It was agreed,
too, that it was as well that no word should be said by Armstrong, on
his return, as to the whereabouts of his daughters, as the Bairds might
then, in their anger, make an attack on Yardhope; whereas, at present,
they could have no reason whatever for suspecting that they were there,
and, if they obtained news that they were not with their father at
Hiniltie, would suppose that they had been lodged with some of the
family elsewhere, or perhaps placed for safety in Jedburgh.
"I had wondered what had become of you," Hotspur said, when Oswald
entered his apartments, to report his return. "I expected you two or
three days since, and I indeed wanted you, for other business."
"I am sorry, my lord; but after having fulfilled the orders you gave
me, to the governors of Roxburgh and Jedburgh, I became engaged in an
affair of my uncle, Adam Armstrong, of so pressing a character that I
deemed you would excuse me, when you heard its nature."
And he then briefly related how he had been occupied, since leaving
Jedburgh.
"'Tis a good excuse, indeed," Hotspur said, "and you must tell me more
of it this evening, when the earl and my wife can also hear it. As to
the business I spoke of, it is of no consequence at all; it was but to
carry a message to the Earl of Westmoreland.
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