Just as they came to the top, Rose cast
an anxious glance in the direction of her home, and gave a little
cry. Sylvester Enderby and his attendant could be seen speeding down
the green slope of the hill; but at some distance further on, was a
little troop of horsemen, coming from the direction of Forest Lea,
the sun now and then flashing on a steel cap or on the point of a
pike. Fast rode on Sylvester, nearer and nearer came the troop; Rose
almost fancied she could discern on one of the horses something
muffled in black that could be no other than her mother. How she
longed for wings to fly to meet her and cheer her heart with the
assurance of Edmund's safety! How she longed to be on Sylvester's
horse, as she saw the distance between him and the party fast
diminishing! At length he was close to it, he had mingled with it;
and at the same time Dr. Bathurst and Rose had to mount a slightly
rising ground, which for a time entirely obscured their view. When
at length they had reached the summit of this eminence, the party
were standing still, as if in parley; there was presently a movement,
a parting, Rose clasped her hands in earnestness. The main body
continued their course to Chichester, a few remained stationary. How
many? One, two, three--yes, four, or was it five? and among them the
black figure she had watched so anxiously! "She is safe, she is
safe!" cried Rose.
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