“Your majesty is pleased to rally me.”
“I want an answer to the question.”
Just then an interruption to their discourse was offered by Charles Radclyife, who came hurriedly down to the bridge to announce that some visitors had arrived at the castle.
“Newbiggin couldn't send them away, and was driven to his wit's end, for they would come in,” said Charles.
“Who are they?” asked the earl.
“Mr. Forster of Bamborough, and his sister,” replied Charles.
“Indeed!” exclaimed the prince. “This is a lucky chance.”
“It would have mattered little if they had been alone, my liege,” said Charles. “Unluckily, Sir John Webb of Canford, Lady Webb, and their daughter are with them, and the whole party evidently intend to stay here till tomorrow. Sir John and Lady Webb have brought a great coach with them and a pack of servants, but the two girls and Tom Forster came on horseback. Forster wouldn't hear a word from Newbiggen, but told him he was sure his lordship would be glad to see them.”
“And so I should, under other circumstances,” said the earl.
“Heed me not,” cried the prince. “I am pleased at this opportunity of meeting Mr. Forster and Sir John Webb, both of whom I know are my warm partisans.”