Walter Dixon, so far satisfied, was yet determined to exact his full tale of vengeance, and secure the rich lands and estates of Penford-bourne.  The death of Lord Ashkirk and the successful growth of the Parliamentary party appeared to give him the opportunity he so eagerly desired.

II.—­A Web of Intrigue

At Masterton House, in Devonshire, Lord Masterton remained in retirement, though the Parliamentary party carried all before them.  He would doubtless have continued to refrain from drawing his sword on behalf of his king, who had wronged and insulted him, had not circumstances forced his hand.

His tenantry were secretly armed and drilled, and, under the command of Frank, were marched eastwards to Kent, to join Lord Norwich and Hales, who were preparing a rising to rescue the king.

Frank, before leaving Masterton House, bade farewell to Lady Emily with that cold reserve and studied formality which was part of his character.  The fact that she was betrothed to him by the commands of his father had failed to arose any passion in his breast.  He was prepared, however, to fulfil the commands of Lord Masterton, though his heart was untouched.  But the parting between his brother and Lady Emily was of a different character.  Though out of loyalty to his brother no word of love had ever passed his lips, Henry was passionately devoted to the beautiful girl who had grown up with him under his father’s roof.  And there was no doubt as to which of the brothers it was to whom Lady Emily had given her affections.

The arrival of the little force in Kent brought the two brothers into the web of intrigue which was being spun by Walter Dixon.  It was Dixon’s object to prevent the union of Frank’s forces with Lord Norwich.  He had been promised the estates of Penford-bourne, should he succeed in his object and prove Lady Eleanor a malignant.  In pursuance of this plan, he allowed himself to be taken prisoner by Henry Masterton, to whom he declared that he was really a Royalist in disguise.

His next step was to obtain for the brothers an invitation from Lady Eleanor to quarter themselves at Penford-bourne.  Once he had settled them there, he obtained, through Frank Masterton’s valet, a puritanical knave called Gabriel Jones, complete information as to their plans, which he was thus able to thwart.

At Penford-bourne Frank came under the spell of Lady Eleanor’s beauty; all his duties were forgotten, and he lingered on by the side of the woman he loved.  In vain Henry protested against his dereliction of duty.  Frank refused to move, and it was not until his brother came in touch with Lord Norwich that circumstances compelled him to act.  Lord Norwich was furious at Frank’s conduct.

“I will give your brother one chance,” he said to Henry.  “If he refuses that chance, I shall supersede him, and name you to the command.  Here is the commission.  If you succeed in persuading him to join me at once, you may burn it; if not, you must take the command, and march immediately.”