At this juncture Lord Derwentwater appeared on the roof, attended by Father Norham and Newbiggin.
“You must quit this place immediately,” he said. “The attack is about to commence. Father Norham and Newbiggin will take you to the town-hall, where you will be safe.”
“We shall see nothing at the town-hall,” said the countess. “I don't think we are in the least danger here.”
“You cannot remain,” said the earl. “The lower part of the house is occupied by Captain Innes with a party of Highlanders, and when the attack commences, some of them will come to the roof.”
“Let us stay till then,” entreated Dorothy. “We must see the commencement of the attack.”
“I will not stir from the post at present,” said the countess.
“I shall never forgive myself if any disaster occurs,” said the earl. “I ought not to have consented to your remaining here so long. Why did you not yield to my entreaties? Had you set out yesterday, you would now be far on the road to Dilston.”
“You must blame me more than the countess, my lord,” said Dorothy. “I besought her to stay, and she yielded to my request.”
“Commit no further errors,” said Father Norham. “Quit this dangerous position immediately, and repair to the town-hall as suggested by his lordship.”
“Must we really go?” said the countess, with an appealing look to the earl. “Do let us stay for a few minutes longer!”