"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.