After this we heard nothing--nothing but the terrible tidings that
the Great Marquis, as the Cavaliers called him, had been defeated,
taken by treachery, and executed by hanging--yes, by hanging at
Edinburgh! His followers were said to be all dispersed and
destroyed, and our hearts died within us; but Annora said she neither
would nor could believe that all was over till she had more positive
news, and put my mother in mind how many times before they had heard
of the deaths of men who appeared alive and well immediately after.
She declared that she daily expected to see Eustace walk into the
room, and she looked round for him whenever the door was opened.
The door did open at last to let in tidings from the Hague, but not
brought by Eustace. It was Mr. Probyn, one of the King's gentlemen,
however, who told me he had been charged to put into my hands the
following letter from His Majesty himself:--
'Madame--If you were still my subject I should command you, as you are ever
my old playfellow. Meg, I entreat you to come without delay to a true
subject and old playfellow of mine, who, having already sorely imperiled his
neck and his health, and escaped, as they say, by the skin of his teeth,
would fain follow me into the same jeopardy again did I not commit him to
such safe warship as that of Madame de Bellaise. Probyn will tell you
further. He also bears a letter that will secure you letters and passports
from the Queen-Regent.
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