“As ardent a Jacobite as your ladyship,” replied Mrs. Scarisbrick.
“I know you are very well informed, Mrs. Scarisbrick,” observed Lord Derwentwater. “What think you of the news that General Wills has arrived at Wigan?”
“I don't believe it,” she replied. “Had it been the case, I must have heard of it. There are all sorts of disquieting rumours at present—but General Forster needn't trouble himself about them.”
“I don't,” said Forster, emphatically.
“You may depend upon having early information from me,” said Mrs. Scarisbrick. “I have friends at Wigan who will be sure to send me word if anything is to be apprehended. You may therefore rest quite easy.”
“Nevertheless, I think you ought to advance tomorrow, general,” observed Lord Derwentwater.
“To-morrow!” exclaimed Mrs. Scarisbrick. “I am sure Lady Derwentwater will never consent to that.”
“I would if there were any necessity for the step,” rejoined the countess.
“But there is none—none whatever!” said Mrs. Scarisbrick.
“You say you are a particular friend of Sir Henry Hoghton, Mrs. Scarisbrick,” remarked Lord Derwentwater. “May I ask whether you have heard from him since he left?”