It was northward that the pilgrim
turned, with a look of more intense anxiety. The mansion of Haigh stood
at the extremity of a broad slope, surmounted by shady woods, now fading
into the warm and luxuriant tints of autumn. Dark and cumbrous turrets,
projecting from the wings, grimly caught the first gleam of the morning;
whilst a tower of considerable strength and elevation rose above what
could only be surmised as the principal gateway. It was apparently
designed to overlook the whole fabric, serving as a refuge to the
besieged, and a stronghold in case of attack. Narrow loopholes might be
traced, irregularly disposed in the heavy masonry; and at the summit
stood a small turret resembling a large chair, from which, at stated
occasions, waved the richly-emblazoned escutcheon of the Norris and the
Bradshaigh. The staff was just visible, but unaccompanied by its
glittering adjunct. It was this circumstance principally that seemed to
engage the attention of the stranger. He broke into a loud and
involuntary exclamation:--
"Sir William's birthday is forgotten!--That staff opened a rich blossom
to the breeze ten years agone.
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