thankful to accept this offer. The lady was, from her
appearance, evidently of rank. Two men who attended her lifted Aveline
up, and carried her off amidst the crowd. Just as they were going, the
body of the guards returned, and seeing Overton and Upton still there,
took them again into custody.

"We have no order for your release," they said; "and it will not do to
let all our prisoners escape us."

"As you will, my masters," said Overton; "we would rather have had our
liberty, but we will not resist your authority."

I heard that they were to be carried to the Fleet, and had just time to
bid them farewell, and hurry after Aveline.

"You are right to be watchful over the young girl," said the lady, when
I overtook them, "as you cannot tell what treachery might be played her.
I came, however, to this terrible place in the hopes of being able to
assist some poor person who might perchance escape the flames. Many of
those I loved on earth have been cut off during the late unhappy reign,
and I have devoted myself to soothe and comfort those who are about to
suffer, or those who might escape death."

The lady now asked me in what direction Aveline desired to go. I told
her to Master Gresham's house in Lombard Street. She seemed well
pleased at hearing this, and hastened onwards. I was in fear, however,
all the way lest those who had taken Overton and his companion into
custody might come in search also of Aveline. On what account they did
not seek her, I could not tell; but thankfully we reached Master
Gresham's house in safety. Lady Anne's joy on seeing Aveline was very
great, for news had been brought her of the fearful fate to which she
had been destined. On seeing the lady, she greeted her with much
respect, appearing to know her, although she did not address her by
name. The lady, after exchanging a few words with Lady Anne, took her
departure.

"She desires not to be known," observed Lady Anne, when I inquired who
she was.

Richard's delight on the recovery of Aveline was very great; he scarcely
liked to let her out of his sight. The young girl had suffered greatly,
and it was necessary to have a physician to attend on her. He ordered
that she should be kept perfectly quiet, and sent some cooling draughts,
by which her nerves might be quieted. Lady Anne wisely forbore
questioning her as to how she had been carried off, or what had
afterwards happened to her.

Next morning, I went to the Fleet,