of Sir Francis Walsingham, and attracted, by his
talents in negotiation, the notice of Queen Elizabeth. He was sent on a
secret mission to the Low Countries, where, having greatly distinguished
himself, he obtained on his return the restoration of the family estate
of Armine, in Nottinghamshire, to which he retired after an eminently
prosperous career, and amused the latter years of his life in the
construction of a family mansion, built in that national style of
architecture since described by the name of his royal mistress, at once
magnificent and convenient. His son, Sir Walsingham Armine, figured in
the first batch of baronets under James the First.

During the memorable struggle between the Crown and the Commons, in the
reign of the unhappy Charles, the Armine family became distinguished
Cavaliers. The second Sir Walsingham raised a troop of horse, and gained
great credit by charging at the head of his regiment and defeating
Sir Arthur Haselrigg's Cuirassiers. It was the first time that that
impenetrable band had been taught to fly; but the conqueror was covered
with wounds. The same Sir Walsingham also successfully defended Armine
House against the Commons, and commanded the cavalry at the battle
of Newbury, where two of his brothers were slain. For these various
services and sufferings Sir Walsingham was advanced to the dignity of
a baron of the realm, by the title of Lord Armine, of Armine, in the
county of Nottingham. He died without issue, but the baronetcy devolved
on his youngest brother, Sir Ferdinando.

The Armine family, who had relapsed into popery, followed the fortunes
of the second James, and the head of the house died at St. Germain. His
son, however, had been prudent enough to remain in England and support
the new dynasty, by which means he contrived to secure his title and
estates. Roman Catholics, however, the Armines always remained, and
this circumstance accounts for this once-distinguished family no longer
figuring in the history of their country. So far, therefore, as the
house of Armine was concerned, time flew during the next century with
immemorable wing. The family led a secluded life on their estate,
intermarrying only with the great Catholic families, and duly begetting
baronets.

At length arose, in the person of the last Sir Ferdinand Armine, one
of those extraordinary and rarely gifted beings who require only an
opportunity to influence the fortunes of their nation, and to figure as