in buying one ad- 
 herent, he loses another more potent and 
 influential." 
 
 '' There is no need for this vain and empty
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 237 
 
 display of excitement," interrupted Leicester. 
 " To you, FitzJohn, is reserved a still greater 
 pxize by a grant of possessions attained from the 
 rebel Lord of Gloucester. Do let your selfish 
 strife forthwith cease ; nor tax me not again with 
 ambitious schemes which seem the end and pur- 
 pose of all your lives." 
 
 " I desire no more/' said Eochfort ; " but it 
 deeply concerns me to know by what means I 
 am to enforce on Savoy an instant compliance 
 with your commands." 
 
 " My son will proceed with all the forces we 
 can spare to undertake the siege," answered 
 Leicester. ''To these you can add what your 
 influence can raise, and we will issue imme- 
 diate orders for the City Militia to join the 
 march." 
 
 As a matter of policy, the Earl suddenly broke 
 up the stormy conference, while it was clearly 
 evident that several Barons were about express- 
 ing their dissatisfaction at the favour shewn to
 
 238 THE INTRIGUEKS. 
 
 these two noisy supporters. But Leicester was 
 in that position so common to every day life, 
 when two evils presenting themselves, it be- 
 comes a necessity to chose the least. Still his 
 decisions were but new grafts on the tree of 
 disaffection, which did not fail to yield fruit 
 in due season, four or five noble lords for- 
 saking him, and were already marching to join 
 the Royal banner unfurled under Gloucester's 
 auspices. 
 
 Such was the course of action determined upon. 
 Hastily collecting what means were at disposal, 
 and accompanied by Simon de Montfort the 
 younger, Eochfort returned to London. The 
 valiant warriors started for Sussex, to seize the 
 possessions fallen to the grasp of the Knight of 
 Hurstingham, and then to commence offensive 
 operations against the Castle of Pevensel, little 
 doubting that its starving garrison would soon 
 surrender, the fair lady becoming a victim to 
 licentious greed. While these hostile proceed-
 
 THE INTRIGUEKS. 239 
 
 ings were in active- preparation, Leicester con- 
 tinued his march to Hereford, with the intention 
 of striking a decisive blow against the numerous 
 forces who daily flocked to the standard of his 
 desperate rival.
 
 240 THE INTRIGUERS, 
 
 CHAPTEE XXIIL 
 
 " In maiden confidence she stood, 
 Thougli mantled in her cheek the blood, 
 And told her love with such a sigh 
 Of deep and hopeless agony," 
 
 Scott. 
 
 When the final disruption of the Queen's levies 
 no longer detained De Meudon in Flanders, he 
 hastened back to Pevensel, hoping reflection 
 might have influenced Lady Emmeline's mind 
 more favourably towards him. But, unable to 
 bear his presence, that anxious maiden retired 
 into greater solitude, the pallid hue of a lovely
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 241 
 
 face proving how deeply concealed love was feed- 
 ing on her damask cheek. These altered habits 
 not only attracted the notice of the domestics, but 
 even of Savoy himself, who began to be alarmed, 
 imagining that some infidelity on De Meudon's 
 part was the probable source of grief. Thus, in- 
 fluenced by more than ordinary feelings of affec- 
 tion, he determined to seek an interview with the 
 fair lady, and to hear from herself the cause of 
 this bitter anguish. 
 
 The lady's manner was somewhat abashed on 
 the noble lord entering the apartment. But 
 suddenly she rushed into his arms with many ex- 
 pressions of the purest affection, nor was her con- 
 fusion lessened while her worthy guardian kissed 
 away the tears which moistened her flushing 
 cheeks. Both felt a consciousness that the con- 
 fidence formerly existing between them was 
 seriously impaired. The cause of this decaying 
 unity it may naturally be supposed was well 
 known to the lady, but the venerable noble, under 
 
 VOL. I. M
 
 242 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 different impressions, was only able to draw 
 imaginary conclusions in the wild wanderings of 
 mysterious conjecture. He was at a loss to 
 attribute a circumstance, causing him no little 
 grief, to any shortcomings on his own part, 
 except the sad error of judgment in committing 
 his fair charge to the seclusion of Dunsmore's 
 walls. In this frame of mind, he bid the atten- 
 dants retire while he conversed alone with his 
 agitated niece. An increasing tremor, when the 
 servants withdrew, soon convinced the worthy 
 Lord that her troubles were not the vain imagi- 
 nations of a girlish breast, but some real cloud 
 overshadowing her youthful brow with a pro- 
 found sorrow, which, in all sincerity, he hoped to 
 assuage. 
 
 *' It gives me much concern to see your youth- 
 ful heart so bowed with sorrow," said Savoy, 
 '' For years it has been my constant care to pro- 
 mote your happiness. Your joys should I ever 
 regard as the solace of my aged life. Deal with
 
 THE INTEIGUERS. 243 
 
 me in that open confidence, with that absence of 
 concealment, with which in by-gone days you 
 spoke the little troubles of a childish mind. If 
 the unhappy danger of Dunsmore's solitude has 
 thus curbed your cheerful spirit, yet believe that, 
 in all the sincerity of an anxious mind, I did but 
 act as deemed the best." 
 
 " The devoted love I have ever entertained 
 towards you would forbid me to regard it other- 
 wise," answered Emmeline. " That dire afflic- 
 tion is happily past. It was but one of those 
 many chastisements sent for a good and holy 
 purpose, which, though for the time hard to bear, 
 leave their influence on a godly mind, purifying 
 its thoughts from unhallowed desires, and fitting 
 the immortal spirit for higher spheres of eternal 
 bliss." 
 
 " Then why treat me with a want of con- 
 fidence?" replied Savoy. " Once my constant 
 companion, now the solitude of repining grief 
 seems to have a charm I can only impute to fear.
 
 244 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 You do me a serious injustice by this backward- 
 ness and hesitation, unless I have given you 
 cause, either real or imaginary, to doubt the truth 
 of my affection." 
 
 ** Do not so speak, my dearest protector !'^ cried 
 Emmeline. " Let us not add to each other's 
 trials by even the most distant suspicion of un- 
 kindness or disregard. I love you with that fond 
 esteem which in early infancy alone can be im- 
 planted in the human soul ; and fondly I hopa 
 and trust to do so, until, by heaven's will, the 
 iron hand of death shall separate us in this 
 worldly life." 
 
 ^^ Your words have spoken comfort that I am 
 scarcely able to express," returned Savoy; "but 
 then I must seek further for the cause of these 
 troubles. It now fills me with deep remorse that 
 I suffered the affection that doubtless overpowers 
 your mind to proceed without earlier interference ; 
 but tell me honestly, by the devotion you sa 
 openly express, in what manner has he vexed
 
 THE INTRIGUEKS. 245 
 
 your poor and innocent heart. If by any un- 
 faithful actj or by any trifling backwardness he 
 still prolongs suspense, to prove the purity of 
 your love, confide in me, and you shall not have 
 cause for regret." 
 
 Little believing her uncle could be aware of 
 any love suit contemplated by De Meudon, 
 Emmeline came to the immediate conclusion 
 that by some means the attachment towards 
 Sandford must have reached her guardian's know- 
 ledge. She felt there was no longer any neces- 
 sity for those painful apprehensions that so 
 gnawed the inward cords of her maiden bosom, 
 like the fretting moth destroying a costly gar- 
 ment. Under the force of such mistaken senti- 
 ments, she spoke boldly and openly, though not 
 without emotion far greater than any surprise 
 could occasion. 
 
 " The whole cause of my fear is now gone,'' 
 said Emmeline. '^ It is the cherished love I am 
 utterly unable to control which weighs upon my 
 
 M 2
 
 246 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 spirit, although imparting a pleasant joy that 
 contending affections cannot efface. His genius, 
 his energy of character, have inspired my con- 
 fiding soul with admiration I cannot utter in 
 words. But the devoted regard I have ever enter- 
 tained is further enhanced by boundless gratitude 
 for my deliverance from recent peril. Oh ! for- 
 give me, I pray, for disguising these thoughts ; I 
 have too long concealed my inward feelings." 
 
 " Surely my senses must deceive me," replied 
 Savoy, much confounded and amazed by this 
 communication. " You cannot allude to that 
 banished youth whose fate is still involved in 
 mystery. Dismiss at once a thought so impos- 
 sible, or your affection is built on a quicksand, 
 and my grey hairs bowed down with sorrow ; but 
 speak again, for I cannot believe the reality of 
 my conjectures." 
 
 *^ Do not say so !" exclaimed Emmeline, some- 
 what frightened, though her pure mind scorned to 
 practise any deception. "He is more to me
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 247 
 
 than life itself. It is no wild vision of enthusiasm. 
 The recollection of his charms is the only solace 
 of these dreary hours. My doting heart, without 
 the influence of his manly precepts, is like the 
 clouded sky deprived of the sun's bright radiance. 
 His birth, though not of the proudest, still it has 
 no degrading element to mar the compensation 
 afforded by genius." 
 
 '^ That fatal error must be redeemed," said 
 Savoy, with much emotion. '' He will not long 
 throw his love away upon you when he receives 
 the expression of my resentment. On the score 
 of gratitude you bestow one of the greatest gifts 
 which Nature has placed in the power of a 
 woman's soul, while you forget all obligations to 
 another, who, from earliest hours of infancy, has 
 nurtured you to be the comfort of his declining 
 years. I cannot forget the pride of my fore- 
 fathers, in which I glory, and vex me not by a 
 repetition of such desires, or my failing strength 
 will be brought to its end."
 
 248 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 '^ I implore you not to denounce me with such 
 bitter words !" cried Emmeline. " It cannot be 
 pleasing to a righteous heaven that such prejudice 
 should influence our actions. Be assured that 
 resentment can but defeat its own object; but 
 God forbid that I should be the misery of your 
 old age. My whole devotion shall be exercised 
 to solace its remaining days ; nor do I see that 
 the longings of silent affection can unfit me for 
 so goodly an office." 
 
 '^ Nay, then, repeat the promise without its 
 limit," returned Savoy. '^ For my sake, forget 
 the past as a dream, as a fancy of an unsettled 
 mind. Though I would fain be an object of 
 your esteem, still you require the protection of a 
 stronger arm. Think kindly of that fond youth 
 now our worthy guest. His noble ancestors bled 
 for their country's cause, and such a union would 
 prove that solace to my age which you desire to 
 bestow." 
 
 " Oh ! urge me not further, I beseech you,''
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 249 
 
 answered Emmeline. ^' I know him to be a noble 
 and stainless youth of good estate. I cannot 
 doubt him as a virtuous knight. Though in 
 manner too ostensive, yet a valiant and gracious 
 person ; still I cannot love him, which he well 
 knows long since." 
 
 " These manners are but the freaks of youth, 
 which a few years will suffice to soften,'* rejoined 
 Savoy. " I implore you once more to renounce an 
 idea that must place a deep chasm between our 
 hearts, which has already opened its first chink. 
 I am loath to utter one syllable of unkindness to 
 so tender a mind, though I will spare no measures 
 to prevent a consummation so violating the whole 
 principles of my life." 
 
 *' There is no necessity for apprehension," 
 replied Emmeline. "I would rather end my 
 days in the deepest seclusion than resort to any 
 means degrading and dishonourable. It is diffi- 
 cult to conquer notions instilled in youth and 
 cherished through the weary years of a prolonged
 
 250 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 existence. The assurance already given might 
 well satisfy as to my esteem towards you, and if 
 my hopes are never to be realized, yet permit me 
 to dote in silence on their adored object." 
 
 " Thou art a wilful and foolish girl/' answered 
 Savoy. " Now I leave thee to contemplate on 
 the future, and to make a choice between two 
 evils. By a compliance to my wishes, you will 
 cause this heart an unspeakable joy, but by an 
 obstinate adherence to impracticable schemes you 
 will bring my shattered frame to a sorrowing 
 death." 
 
 When the noble lord quitted her chamber the 
 fair lady, after a passionate outburst of emotion, 
 felt a calmness to which her mind had long been 
 strange. In most of the unpleasant matters ex- 
 perienced during life, anticipation is generally 
 worse than the reality, and although our direst 
 fears may be the result of some long- dreaded 
 occurrence, still, when it is past, there is a 
 sense of comfort, mingled with the sorrow, often
 
 THE INTRIGUERS. 251 
 
 producing a greater elasticity of spirits than had 
 previously existed. For some time Emmeline 
 felt a buoyancy she was unable to comprehend, 
 until she remembered Sandford's words, when he 
 spoke of the pleasure arising from a conscientious 
 discharge of duty exceeding all gratifications 
 that human nature can enjoy. She could hardly 
 believe that the final doom was pronounced, 
 blighting her most tender feelings. Come when 
 it might, she was well aware that the first know- 
 ledge of her devotion would raise in her uncle's 
 mind long-cherished prejudices. Still venturing 
 to hope time would soften their virulence, in 
 mental peace she left the issue in the hands of 
 an unseen power, and determined to bear the 
 result with holy resignation, however painful its 
 decree. 
 
 But very difi'erent sentiments operated on the 
 noble lord. Pride swelling within that haughty 
 bosom, choked all the better feelings of his heart, 
 even stifling the higher claims of justice itself.
 
 252 THE INTRIGUERS. 
 
 And not only was this prevailing passion satisfied 
 with crushing the brightest attributes of his 
 nature, but it even roused those baser elements 
 of the human mind, a desire for revenge, and 
 animosity towards those from whom he had 
 received no injury. He was sternly determined 
 to get rid of an attachment, regarded as an im- 
 pending blow on his noble house, even to the 
 violation of Christian rectitude. He sought to 
 betray the object of his wrath into the grasp of 
 unrelenting foes should opportunity offer. This 
 was the unhappy moment when a scroll was 
 placed before him, announcing Sandford's re- 
 straint with the Earl of Gloucester, and request- 
 ing his good offices. All motives of conscience 
 were overpowered, he despatched an answer dis- 
 claiming all knowledge of the adventurer, and 
 even denouncing him as a probable spy. 
 
 Shortly after the messenger bearing this fatal 
 document had quitted the ancient fortress, a 
 commotion occurred within its walls of no
 
 THE INTKIGUERS. 253 
 
 ordinary character, amply testifying that some 
 event had happened of startling importance. 
 Presently De Meudon, accompanied by a few- 
 principal oflScers, rushed into the chamber. He 
 made a communication which caused the noble 
 lord to stagger against the wall, and exhibited 
 another scroll just sent across the drawbridge, 
 not only forfeiting Savoy's possessions in Sussex, 
 but commanding that he should forthwith deliver 
 to Rochfort de Vere the Castle at Pevensel, 
 hitherto regarded his peculiar stronghold. 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
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