Wherever it could be seen, this strong castellated mansion, with its great gatehouse, embattled walls, numerous turrets, and lofty central tower presented a most imposing appearance.

In the presence-chamber, and in a high-backed ebony chair, sat a majestic dame. She could not be called young, yet she was still exceedingly handsome, and possessed a full, stately figure. Her manner was dignified, and at times haughty, and her look showed she was accustomed to command. Her eyes were remarkably fine, of a dark hazel, fringed with long silken lashes, and arched over by finely pencilled brows. Her dark tresses were brought in small curls over her brow and flowed down in ringlets at the side and at the back, according to the then charming mode. She wore a collar of pearls, and large pearl ear-rings. Her gown was of black velvet, trimmed with lace, and her stomacher was adorned with pearls. In the peculiar grace of her manner, as in her speech, there was something that showed she was of French origin.

Need we say this was Charlotte de la Tremoille, Countess of Derby? From her charms and her ability, it is not wonderful that she held such sway over her noble husband.

With the countess were her three daughters, ranging from ten to thirteen-lovely creatures, dressed in white satin, and wearing their hair in the same becoming fashion as their mother. All three had fine bright eyes and charming features. The elder-the Lady Henriette Marie Stanley, to whom the queen had stood godmother, was tall, and possessed a slight graceful figure. When of tender age she had been contracted to Lord Molineux. Lady Katherine, the second daughter, was about a year younger than her sister, and equally beautiful. A blonde, with light blue eyes, fair tresses, a delicate complexion, she had a very gentle expression of countenance, and a very engaging manner.

If we may be permitted to glance into the future, we may mention that the Lady Katherine was subsequently wedded to Henry Pierrepoint, second Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull, and was buried at Hurstpierpoint, in Sussex.

The liveliest, and perhaps the most attractive of the three girls, was the Lady Amelia-a bright little brunette, with sparkling black eyes, and a brilliant complexion. Again to forecast the future, it may be mentioned that this lovely creature-her mother's favourite-became Marchioness of Athole. She was now playing with her little brothers, Edward and William.

Edward, a grave-looking boy then some four years old, was dressed in black velvet, and his dark hair, brought over his brow, made him look like a miniature of the earl, his father, to whom his features bore a marked resemblance. William, the youngest of the party, being scarcely three, was seated on a tabouret near the countess, and comported himself well, being a very quiet little boy.

The children we have enumerated constituted the whole of Lord Derby's family, with the exception of Charles, Lord Strange, born in 1628, who was then in Holland.

A middle-aged nurse, of discreet appearance, and attired in very sober apparel, was in attendance upon the younger children.

No one else was present at the moment, though different members of the household from time to time entered the hall. The countess looked unusually cheerful, for she expected the earl from Wigan on that day. Of necessity his lordship had been long absent from home, so that his return was eagerly looked for by his family.

"Do you think our father will really return today, dearest mother?" inquired Lady Katherine. "We have been so often disappointed that I almost despair of beholding him again."

The countess heaved a sigh, for she, too, had been often disappointed; but her face brightened as she answered: "Yes-I feel sure you will see him to-day, Kate."

"But will he bring Lord Molineux with him?" cried the Lady Henriette Marie, eagerly.

"I cannot answer for that," replied the countess, with a smile. "But make yourself easy. Unless Lord Molineux is obliged to remain at Wigan-which I think unlikely-he will certainly come."

"Oh! I hope he will," cried Henriette. "But what was that? I thought I heard a noise in the outer court. They may have arrived. Shall I go forth and see?"

"No! stay where you are! We shall learn presently."

It was evident from the sounds that an arrival had taken place, and the countess herself could scarcely control her impatience, when Doctor Rutter entered the hall, and hastened towards her. His looks showed that he brought some important intelligence.

"Prepare yourself for a great surprise, madam," said the chaplain. "You will scarce credit me when I inform you that the queen has just arrived at the castle."

"Impossible! her majesty is at York," said the countess.

"She is at this moment in the court-yard of the castle," replied the chaplain. "I have spoken to her myself. She has just come from York, and is proceeding to Chester. She is attended by Lord Goring and Lord Jermyn and a small escort."

"She runs great risk in passing thus through Lancashire," cried the countess, who had listened in astonishment to what was told her. "But I must not sit here. Come with me, girls," she added to her daughters, who were equally astonished with herself.

Without waiting to give any orders to Master Cunliffe, the major-domo, who had now made his appearance with Daniel Trioche, the earl's confidential attendant, and several other servants, she hastened forth, accompanied by her daughters and Doctor Rutter.

II.

Queen Henrietta Maria

THE court-yard was full of soldiers, for the garrison had turned out at once as soon they became aware that the queen had arrived, and shouts rent the air, while drums were beaten and trumpets blown.

Her majesty had just dismounted from her palfrey, being assisted by Lord Goring, who was now standing beside her. Close behind were Lord Jermyn, Sir Edward Dering, and several other Cavaliers of inferior rank. Behind them was the escort, which consisted only of a party of fifty well-armed men.

Not far from the queen stood Captain Chisenhale, Captain Rawsthorne, and Captain Ogle, with other officers of the garrison, who were waiting to conduct her majesty to the hall; but on the appearance of the countess and her daughters they stopped, and formed themselves into two lines.

Despite the constant anxiety she had recently experienced, Queen Henrietta Maria looked remarkably well. Possessing great courage and spirit, she never succumbed to difficulties and dangers. Her personal charms were still unimpaired, her fine black eyes being brilliant as ever, and her tresses as dark and lustrous as when she first met her royal husband. Her features had lost none of their beauty. Though not tall, the queen was perfectly proportioned, and remarkable for grace.

Her majesty wore a riding dress of green velvet embroidered with gold, and a broad-leaved Spanish hat, with a white plume, secured by a diamond buckle.

As the countess approached, she advanced to meet her, and prevented her from making an obeisance-professing herself delighted to see her and her daughters.

The discourse that took place between her majesty and Lady Derby was conducted in French.

"You are right welcome to Lathom, gracious madam," said the countess. "In my noble husband's name, I place the castle, and all within it-men, munitions, and stores-at your entire disposal. Your majesty has only to give your orders and they will be obeyed."

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, dearest countess," replied the queen, very much touched. "I know your devotion to the king and myself, and should feel perfectly secure at Lathom, which I now find is quite as strong as it has been represented to me, but I do not propose to stay here long. I am on the way to Chester, and shall proceed thence to Oxford to join the king. My object in coming here was to consult the Earl of Derby, but I find he is absent."

"His lordship is momently expected from Wigan, gracious madam," replied the countess. "But I will at once despatch a messenger to him on a fleet horse to acquaint him with your arrival."

"Since you expect him that is sufficient," said the queen. "I can wait. I shall be glad to pass a short time with you and your fair daughters. How well they are looking," she added, smiling graciously upon them, and embracing each in turn.

"Do you know that you are my goddaughter?" she remarked to the eldest.

"Indeed I do. I am very proud of being named after your majesty," replied Henriette, blushing deeply.

"I have not much to offer you, mignonne, for I have sold all my jewels to help the king. But I pray you wear this ring for my sake."

And as she spoke she took off a ring and placed it on Henriette's finger.

"I will never part with it, gracious madam," said the noble damsel, delighted.

While this was passing, the countess addressed Lord Goring, Lord Jermyn, Sir Edward Dering, and the rest of the queen's attendants, and bade them welcome with the refined courtesy she knew so well how to practise.

All the Cavaliers were splendidly accoutred, and made a very gallant show in their glittering cuirasses, richly embroidered baldricks, scarves, and plumed hats.

As we have said, the two nobles were accounted the handsomest men belonging to the Court, and were especial favourites of the queen.

Lord Derby believed they were secretly hostile to him, and though the countess entertained the same impression, she did not allow it to influence her reception of them.

At this juncture the major-domo, with two yeomen-ushers, all three bearing white wands, came up, for the purpose of conducting her majesty to the house, and the queen was about to proceed thither, when an interruption occurred. Trumpets were blown from the summit of the gate-house, announcing the Earl of Derby's return, and, on hearing these sounds, the queen remained stationary.

Immediately afterwards the great gates were thrown open, and the earl, with Lord Molineux, Sir Thomas Tyldesley, Sir John Girlington, and closely attended by Captain Standish, rode into the court, followed by a large troop of horse. Loud shouts at the same time arose from the garrison, who were rejoiced to behold their lord again.

Great was Lord Derby's surprise when he found the place occupied as we have described; but the moment he learnt that the queen was present, he flung himself from the saddle, and made his way to the spot where she was standing, followed by Lord Molineux and the others.

"Welcome! thrice welcome! gracious madam," he cried, bending the knee before her. "Lathom is greatly honoured by this unlooked-for visit. Could I have anticipated it, I would have made every preparation for your reception! But I frankly own I did not expect to find your majesty here."

"Nor had I any such intention when I left York, my lord," she replied, praying him to rise. "I will explain the object of my visit anon. For a time I place myself under your care, knowing I shall be well guarded by the loyal Earl of Derby,"

"Your majesty is as safe here as you were at York," replied the earl. "Deign to enter the house."

Then bowing haughtily to the Lords Goring and Jermyn, he conducted her majesty towards the entrance of the house, preceded by the major-domo and the ushers-a large retinue of servants having ranged themselves on either side of the steps.

Seeing that the queen desired to confer with him in private, Lord Derby led her to the lower end of the presence-chamber.

No one followed them. All the courtiers and Royalist gentlemen remained with the countess, in the centre of the large apartment.

"Madam," said the earl, "I am prepared to listen to aught your majesty may have to say to me."

"My lord," said the queen, after a brief pause, "I am aware that your loyalty has been heavily taxed, and very inadequately rewarded-but I must put it to a further test."

"Hesitate not to command me, madam. Aught I can do for his majesty and yourself shall be done."

"You have, indeed, a noble and a generous heart, my lord," said the queen. "I was told you deeply resented some supposed injuries done you, and attributed them to my influence with the king. But I resolved to trust you. I am here-in your stronghold. Were you the traitor your enemies would have me believe, you could deliver me up, and make your own terms with the Parliament."

"Those who have charged me with treasonable designs have belied me, madam," rejoined the earl, with difficulty controlling himself, and speaking with forced calmness. "This is not the moment to call them to account, but the time will come when I will force them to confess the falsehood. I will make no idle professions of loyalty. My acts speak for themselves. But thus much I will say-I am ready to sacrifice my life for the king, and all my possessions are at his majesty's disposal. With such feelings could I prove faithless to your majesty?"

"No, my lord," replied the queen, emphatically; "nor did I ever suspect you of treachery. But let us dismiss this matter. I have come to you for aid, and I do not think you will refuse it me."

"Assuredly not, madam," said the earl; "you shall have all the aid I can give you, either in men or money."

"It is the latter that I want, my lord," rejoined the queen. "The king's necessities are very great-greater even than you imagine. Your lordship is aware that I sold all my jewels and plate in Holland, and though a very large sum was raised by this sacrifice-for sacrifice it was-more-much more-is needed."

"My coffers are not so well filled as I could desire, madam," replied the earl. "But all I have is yours."

"With how much can you supply me, my lord?"

"Not more than a thousand pounds, madam," he replied.

"Cannot a larger sum be borrowed?" she cried with a look of deep disappointment.

"I may, perhaps, be able to obtain two or three thousand more from Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall Hall, near Manchester," replied the earl. "If your majesty can remain here till to-morrow, I will send off a trusty messenger to him forthwith."

"The matter is so important to the king, my lord, that I must needs wait," said the queen. "But cannot Lord Molineux aid us?"

"I fear not," he replied. "The Lancashire, Royalists have no funds."

"'T is everywhere the same," said the queen. "The two noblemen with me, and Sir Edward Dering, have nothing, or next to nothing."

"I will speak to Sir John Girlington and Sir Thomas Tyldesley presently," said the earl. "But with your majesty's permission I will first send off the messenger to Ordsall."

"I pray you do so, my lord," said the queen.

Having conducted her majesty to the countess, the earl proceeded to his cabinet, taking with him Doctor Rutter, to whom he imparted his design.

"Shall I send Frank Standish, or Captain Bootle on the errand?" remarked the earl. "Give me your advice, Rutter?"

"Captain Bootle, I think, will be the best, my lord," rejoined the chaplain. "He is more cautious than Standish, and will run no needless risk. Besides, Standish is well known to the Manchester Roundheads, and would be recognised if he chanced to encounter any of them."

"You are right," replied the earl. "It would not be prudent to send him. While I write to Sir Alexander Radcliffe, go fetch Captain Bootle, and explain the business to him."

While Rutter went in quest of the messenger, Lord Derby sat down at a table on which writing materials were laid, and had just finished his letter, when the chaplain returned with Bootle.

Captain Bootle's looks seemed scarcely to warrant the confidence placed in him by the earl and Doctor Rutter, for there was something sinister in the expression of his countenance, caused by a slight obliquity of vision, but he was brave and active, and esteemed a staunch Royalist. He was fully accoutred in breastplate and helmet, and his stout riding-boots were drawn above the knee. Besides the long sword by his side he had pistols in his belt.

"Has Doctor Rutter explained why I have sent for you, Captain Bootle?" said the earl.

"Ay, my lord," replied the other. "You desire me to take a letter to Sir Alexander Radcliffe of Ordsall Hall, and to bring back a large sum of money."

"There is much risk in the expedition," observed the earl. "Take a strong guard with you."

"If I take a strong guard, my lord, I shall probably be attacked, and may be plundered," said Bootle. "I would rather go alone; I can reach the hall then unobserved."

"As you will," said the earl. "But mind, you will incur a great responsibility."

"I believe it to be the safest course," remarked Rutter.

"I am sure it is," said Bootle.

The earl did not seem altogether satisfied, but he gave him the letter, adding, "Set out at once, and use all the despatch you can. Sir Alexander will furnish you with another horse, and if he deems it needful, will send a guard with you."

Captain Bootle bowed and withdrew.

In less than a quarter of an hour afterwards, he had quitted the hall, and was speeding in the direction of Wigan, whither it was supposed he had been sent, for none, save those concerned in it, were aware of the real nature of his errand.

III.

What the Queen beheld from the Eagle Tower