News had come in already, she was informed, of an
engagement or two in the English Channel, all in favour of its
defenders. More than that was not known. But the beacons had blazed; and
the market-place of Derby had echoed with the tramp of the train-bands;
and it was not likely that at such a time the attention of the
magistrates would be given to anything else.
So her plans were laid. Mr. Alban was to come here for three or four
days; be provided with a complete change of clothes (all of which she
had ready); shave off his beard; and then set out again for the border.
He had best go to Staffordshire, she thought, for a month or two, before
beginning once more in his own county.
* * * * *
She went to bed that night, happy enough, in spite of the cause, which
she loved so much, seeming to fail everywhere. It was true that, under
this last catastrophe, great numbers had succumbed; but she hoped that
this would be but for a time. Let but a few more priests come from
Rheims to join the company that had lost so heavily, and all would be
well again. So she said to herself: she did not allow even in her own
soul that the security of her friend and the thought that he would be
with her in a day or two, had any great part in her satisfaction.
* * * * *
She awaked suddenly. At the moment she did not know what time it was or
how long she had slept; but it was still dark and deathly still.
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