-old Sir Reginald. He's the very image of
him. But had not your ladyship better ring the alarm-bell? and when he
comes in, I'll run and fetch the servants--he's dangerous, I'm sure."

"I have no fears of him. He _will_ see me, you say----"

"Ay, _will_!" exclaimed Luke, as he threw open the door, and shut it
forcibly after him, striding towards Lady Rookwood, "nor abide longer
delay."

It was an instant or two ere Lady Rookwood, thus taken by surprise,
could command speech. She fixed her eyes with a look of keen and angry
inquiry upon the bold intruder, who, nothing daunted, confronted her
glances with a gaze as stern and steadfast as her own.

"Who are you, and what seek you?" exclaimed Lady Rookwood, after a brief
pause, and, in spite of herself, her voice sounded tremulously. "What
would you have, that you venture to appear before me at this season and
in this fashion?"

"I might have chosen a fitter opportunity," returned Luke, "were it
needed. My business will not brook delay--you must be pleased to
overlook this intrusion on your privacy, at a season of sorrow like the
present. As to the fashion of my visit, you must be content to excuse
it. I cannot help myself. I may amend hereafter. Who I am, you are able,
I doubt not, to divine. What I seek, you shall hear, when this old woman
has left the room, unless you would have a witness to a declaration that
concerns you as nearly as myself."

An indefinite feeling of apprehension had, from the first instant of
Luke's entrance crossed Lady Rookwood's mind. She, however, answered,
with some calmness:

"What you can have to say is of small moment to me--nor does it signify
who may hear it. It shall not, however, be said that Lady Rookwood
feared to be alone, even though she endangered her life."

"I am no assassin," replied Luke, "nor have sought the destruction of my
deadliest foe--though 'twere but retributive justice to have done so."

Lady Rookwood started.

"Nay, you need not fear me," replied Luke; "my revenge will be otherwise
accomplished."

"Go," said Lady Rookwood to Agnes; "yet--stay without, in the
antechamber."

"My lady," said Agnes, scarcely able to articulate, "shall I----"

"Hear me, Lady Rookwood," interrupted Luke. "I repeat, I intend you no
injury. My object here is solely to obtain a private conference. You can
have no reason for denying me this request. I will not abuse your
patience. Mine is no idle mission. Say you refuse me, and I