Bridgenorth felt himself as yet unable to make up his mind to the
effort necessary to see his infant; and though separated by so short a
distance from the being in whose existence he was more interested than
in anything the world afforded, he only made himself acquainted with
the windows of the apartment where little Alice was lodged, and was
often observed to watch them from the terrace, as they brightened in
the evening under the influence of the setting sun. In truth, though a
strong-minded man in most respects, he was unable to lay aside the
gloomy impression that this remaining pledge of affection was soon to
be conveyed to that grave which had already devoured all besides that
was dear to him; and he awaited in miserable suspense the moment when
he should hear that symptoms of the fatal malady had begun to show
themselves.

The voice of Peveril continued to be that of a comforter until the
month of April 1660, when it suddenly assumed a new and different
tone. "The King shall enjoy his own again," far from ceasing, as the
hasty tread of Black Hastings came up the avenue, bore burden to the
clatter of his hoofs on the paved courtyard, as Sir Geoffrey sprang
from his great war-saddle, now once more garnished with pistols of two
feet in length, and, armed with steel-cap, back and breast, and a
truncheon in his hand, he rushed into the apartment of the astonished
Major, with his eyes sparkling, and his cheek inflamed, while he
called out, "Up! up, neighbour! No time now to mope in the chimney-
corner! Where is your buff-coat and broadsword, man? Take the true
side once in your life, and mend past mistakes. The King is all
lenity, man--all royal nature and mercy. I will get your full pardon."

"What means all this?" said Bridgenorth--"Is all well with you--all
well at Martindale Castle, Sir Geoffrey?"