ion in
which she found herself. She had been well tutored for the part she had
to play; but the instructions she had received entirely fled from her
mind as she found herself in the presence of two such awful personages
as Sir Thomas Lake and his lady, both of whom fixed keen glances upon
her. Feeling ready to drop with fright, she looked at Dick Taverner, as
if imploring his support. But this Dick declined to afford. His jealousy
having been roused by what he had heard, he determined to be governed in
his conduct towards her by the result of the investigation. Accordingly,
though it cost him an effort, he held back. As the Conde de Gondomar
appeared, Sir Thomas Lake arose, and made him a profound salutation,
which was returned with equal ceremony by the Spanish Ambassador. The
latter, however, did not take a seat, but remained standing with Lord
Roos, whose presence was acknowledged by a cold and distant bow from his
father-in-law. The young nobleman did not appear in the slightest degree
disconcerted by the reception he met with, or apprehensive of the result
of the investigation. He jested apart with De Gondomar; and both he and
the Spanish Ambassador appeared greatly amused by Gillian's
embarrassment. Behind him stood his servant Diego.

"You are handmaiden to the Countess of Exeter, I presume?" demanded Lady
Lake of the damsel.

"I am, my lady," she answered.

"The girl does not look as if the imputations cast upon her character
can be true," observed Sir Thomas Lake.

As this was said, poor Gillian became suffused with blushes, and hung
her head.

"Before I put any further questions to her," remarked Lady Lake, "I
will ask Lord Roos if he still persists in affirming that it was this
damsel who visited him last night?"

Dick Taverner looked as if his fate depended upon the response the young
nobleman might make to the inquiry.

"I must decline to answer your ladyship's question," returned Lord Roos.

"Why cannot he speak out?" muttered Dick. "This uncertainty is worse
than anything."

"What says the damsel herself," observed Sir Thomas Lake. "Does she
admit the charge?"

"You cannot expect her to do that, Sir Thomas," interposed Lord Roos.

"I expect her to answer my question," rejoined the Secretary of State,
sharply. "Were you in Lord Roos's room last night?" he added, to
Gillian.

"Oh, dear! I am ready to faint," she exclaimed. "Catch me, Dick--catch
me!"

"Answer 'yes' or 'no,' or I won't," he