As it was now known that the queen intended to remain at Lathom till the following day, arrangements were immediately made for the accommodation of her majesty and her suite.

This was accomplished without the slightest difficulty, since there were an immense number of rooms in the mansion, as will readily be understood, when we mention that more than two hundred guests with their attendants had often been lodged within it.

To the queen was assigned a noble apartment in the grand gallery, the walls of which were hung with the choicest arras, while the bedstead presented a magnificent specimen of carved oak. Amid the painted glass of the bay window was a portrait of the Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry the Seventh. Scarcely inferior were the rooms allotted to the principal personages in attendance upon her majesty.

As we have said, the apartments were truly regal, Henry the Seventh's palace at Shene being modelled upon Lathom. Even the queen was struck with the princely character of the mansion. As to her majesty's guard, they had no reason to complain of their quarters.

After a plentiful repast had been served in the great banqueting-hall, the queen inspected the garrison. Except the musketeers and artillerymen on the walls, the whole of the men, fully armed and accoutred, and having an officer at the head of each company, were drawn up in the court-yard, and presented a very imposing sight. Accustomed to such displays, the queen was able to judge of their efficiency.

"You are better served than his majesty, my lord," she remarked to the Earl of Derby. "I have no such troops as these elsewhere."

"I have reason to be proud of them, gracious madam, for they are all my retainers," replied the earl. "They are ready to fight for his majesty when called upon. But methinks they are best employed in the defence of this castle, which helps to sustain the royal cause in Lancashire."

"When my husband is absent I have charge of the castle," said the countess; "and your majesty may rest assured it shall never be surrendered to rebels."

"I have no fear of that," rejoined the queen.

Before quitting the court, the troops marched past the queen, and manifested great enthusiasm.

Her majesty next visited the stables, which, though large enough to hold a hundred horses, were now quite full.

From the stables she proceeded to the magazine and provision stores, and was surprised at the extent of the supplies.

"Your majesty sees we are not unprepared," said the countess.

"No castle in England can be in better condition," replied the queen. "But I have not yet completed my survey. From the summit of that lofty tower I could see the whole of the place."

"Your majesty would find the ascent fatiguing," remarked the earl. "I do not advise you to attempt it."

"I make no doubt the countess often goes there," said the queen.

"Twice a day regularly, madam," rejoined Lady Derby.

"Then the effort cannot be too great for me!" cried the queen. "Come with me all who list. My lord, I place myself under your guidance."

The Eagle Tower towards which Lord Derby conducted the queen was situated in the centre of the mansion.

In the lower part there was a guard-room wherein half a dozen musketeers were now assembled. From this chamber a wide staircase, that followed each angle of the tower, gradually mounted to the summit. So easy was the ascent that the queen accomplished it without the slightest fatigue. On the appearance of the earl and his illustrious visitor, the two sentinels stationed on the leads retired.

Now that the whole of the castle was spread out before her, the queen was surprised at the size of the fabric. With the various buildings and walls it looked like a strongly fortified town. Lord Goring and Lord Jermyn, and her majesty's other attendants, were equally amazed. A smile of satisfaction played upon Lady Derby's countenance, but the earl maintained an immovable demeanour.

The queen was no careless and superficial observer. Not content with a mere glance at the place, she minutely examined the fortifications-noted the immense thickness of the walls, and the strong internal earthworks-numbered the towers and counted the ordnance-and bestowed a second look of scrutiny upon the lofty gatehouse.

Then turning to the Earl of Derby; she remarked: "This is a strong castle, my lord-much stronger than I thought."

"It was built by my ancestor, the second Lord Stanley, and first Lord Derby," replied the earl. "It was a strong place then-but I have made it somewhat stronger."

"To me it seems impregnable," remarked the queen. "But you must guard against treachery."

"I hope we have no traitors at Lathom, gracious madam," said the countess.

Before descending, the queen surveyed the surrounding district. Owing to the fine weather that prevailed, the view was seen to great advantage.

The lofty position on which she stood enabled her to overlook the rising ground on the south side of the moat, and beyond the park she beheld a vast moor, almost uncultivated and entirely destitute of timber, that extended nearly to Knowsley.

On the north was another park, in the midst of which was Burscough Priory, a reverend pile, founded some four or five centuries ago by the Lathoms, but now completely deserted, except by a few poor bedesmen, who were allowed to occupy it.

The picturesque structure, however, did not escape the queen's eye, and she put some questions respecting it.

On the west was New Hall, a small mansion belonging to the Earl of Derby, now untenanted, and beyond it, above the trees, could be distinguished the spire of the old church of Ormskirk, in the vaults of which Earl William had recently been laid beside his ancestors.

On the east, a range of hills shut out the view in the direction of Wigan.

Owing to the large tract of moss and moor, the country had generally a wild and sterile look-but portions of the prospect were extremely picturesque and beautiful. The parks contained much fine timber, and were well stocked with deer. Up to a late period the Lord of Lathom and Knowsley had been devoted to the chase.

For some time the queen remained gazing on this prospect-turning from one side to the other and questioning the earl as to any objects that interested her.

After studying the locality in this manner she came to the conclusion that no better situation for a stronghold could have been chosen.

The two nobles in attendance upon her majesty made few remarks, and held aloof while she was conversing with the earl.

In the evening a banquet, distinguished by as much splendour as had formerly characterised Lord Derby's entertainments, took place in the great hall. In the centre of the dais, under a canopy, sat the queen, and all the most important personages then staying within the mansion were placed on her right and left. Lord Derby waited upon her majesty in person. Nearly a hundred persons sat down at the lower tables-all the officers of the garrison being present.

Thus filled and illumined with torches, the hall presented a magnificent sight. The richest liveries were worn by the servants, and strains of minstrelsy were heard from the galleries. Trumpets were blown when certain large dishes were set upon the tables, and many old and long-neglected customs were observed.

IV.

How Gertrude Rosworm arrived at Lathom House

THE Earl of Derby's confident expectation that Captain Bootle would return at an early hour on the following morning was not realised.

Not till nearly noon did the messenger make his appearance. Nor had he been successful in his errand. Sir Alexander Radcliffe was absent from Ordsall, and, consequently, the money could not be procured.

The queen was greatly disappointed at the result of the expedition, and scarcely seemed satisfied with Bootle's excuses. When he was gone she remarked to the earl: "I do not like that man's looks. I think he could have brought the money if he would."

"He could only have obtained it from Sir Alexander himself, madam, and unfortunately he was absent."

"But he would have returned to-night," cried the queen. "The messenger ought to have waited."

"Doubtless he would have waited, but for the special orders given him," said the earl. "But if your majesty can be induced to prolong your stay I will send off another messenger at once."

"It will be well to do so, my lord," said the queen.

Just then, Captain Standish entered the cabinet wherein the foregoing discourse had taken place between the queen and Lord Derby.

"Pardon this intrusion, gracious madam," said Standish, bowing. "A youth has just arrived at the castle from Manchester, who has a matter of the utmost importance to communicate to your majesty."

"From Manchester, say you?" exclaimed the queen. "He may be from Sir Alexander Radcliffe."

"No, madam, the youth is not from Ordsall," said Standish.

"Ah! then you know his errand?" cried the queen.

"Of thus much, I am certain, gracious madam-he brings no message from Sir Alexander Radcliffe. His lordship is acquainted with the youth, who has rendered him some slight service."

"Who is he?" demanded the earl.

"He calls himself Karl Rosworm," replied Standish. "Your lordship will recognise him at once!"

"Rosworm!" exclaimed the queen. "Why that is the name of the famous German engineer, by whom Manchester has been fortified."

"And if I am not wrong in my suspicions," said the earl, a slight smile crossing his features, "this Karl Rosworm is a near relative of the engineer. But your majesty may safely see the youth."

"He is without, gracious madam," said Standish.

"Admit him, then," said the queen.

In another minute, a youth of very prepossessing appearance entered the cabinet, and bowed deeply to the queen. His light locks flowed over his shoulders, and heightened the delicate and almost feminine character of his features. He was habited in a riding-dress, and the dusty state of his boots showed he had travelled far.

After bringing this youth into the royal presence, Standish would have retired, but the queen signed to him to stay.

"Attempt not to deceive me," she said to the new-corner, "you are not what you seem."

"Pardon me, I pray your majesty, for appearing before you in this disguise," said Gertrude, for it was she. "I required it to come hither. I am the daughter of Colonel Rosworm, but I am a Royalist at heart, as I hope to prove. A plot has been contrived in Manchester against your majesty, and I have come hither-at some hazard to myself-to warn you of it."

"I thank you for your zeal," replied the queen. "But I am at a loss to understand how such a plot can have originated."

"Your majesty's movements are better known than you imagine," said Gertrude. "It is known to Colonel Holland and some of the Manchester garrison that your majesty is staying at Lathom, and an attempt will be made to capture you. An ambuscade will be formed into which it is hoped you may fall when you quit the castle. Fearing the design might prove successful, I have come to warn you of it."

"I thank you heartily for the great service rendered me," said the queen, "and will requite it. How can Colonel Holland have obtained this information?" she added, to Lord Derby. "'Tis certain we have been betrayed. But by whom? My own suspicions alight on Captain Bootle."

"I cannot believe him capable of such villainy," said the earl. "But he shall at once be placed under arrest. Your majesty can then interrogate him. See it done!" he added to Standish, who forthwith departed on the errand.

"But for this unlooked-for and untoward incident," said the earl, "I would have sent a second messenger to Ordsall; but it would not be prudent to do so, since he might fall into the hands of the enemy."

"Trouble yourself no more about the matter, my lord," said the queen. "But I shall now need an additional guard to Warrington."

"I will attend your majesty myself with a strong guard," said the earl. "I do not think the enemy will venture to attack us."

At this juncture, Frank Standish returned. But he brought no prisoner with him.

"Where is Captain Bootle?" demanded the earl.

"He has fled, my lord," replied Standish.

"Fled!" ejaculated the earl. "That proclaims his guilt."

"The arrival of this disguised damsel seems to have alarmed him," said Standish. "Feeling sure that a discovery must take place, he mounted his horse, and quitted the castle."

"But why was he suffered to depart?" cried the earl, angrily.

"No suspicions were entertained of him, my lord," replied Standish. "Besides, he declared he was sent with a pressing message by your lordship."

"I will hang the false traitor if I catch him!" cried the earl.

"No doubt he has gone to join Colonel Holland and the rebels, and will direct their design," said the queen.

"A plan occurs to me by which this design might be effectually defeated," said Standish. "I know not if your majesty will approve of the plan, but with your permission I will mention it."

"Let us hear it," said the queen.

"This damsel must play a part in it," rejoined Standish. "Nay, she must personate your majesty."

"Personate me!" exclaimed the queen.

"The success of the scheme depends upon the disguise, gracious madam," said Standish. "With a small party of horse, and accompanied by this damsel-disguised as I have ventured to suggest-I will undertake to lure Colonel Holland and his men from their ambuscade, and it shall not be my fault if they have not a long chase, and in a wrong direction."

"The scheme promises well," remarked the queen. "But how say you, fair maiden?" she added to Gertrude. "Are you willing to take part in it?"

"Nothing would please me better, madam," was the eager reply, "Then be it so," said the queen.

"The plan cannot be carried out with any chance of success till night," said the Earl of Derby, who had listened to Standish's proposition in silence. "Is your majesty content to remain here till then?"

"I do not care for the delay," she rejoined. "But I must inform my council of my design."

"Lord Goring and Lord Jermyn are in the banqueting-hall with the countess," said Lord Derby. "Shall I summon them?"

"No, I will go thither," said the queen. "Come with me, fair demoiselle," she added graciously to Gertrude. "I will provide you with a fitting disguise."

V.