is matter, even if I have bowed in the house of
Rimmon." As he said this, he threw himself back, lifting his narrow eyes
towards the ceiling; then thrusting out his hand with the despatch at
arm's length, he was striding forward, but Ogle intervened ere he had
made his way to the Countess.

"With all courtesy, friend," said he, "these communications must proceed
from the officer on duty."

With great gallantry and respect the captain presented it to his
mistress.

"Eye-service and will-worship!" growled Gideon. "'Tis like your vain and
popish idolatry and the like, through the ministry of saints, even to a
woman, vain and sinful as yourselves. I would as soon commit my prayers
to the angel of the bottomless pit!"

Her ladyship had broken open the seals. Her eye kindled as she spoke--

"Thou hadst thy reward were we to hang thee up at the gate.--Yet art
thou but a foolish instrument in the hands of this traitor Rigby; and we
do not punish the weapon, but him that wields it."

Now Gideon, finding himself moved by natural heat and choler, and
mistaking this wrath for a righteous indignation, thought himself surely
called upon to reprove these unrighteous ones for their iniquities. His
body fell into the usual disposition for a harangue. His eyes rolled
upwards, and his whole frame swung to and fro whilst the exhortation was
preparing. To his great mortification, however, the lady quitted the
room, leaving word for them to follow her to the hall.

The preacher was greatly chagrined, when his eyes resumed their office,
to find himself almost thrust out and on his way back to the
guard-chamber. A number of soldiers and domestics were here assembled.
Lady Derby, with her chaplain, steward, and captains, ranged on each
side, stood at the higher end of the chamber.

Silence was commanded, whilst she read aloud the despatch.

"And this,--and this, my answer!" said she, tearing the paper as she
spoke, and throwing the fragments indignantly from her.

"Tell that insolent rebel he shall neither have our persons, our goods,
nor yet this house. When our strength and provision be spent, we shall
find a fire more merciful than Rigby; and then, if the providence of God
prevent it not, my goods and house shall burn in his sight:--myself,
children, and soldiers, rather than fall into his hands, will seal our
religion and loyalty in the same flame!"

A loud shout burst through the assembly, who, with one general voice,
cried ou