CHAPTER XXIV.
THE SIEGE OF EVESHAM CASTLE.
Upon the day before starting out to head the expedition against the outlaws, Sir Rudolph sent word to the Lady Margaret that she must prepare to become his wife at the end of the week.

He had provided two tiring maids for her by ordering two of the franklins to send in their daughters for that purpose, and these mingled their tears with Margaret's at the situation in which they were placed.

She replied firmly to the messenger of the knight that no power on earth could oblige her to marry him.

He might drive her to the altar; but though he killed her there, her lips should refuse to say the words which would unite them.
The following morning, early, the castle rang with the din of preparation.

The great portion of the mercenaries were encamped in tents outside the walls, for, spacious as it was, Evesham could hardly contain four hundred men in addition to its usual garrison.