"
"My dear rash boy!" said she. "But is he safe? No, do not say
where. Thanks, thanks to heaven. Now I am ready for anything!" and
so indeed her face proved.
"All owing to Rose, mother; she will soon be back again, she--but
I'll say no more, for fear. He left love--duty--Rose left all sorts
of greetings, that I will tell you by and by. Ha! do you hear them
lumbering about the house? They fancy he is hid there! Yes, you are
welcome--"
"Hush! hush, Walter! the longer they look the more time he will
gain," whispered his mother. "Oh this is joy indeed!"
"Mamma, I found out Walter, and said not one word," interposed Lucy;
but there was no more opportunity for converse permitted, for the
captain returned, and ordered the whole party into the custody of a
soldier, who was not to lose sight of any of them till the search was
completed.
After putting the whole house in disorder, and seeking in vain
through the grounds, the captain himself, and one of his men, went
off to scour the neighbouring country, and examine every village on
the coast.
Lady Woodley and her three younger children were in the meantime
locked into her room, while the soldier left in charge was ordered
not to let Walter for a moment out of his sight; and both she and
Walter were warned that they were to be carried the next morning to
Chichester, to answer for having aided and abetted the escape of the
notorious traitor, Edmund Woodley.
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