It was not till noon that
they came out upon the high road between Chichester and Forest Lea;
and they had not been upon it more than ten minutes, before the sound
of horses' tread was heard, as if coming from Chichester. Looking
round, they saw a gentleman riding fast, followed by a soldier also
on horseback. There was something in his air that Rose recognised,
and as he came nearer she perceived it was Sylvester Enderby. He was
much amazed, when, at the same moment, he perceived it was Mistress
Rose Woodley, and stopping his horse, and taking off his hat, with
great respect both towards her and the clergyman, he hoped all the
family were well in health.
"Yes, yes, I believe so, thank you," replied Rose, looking anxiously
at him.
"I am on my way to Forest Lea," he said. "I bring the order my
father hoped to obtain from General Cromwell."
"The Protection! Oh, thanks! ten thousand thanks!" cried Rose. "Oh!
it may save--But hasten on, pray hasten on, sir. The soldiers are
already at home; I feared she might be already a prisoner at
Chichester. Pray go on and restrain them by your authority. Don't
ask me to explain--you will understand all when you are there."
She prevailed on him to go on, while she, with Dr. Bathurst, more
slowly proceeded up the chalky road which led to the summit of the
green hill or down, covered with short grass, which commanded a view
of all the country round, and whence they would turn off upon the
down leading to Forest Lea.
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