When these orders had been attended to, Johnny proposed a game at cards, and was just taking them out, when a loud ring was heard at the door.
"The Earl, for a pound;" cried Johnny, "come for his whip, I will take it;" and seizing it from Ellen, he ran down stairs.
"Ask him to come in, Johnny,"—but the giddy boy heard not.
"What is it, Johnny?" asked Ellen as her brother re-entered the room, looking very frightened. Loud voices were also heard below.
"Oh, Nelly, what has happened?" said Johnny, when he could find his tongue. "There are officers below—I heard them say, 'Open in the King's name.'"
"Oh, Johnny, what is it? You alarm me—oh! I trust nothing is wrong."
Hardly had she ceased speaking when the room door was opened, and an officer of the watch entered. He was above the average height considerably, wore his hair long, and also a large beard as well as bushy whiskers and moustache.
"Miss Ravensworth?"
"I am," said Ellen, shuddering with fear. "What is this—what is it all about?" And she sunk backwards on the sofa.
"Madam," replied the officer, bowing, "I am extremely concerned that it has fallen to me to make this unpleasant notification to you, but I am the King's servant and must obey his commands: you must accompany me, madam, to Edinburgh."