"Ha! How? Where are they? How now? Escaped!" with many
confused exclamations, and much trampling of heavy boots. Eleanor
stood frightened, Walter clapped his hands, cut a very unfeminine
caper, clenched his fist, and shook it at the wall, and exclaimed in
an exulting whisper, "Ha! ha! my fine fellows! You may look long
enough for him!" then ran downstairs at full speed, and entered the
hall. His mother, dressed for a journey, stood by the table; a
glance of hope and joy lighting on her pale features, but her swollen
eyelids telling of a night of tears and sleeplessness. Lucy and
Charles were by her side, the front door open, and the horses were
being led up and down before it. Walter and Eleanor hurried up to
her, but before they had time to speak, the rebel captain dashed into
the room, exclaiming, "Thou treacherous woman, thou shalt abye this!
Here! mount, pursue, the nearest road to the coast. Smite them
rather than let them escape. The malignant nursling of the blood-
thirsty Palatine at large again! Follow, and overtake, I say!"
"Which way, sir?" demanded the corporal.
"The nearest to the coast. Two ride to Chichester, two to Gosport.
Or here! Where is that maiden, young in years, but old in wiles?
Ah, there! come hither, maiden. Wilt thou purchase grace for thy
mother by telling which way the prisoners are fled? I know thy
wiles, and will visit them on thee and on thy father's house, unless
thou dost somewhat to merit forgiveness.
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