black robe, so emblematic of his dreary state, with the rack in perspective, and the dagger and the poisoned bowl, at once his enemies and his auxiliaries. These were very opposite affairs to the reckless and daring attempts of the merry and bold cavaliers, whose inspiration was the red wine, whose faith was in their own good sword, and whoso loyalty made up in gaiety and disinterestedness what it lacked in prudence and forethought.
The whole party hastened to greet Evelyn. "What news?" exclaimed one youth, who, in his hurry, allowed the flask which he held to waste its rosy contents on the spotted moss.
"Good!" said Evelyn; "Sir George Booth has surprised Chester."
"A favourable omen for Southampton," replied another.
"And," continued Evelyn, "the King"—at the name every cavalier took off his plumed cap: and the sudden wave of their white plumes in the moonbeam was like a flash of lightning—"Awaits at Calais the success of to-night's enterprise. Southampton seems a safe landing-place, and Louis has ordered a choice detachment of troops to attend his will."
"Now, by St. George!" exclaimed Charles Goring, the youth who had before spoken, "we
