Albert had now become entirely convinced of the double dealing, and the subterfuge, and the often hypocrisy which was commingled with the high-hearted determination of the puritans; and comparing the chances of evil, likely to arise from the destruction of law, with that wh ch might occur from its too stringent application, he depended on the freedom of the British character for preventing the encroachments of despotism, although he could not depend upon the wisdom or the power of those at the head of a party for saving the country from anarchy and military misrule. No one at that moment could predict the magnificent character that was destined to control the storm, bring order out of chaos, and uplift the national glory to an unprecedented height. Albert only longed for an opportunity to distinguish himself, that he might be presented more favourably to his sovereign.

The conversation had closed, and he

was resting with his head upon his hand, gazing in rumination at the dying light now fast fading from the sky. Silence and thought had followed: when, suddenly, they were aroused by the shrill, but inspiriting notes of a trumpet, beating forth the call to the field.

All started to their feet; Colonel Dornford with the fixed gaze of quiet and assured courage; Trenton with the haughty bearing of one anxious for the field, and Albert with the eager glance of a young charger, ready for the fray. Mr. Endsleigh raised his hands in the twilight, in prayerful fortitude, whilst Helen and Edith awaited, as those accustomed to danger do wait, with trembling but relying patience what might occur.

Presently the notes were repeated, a faint cheer was raised, and the rapid beating of a detachment of troopers was heard upon the gravel walk before the house. Within a few moments Herbert entered,

introducing an officer whose bandelier and white scarf denoted his attachment to the royal service. In one hand he carried his cavalier's hat, with its long drooping feather fastened by a jewelled brooch; in the other he bore a large paper. He bowed respectfully as he entered, and the salutation being duly returned, he handed the paper to the Colonel, who, after breaking the seal inquired,

"At Tickhill, sir?"

"It is there the gathering is to be, and your own regiment has already mustered in force in the neighbourhood."

"Good, sir, we will, please God, be there."

All efforts to detain the messenger were ineffectual, and, after draining a draught of wine to the ladies before him, and his master's cause, he was again on his way to summon others to the fight.

Little conference was necessary as to their future proceedings. It was now determined that Albert should take the field

before being presented to his sovereign, and it was arranged that the ladies, under the care of Mr. Endsleigh and Herbert, should await the fortune of the day some three or four miles from the field of battle. Their departure was to take place the next morning.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Now all the youth of England are on fire,
And silken dalliance in the wardrobe lies;

Now thrive the armourers, and honoured thought
Reigns solely in the breast of every man ;
They sell the pasture now to buy the horse;
Following the mirror of all Christian kings.

King Henry V.

THE opening dawn had not yet broken. over the eastern hills when the inmates of the parsonage were on the alert. Albert with a ready alacrity, which revived hope induced, looked to the feeding and caparisoning of the steeds, while Trenton was equally active in superintending the gathering and array of the little band of followers