Fortunately, he was not called upon for an immediate decision. Another year of wedded bliss was allowed him.
Not till the expiration of that term did the storm begin to gather that was destined to burst upon his head.
II. A WARRANT ISSUED FOR THE EARL'S ARREST.
A t length the mandate came. A letter arrived from the Chevalier de Saint George enjoining the Earl of Derwentwater to prepare for immediate action.
“So soon as the standard is set up in Scotland by Mar, you must rise,” ran the missive.
Aware that the earl had received a despatch from France, the countess flew to his cabinet, and found him pacing to and fro within it, in a state of great perturbation.
“Read that,” he said, giving her the letter.
Her cheeks flushed as she scanned it, and she exclaimed almost joyfully: