Page:Ethel Churchill 2.pdf/123

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ETHEL CHURCHILL.
121

pense was brief: for the next moment an officer, accompanied by a magistrate, with some half-dozen soldiers following, entered the church. In another instant the warrant was produced, and James Trevanion was arrested on a charge of high treason. All now was rage and confusion; and some of the younger among the bridal guests shewed symptoms of resistance.

"Gentlemen," said the magistrate, calmly, "the door is surrounded by troops: opposition to my disagreeable duty can only bring fatal consequences to yourselves. Remove the prisoner at once. Madam," continued he, addressing Mrs. Churchill, "I am sorry to say that there are suspicious circumstances in which you are implicated. In consideration of your age and high respectability, I have ventured to take upon myself to answer for you; but, at present, I must request that you will accept the hospitality of my house.

Mr. Trevanion advanced forward; but the magistrate interposed.

"I can feel," said he, "for a gentleman in