Already was the East casting off her dark robe of night and decking herself in brighter colours.
When we entered Westminster and drew up before the Sanctuary the door flew open and there, standing by Harleston, by whom she was restrained from rushing from the house, was my own fair darling; her body leaning forward, and her hand held above her eyes, as she peered into the darkness with a world of expectancy in her pose, as shown up right nobly by the lamp's bright light behind her.
Mary stood at Frederick's other side; her hand upon his arm, and also gazing forth.
Springing from my horse and handing the reins to Michael, I hastened towards them; taking care, however, to speak ere I did step into the rays of light, that the girls might not be startled by mine unannounced approach.
"Fear not, it is I—Walter."
"Oh, my dear, noble Walter!"
Harleston's arm no longer restrained, and we were locked in each other's arms in a shorter space of time than takes a thought to travel unto Heaven.
"Have a care, my darling, lest thou dost destroy that same handsome habit; for I am nothing if not thoroughly saturated."
Then I kissed the fair Mary as she still stood by Frederick's side, laughing and weeping both at once.
"My dear friend," said Harleston, "much am I joyed to see thee thus free from that bloody Tower. And now—though ere this I did fear to say so—I tell thee truly, I never thought to see thee here this night."