“Perhaps so, sir; but I can’t help fancying everybody about here don’t think quite the same as we do.”
“Not on the king’s side? Oh, nonsense!”
“Hope it is, sir,” said the old fellow, thoughtfully inspecting and drawing one of the swords; “but there, we shall see. Bad for some of ’em if they are agen us, or I’m much mistook.”
Chapter Fourteen.
Master Pawson shows his Colours.
As the time glided on, no further communication arrived from Sir Granby, and Lady Royland and her son began to realise more and more that they were shut off in a part of England where the king’s friends were few and far between, while those who remained true felt themselves so outnumbered by their neighbours that they dared not display their principles.
Letters had been sent round by Lady Royland to several of the gentry residing at different places, asking for help if it were needed, and at the same time offering the castle as a sanctuary and rallying-point.
One answer which was received will suffice to show the general feeling of the district.