demanding as she sprang off her horse with little aid, "Lives my
wench still?"

"Yes, madam, she lives, and the leech trusts that she will yet be
healed."

"Ah! Methought you would have sent to me if aught further had
befallen her. Be that as it may, no doubt you have given the
malapert boy his deserts."

"I hope I have, madam," began the Earl. "I kept him in close ward
while she was in peril of death, but--" A fresh bugle blast
interrupted him, as there clattered through the resounding gate the
other troop, at sight of whom the Lady of Whitburn drew herself up,
redoubling her grim dignity, and turning it into indignation as a
young page rushed forward to meet the newcomers, with a cry of
"Father! Lord Father, come at last;" then composing himself, doffed
his cap and held the stirrup, then bent a knee for his father's
blessing.

"You told me, Lord Earl, the mischievous, murderous fellow was in
safe hold," said the lady, bending her dark brows.

"While the maid was in peril," hastily answered Salisbury. "Pardon
me, madam, my Countess will attend you."

The Countess's high rank and great power were impressive to the
Baroness of Whitburn, who bent in salutation, but almost her first
words were, "Madam, you at least will not let the murderous traitors
of Somerset and the Queen prevail over the loyal friends of York and