The Midnight Queen - Page 155/177

"What are your commands?" asked Sir Norman, turning away, with a sigh,

from the beautiful form already stiffening in death.

"That you come with me to seek out those frightened fair ones, who are

a great deal too lovely to share the fate of their male companions. I

shall give them their liberty to go where they please, on condition that

they do not enter the city. We have enough vile of their class there

already."

Sir Norman silently followed him into the azure and silver saloon, where

the crowd of duchesses and countesses were "weeping and wringing their

hands," and as white as so many pretty ghosts. In a somewhat brief and

forcible manner, considering his characteristic gallantry, the count

made his proposal, which, with feelings of pleasure and relief, was at

once acceded to; and the two gentlemen bowed themselves out, and left

the startled ladies.

On returning to the crimson court, he commanded a number of his soldiers

to remain and bury the dead, and assist the wounded; and then, followed

by the remainder and the prisoners under their charge, passed out, and

were soon from the heated atmosphere in the cool morning air. The moon

was still serenely shining, but the stars that kept the earliest hours

were setting, and the eastern sky was growing light with the hazy gray

of coming morn.

"I told you day-dawn was at hand," said the count, as he sprang into his

saddle; "and, lo! in the sky it is gray already."

"It is time for it!" said Sir Norman, as he, too, got into his seat;

"this has been the longest night I have ever known, and the most

eventful one of my life."

"And the end is not yet! Leoline waits to decide between us!"

Sir Norman shrugged his shoulders.

"True! But I have little doubt what that decision will be! I presume you

will have to deliver up your prisoners before you can visit her, and I

will avail myself of the opportunity to snatch a few moments to fulfill

a melancholy duty of my own."

"As you please. I have no objection; but in that case you will need some

one to guide you to the place of rendezvous; so I will order my private

attendant, yonder, to keep you in sight, and guide you to me when your

business is ended."

The count had given the order to start, the moment they had left

the ruin, and the conversation had been carried on while riding at a

break-neck gallop. Sir Norman thanked him for his offer, and they rode

in silence until they reached the city, and their paths diverged; Sir

Norman's leading to the apothecary's shop where he had left Ormiston,

and the count's leading--he best knew where. George--the attendant

referred to--joined the knight, and leaving his horse in his care, Sir

Norman entered the shop, and encountered the spectral proprietor at the

door.