He, too, had caught a glance of the listeners, for
presently a folded paper was thrown over the balusters, and the minstrel
departed. The first light that came through the long low casements
revealed all that her hopes anticipated. The billet was from Sir John
Stanley, whose regrets, mingled with vows and protestations of love,
were to this purport, that he must needs be away before daybreak, on
urgent business from the king. He sent a sigh and a love-token,
commending himself to her best thoughts, until he should gain his
acquittance so far as to visit Lathom.
Passing over the departure, the bustle, and the weariness of a twelve
days' journey, let us behold the maiden once more in her pretty bower at
Lathom. How changed! The whole assumed a fresh aspect, thus viewed from
a different state of the mind. Her favourite spaniel licked her hand,
but she did not notice his caresses; all about her was as if the wand of
the enchanter had been there, changing its image, each object calling
forth a train of sensations heretofore unknown. Even the hangings and
figured draperies wore a grim and perturbed expression; and Jephtha's
daughter and the Queen of Sheba looked more dismal and profuse than ever
from the dusky arras.
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