It is uncertain how long the fair Puritan's memory might have supported

her in the recapitulation of Master Holdforth's discourse; but the

Countess now interrupted her, and assured her she was so much recovered

that she could now reach the postern without the necessity of a second

delay.

They set out accordingly, and performed the second part of their journey

with more deliberation, and of course more easily, than the first hasty

commencement. This gave them leisure for reflection; and Janet now,

for the first time, ventured to ask her lady which way she proposed to

direct her flight. Receiving no immediate answer--for, perhaps, in the

confusion of her mind this very obvious subject of deliberation had

not occurred to the Countess---Janet ventured to add, "Probably to your

father's house, where you are sure of safety and protection?"

"No, Janet," said the lady mournfully; "I left Lidcote Hall while

my heart was light and my name was honourable, and I will not return

thither till my lord's permission and public acknowledgment of our

marriage restore me to my native home with all the rank and honour which

he has bestowed on me."

"And whither will you, then, madam?" said Janet.

"To Kenilworth, girl," said the Countess, boldly and freely. "I will see

these revels--these princely revels--the preparation for which makes the

land ring from side to side. Methinks, when the Queen of England feasts

within my husband's halls, the Countess of Leicester should be no

unbeseeming guest."

"I pray God you may be a welcome one!" said Janet hastily.

"You abuse my situation, Janet," said the Countess, angrily, "and you

forget your own."

"I do neither, dearest madam," said the sorrowful maiden; "but have you

forgotten that the noble Earl has given such strict charges to keep

your marriage secret, that he may preserve his court-favour? and can you

think that your sudden appearance at his castle, at such a juncture, and

in such a presence, will be acceptable to him?"

"Thou thinkest I would disgrace him," said the Countess; "nay, let go my

arm, I can walk without aid and work without counsel."

"Be not angry with me, lady," said Janet meekly, "and let me still

support you; the road is rough, and you are little accustomed to walk in

darkness."

"If you deem me not so mean as may disgrace my husband," said the

Countess, in the same resentful tone, "you suppose my Lord of Leicester

capable of abetting, perhaps of giving aim and authority to, the base

proceedings of your father and Varney, whose errand I will do to the

good Earl."




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