distance, where on a
slight eminence the trees opening out afforded a momentary glance of the
country in front.

Just at that spot a gentleman of middle age, mounted on a strong, active
horse, accompanied by a young lady on a graceful palfrey, was riding at
a leisurely pace along the glade in the direction of the town. The gold
lace with which his long, loose riding-coat was trimmed, his embroidered
waistcoat, the gold ornament which secured the turned-up flaps of his
beaver, and more than all, the jewel-hilted sword by his side, bespoke a
person of position. He wore also leather breeches and buff-leather
boots, the usual horseman's dress of the period.

The fair girl by his side sat her horse with that perfect ease which
habit alone can give. Her blue riding-coat was turned up with white,
with broad flaps and pockets, the petticoat below being of the same
colour; her waistcoat was elegantly embroidered, and the small
three-cornered hat with a jewel in front which she wore on the top of
her light auburn hair, undisfigured by powder, completed her unassuming
yet most becoming costume. Her figure was tall and slight, and her fair
and brilliant complexion increased the beauty of her well-formed
features, expressive of wit and humour, at the same time indicating
thought and feeling.

Such at sixteen was Alethea Harwood, the only child of the Worshipful
Mr Rupert Harwood, of Harwood Grange, the gentleman on the tall horse
by whose side she rode.

"I have no great affection for yonder town," observed Squire Harwood,
pointing southward with his hand. "I cannot forget my father's account
of the times when Red-nosed Noll ruled the roost, and that arch-traitor
Hutchinson held the castle, and insulted all the Cavaliers in the town
and neighbourhood by his preaching, and his cant, and his strict rules
and regulations; and now, forsooth, every man and woman in the place
thinks fit to stand up for the usurper William, and not an expression of
sympathy do I hear for the cruel fate of our lawful Sovereign King
James."

"Poor king! it was treacherous in his ministers and officers to desert
him; but what could be expected of men brought up in the days of the
Commonwealth?" observed Alethea, with a slight tone of scorn in her
sweet voice. "However, perhaps, when they get tired of the Prince of
Orange, our king will have his own again."

"Pray Heaven he may!" ejaculated the Jacobite squire. "And now,
daughter, let me counsel