“They were two handsome females.
“They were none other than Lady Bray and Clare Temple!
“‘Where is my father?’ asked Clare, in great haste and fright, as she dismounted from her foaming horse.
“‘Where is my uncle, the colonel?’ gasped Lady Bray.
“‘What is the matter, ladies?’ asked Lord Stoner, in great alarm. ‘Why, heaven help us! the two ladies have scarcely anything on but their night-dresses. What is the matter? Explain, I beg, ladies, explain.’
“‘Arm yourself and your household!’ gasped Clare. ‘Arm them quickly!’
“‘What means this?’
“‘Arm yourselves, all of you, at once, or you are all dead men!’
“‘Explain,’ said the colonel to his daughter.
“‘You know Redgill, who has proposed for my hand?’