Preston Fight by William H. Ainsworth

The leader of the troop seemed an important personage, since he was treated with marked deference by Parson Woods. After putting a few questions in an undertone to the minister, he turned to the ladies, and said:

"Am I to understand that I am addressing Lady Derwent water and Miss Forster?"

"You are, sir," replied the countess. "And if you are satisfied on the point, I presume we shall not be detained?"

The officer made no direct reply, but said rather bluntly:

"Who are these persons with you?"

"One is Lord Derwentwater's chaplain," replied the countess. "The other is a private servant."

"Your ladyship must excuse me if I appear inquisitive, but I am obliged to ask where you are going? " said the officer. "Moreover, I must request a precise answer to the inquiry."

"It is not my habit to equivocate, sir," replied she. "My destination is Dilston, and if we are allowed to proceed, Miss Forster will accompany me."

"I presume your ladyship thinks Preston unsafe, or you would not quit it in this manner? " remarked the officer.

Lady Derwentwater made no reply.

"That question ought not to have been put," said

Dorothy. "We are not called upon to explain the cause of our departure."

"But when General Forster's sister flies, it may be presumed that the place is not likely to hold out long," remarked the officer.

"You may draw any inference you please," rejoined Dorothy. "My own opinion is that General Wills will be driven away to-morrow. He has certainly had the worst of it to-day."

"Then you will have an opportunity of witnessing his defeat," said the officer; "for I propose to send you back to the town. Parson Woods," he added to the minister, "since you have made this important capture, you shall conduct the ladies to the Fishergate avenue. I will send a party of horse to sustain you."

"I don't require support, general," said the minister.

"General! " exclaimed the countess. "Is it possible we are speaking to General Wills?"

"Has your ladyship only just made that discovery? " cried Parson Woods, laughing.

"I suspected it from the first," observed Dorothy.

"You can tell your brother, the general, that you have had a conference with me," said Wills; "and that you told me to my face that I should be defeated on the morrow."