 Chapter 25 of the Star Chamber Volume 1 by W. Harrison Innsworth. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Read by Ruhi Huck. The Star Chamber Volume 1 by W. Harrison Innsworth Chapter 25 Sir Thomas Slake A grave-looking man of a melancholy and severe aspect and a tired in a loose robe of black velvet was seated alone in a chamber of which opened upon the fountain court, which we have just quitted. He wore a silken skull cap from beneath which a few grey hairs escaped. His brow was furrowed with innumerable wrinkles, occasioned as much by thought and care as by age. His pointed beard and mustaches were almost white, contrasting strikingly with his dark, jaundiced complexion, the result of an atabularious temperament. His person was extremely attenuated and his hands thin and bony. He had once been tall, but laterally had lost much of his height in consequence of a curvature of the spine, which bowed down his head almost upon his breast and fixed it immovably in that position. His features were good, but as we have stated, were stamped with melancholy and sharpened by severity. This person was Sir Thomas Slake, Secretary of State. The table at which he sat was strewn over with official documents and papers. He was not, however, examining any of them. He had just broken the seal of a private packet which he had received from his wife when an usher entered and intimated that a young maiden who was without solicited a moment's audience. The request would have been refused if the man had not gone on to say that he believed the applicant was the daughter of the crazy Puritan who had threatened the king's life on the previous day. On hearing this, Sir Thomas consented to see her and she was admitted accordingly. As soon as the usher had retired, Aveline unmuffled herself and, cold and apathetic as he was, Sir Thomas could not help being struck by her surpassing beauty. Unimpaired even by the affliction under which she laboured and he consequently softened in some degree the customary asperity of his stones in addressing her. Who are you made in and what seek you? He demanded, eyeing her with curiosity, I am daughter to the unfortunate Hugh Calvely, now a prisoner in the palace, she replied. I am sorry to hear it rejoin Sir Thomas, resuming his habitually severe expression. For you are the daughter of a very heinous offender. The enormity of Hugh Calvely's crime, which is worse than parricade, deprives him of all human sympathy and compassion. In coming to me you do not, I presume, intend to vary me with prayers for mercy, for none is deserved and none will be shown. For my own part I shall not utter a word in mitigation of the dreadful sentence certain to be pronounced upon him. Nor shall I advise the slightest clemency to be shown him on the part of his majesty. Such an offender cannot be too severely punished. I do not say this, he continued, somewhat softening his harshness, to aggravate the distress and shame you naturally feel, but I wish to check at once any hopes you may have formed. Yet though I have no pity for him, I have much for you. Since doubtless you are innocent fall knowledge of your father's atrocious design, happily prevented. And I would therefore say to you, shut out all feelings for him from your heart. The man who raises his hand against his sovereign cuts off by the act all ties of kindred and love. Affection is changed to abhorrence, and such detestation does his horrible offence inspire, that those of his own blood are bound to shun him, lest he derive comfort and consolation from their presence. Thus considered you are no longer his daughter, for he has himself severed the links between you. You no longer owe him filial duty and regard, for to such he is no more entitled. Leave him to his fate, and if possible, forever obliterate his memory from your breast. You counsel what I can never perform, honourable sir, replied Aveline. And were he even branded like Cain, I could not shut my heart towards him. Nothing can make me forget that I am his daughter, that his offence will be dreadfully expiated. I do not doubt. But if I can alleviate his sufferings in any way, I will do so. And I will never cease to plead for mercy for him. And oh honourable sir, you regard his offence in a darker light than it deserves. You treat him as if he had actually accomplished the direful purpose attributed to him. Whereas nothing has been proven against him beyond the possession of a weapon, which he might keep about his person for self-defense. The plea you urge his futile maiden rejoins Sir Thomas. He is judged out of his own mouth for his own lips have avowed his criminal intention. Still it was but the intention, honourable sir. In such cases the intention is equal to the crime, at least in the eyes of law and justice. No plea will save you, Calvilly, of that rest assured. One plea may be urged for him, which whether it avail or not is the truth and shall be made. It is painful to speak of my father as I must do now. For there is no help for it. Of late years he's been subject to strange mental hallucinations, which have bordered close upon madness, if they have not reached that terrible point. Nocturnal vigils, fastings and prayers have affected his health. He has denied himself sufficient rest and has only partaken of food barely sufficient to sustain nature and no more. The consequence has been that strange fancies have troubled his brain. That at dead of night, when alone in his chamber he has imagined that visions have appeared to him, that voices have spoken, awful voices, talking of prophecies, lamentations and judgements, and charging him with a mighty and terrible mission. All these things I have heard from his own lips and I have heard and seen much more, which has satisfied me that his intellects are disordered and that he cannot be held accountable for his actions. If such be the case, he should have been kept under restraint and not suffered to go abroad, said Sir Thomas. Such madmen are highly mischievous and dangerous. Much blame rests with you, maiden. The whole blame is mine, she exclaimed. I confess my error, my crime and will atone for it willingly with my life, provided he be spared. If a sacrifice must be made, let me be the victim. There is no sacrifice and no victim returns at Thomas gravely, though he was not unmoved by her filial demotion. There is an offender and there will be justice and justice must be satisfied. Ixorable as fate, her dread sentences cannot be averted. O honourable sir, you may one day recall those words. For which of us can hold himself free from offense, my father is not guilty in the eyes of heaven. Or if he be, I am equally culpable, since I ought to have prevented the commission of the crime. O, I shall never forgive myself, and I did not follow him when he parted from me yesterday. Let me hear how that occurred, maiden, asked Sir Thomas. It chanced in this way, sir. I have already described my father's state of mind and the distempered view he has been accustomed to take of all things. Yesterday May Day sports were held in the village of Tottenham, where we dwelled. And as such things are in abomination in his sight, he took upon him to reprove the actors in the pastimes. They who witnessed his conduct on that occasion would hardly hold him to be under the due control of reason. Among the spectators was the son of an old friend, whose name having accidentally reached my father, he invited him into the house and a misunderstanding having arisen between them, the latter suddenly left. Dismissed almost with rudeness, on his departure my father was greatly disturbed, more so than I have ever seen him. After a while he withdrew to his own chamber as was his habit to pray. And I hoped would become tranquilized, but the very reverse happened, for when he reappeared, I saw at once that a fearful change had taken place in him. His eyes blazed with preternatural light. His gestures were wild and alarming, and his language full of menacing denunciation. He again spoke of his mission from heaven and said that its execution could no longer be delayed. This should have been a warning to you, observed Sir Thomas, knitting his brows. It should, honourable sir. But I did not profit by it. I knew and felt that he was no longer under the dominion of reason, that he was laboring under some terrible delusion that approached its crisis. But I did not check him. I healed it passive obedience to his injunction, that I should depart instantly with an old servant to London, and I agreed to tarry at a house which he mentioned till I heard from him. I had said for boardings that I should never hear from him again, or if I did, that the tidings would be worse than none at all. But I obeyed. I could not indeed resist his will. I sat forth with my attendants, and my father parted with us at the door. He placed money in my hand and bade me farewell. But in such a tone and with such a look that I felt his senses were gone, and I would have stayed him, but it was then too late. Breaking from my embrace, he sprang upon his horse, which was already saddled, and rode off, taking the direction of Edmonton. While I, with a heart full of distress and misgiving, pursued my way to London, air-midnight my sad pre-sentiments were verified. A messenger traced me out, bringing intelligence of the die-full event that had happened, telling me that my father was a prisoner at Theobalds. As soon as I could procure means of reaching the palace, I sat forth and arrived here about an hour ago, when, failing in my efforts to obtain an interview with my father, who is closely confined, and none suffered to come near him, save with authority from the Secretary of State, I sought an audience with you, honorable sir, in the hope that you would grant me permission to see him. If I do grant it, the presence of the officer to whom his custody has been committed, replied Sir Thomas, with this restriction, I am willing to assign an order for you. Be it as you please, honorable sir, and take my heartfelt gratitude for the grace. Sir Thomas struck a small bell upon the table, and the usher appeared at the summons. With the officer in charge of Hugh Calvally attend me, he said. The man bowed and departed. Sir Thomas' lake then turned to the paper which he had just opened before Aveline's appearance, and was soon so much engrossed by it that he seemed quite unconscious of her presence. His countenance became gloomier and more austere as he read on, and an expression of pain almost aggrown escaped him. He appeared then to feel sensible that he had committed an indiscretion for he laid down the paper, and, as it forcibly diverting himself from its contents, addressed Aveline. What you have said respecting your father's condition of mind he observed by no means convinces me that it is so unsound as to render him irresponsible of his actions. It were to put a charitable construction upon his conduct to say no one but a madman could be capable of it. But there was too much consistency in what he has said and done to admit of such an inference. But of the interposition of another person he owned that he would have killed the king and the disappointment he exhibited and the language he used proved such to have been his fixed intention. His mind may have been disturbed but what of that all who meditate great crimes it is to be hoped are not entirely masters of themselves yet for that reason they are not to be exempt from punishment. He who is sane enough to conceive an act of wickedness to plan its execution and to attempt to perpetrate it although he may be in other respects of unsettled mind is equally amenable to the law and ought equally to suffer for his criminality with him who has a wiser and sounder head upon his shoulders. Aveline attempted no reply but the tears sprang to her eyes. At this moment the door was thrown open by the Usher to admit Sir Jocelyn Monchensi an emotion displayed by the young couple when thus brought together passed unnoticed by the secretary of state as he was occupied at the moment in writing for Aveline and did not raise his eyes towards them. Ayudhi officer to whom my father's custody has been entrusted exclaimed Aveline as soon as she could give utterance to her surprise. Why do you ask that question mistress demanded Sir Thomas looking up. What can it signify to you who had custody of your father provided good care be taken of him? There is a Latin maxim which is madesty cited at the banquet last night. ATM Akamito in Remedium and which may be freely rendered by our homely saying that it is an ill wind that bloweth nobody good luck and this had proved true with Sir Jocelyn Monchensi for the gust that had wrecked your father had driven him into port where he now rides securely in the sunshine of the king's favour now is this to be wondered at since it was by Sir Jocelyn that his majesty's life was preserved the king preserved by him exclaimed Aveline Bibblediment I marry an indeed young mistress to join Sir Thomas he arrested the felt traitor was knighted on the spot for the service by the king was invited afterward to the grand banquet in the evening and received with more distinction than any other guest and he is now as you find entrusted with the custody of the prisoner thus if your father had done little good to himself he had done much to Sir Jocelyn. Aveline would not repress an exclamation of anguish no more of this I entreat Sir Thomas said cried Sir Jocelyn it is right she should hear the truth replied the secretary of state here is her authority for admittance to her father he continued giving it to him it must take place in your presence Sir Jocelyn and you will pay strict attention to what they say he added in a low tone for you will have to report all that passes between them to the council something may arise to implicate the girl herself so let not escape you be vigilant in your office as is needful I mentioned this as you are new to it and if the prisoner continues obstinate he hath hitherto shown himself threaten him with the torture the rack will certainly be applied when he reaches the tower I need not give you further instructions I think Sir Jocelyn be pleased to return to me when the interviews over upon this he bowed gravely and sounded the bell for the usher unable to offer any remonstrance Sir Jocelyn approached Aveline who could scarcely support herself with the intention of offering her assistance but she shrank from him and again muffling her face went forth while he slowly followed her end of chapter 25 section 26 of the star chamber volume 1 by W. Harrison Innsworth this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org read by Ruhi Hak the star chamber volume 1 by W. Harrison Innsworth chapter 26 the forged confession some little time had elapsed since Aveline's departure on her sorrowful errand and Sir Thomas Lake was still alone and once more deeply engrossed in the consideration of the document which it will be recollected had occasioned him so much disquietude and the feeling by no mean diminished when the usher entered and announced Lady Lake. Severe and inflexible as we have described him the secretary of state was generally yielding enough towards his lady of whom he stood in great awe and whom he treated with the utmost deference but on this occasion contrary to habitude he received her very coldly and without rising he motioned her to a seat beside him disregarding the want of attention which under other circumstances she would have resented Lady Lake took the seat indicated without remark and continued silent till the usher had retired then turning quickly towards her husband and fixing an inquiring look upon him she said in a low voice what think you of this document Sir Thomas this forgery he rejoined in the same tone but without raising his eyes towards her eye this forgery if you choose to call it so she returned let me have your opinion upon it is it as it should be are its expressions such as it would be used by a guilty woman like the Countess imploring pity and seeking to shield herself from disgrace do you find fault with it can it be amended in any particular I find such great fault with it replied the Secretary of State still without looking up that I would amend it by casting it to the flames Lady Lake it is my duty to warn you this is a fearful crime you would commit and severely punishable by the law you may excuse it to yourself because you have an end in view which seems to justify the means but the excuse will not avail you with others you have said that in a conflict with one so cunning and unscrupulous as our noble son in law you are compelled to fight him with his own weapons to meet trick with trick maneuver with maneuver but take my word for it you would more easily defeat him by straightforward means be ruled by me in this one instant and in a scheme which must inevitably lead to consequences I shudder to contemplate and let this fabricated confession be destroyed give it to me she cried snatching the paper from him you were ever timid Sir Thomas and if you had not lacked courage this expedient would not have been necessary odious and dangerous as it is the measure is forced upon me and I shall not shrink from it but you shall not be called upon to play any part in the transaction I alone will do it I alone will be responsible for all that may ensue we shall all be responsible he rejoined you will not only ruin yourself but all your family if this fearful step be taken hitherto we have had right on our side but henceforth we shall be more culpable than the others I am resolved upon the coarse cry Lady Lake and all your arguments all your warnings will not dissuade me from it so you may spare your breath Sir Thomas as you see I have omitted the charge of witchcraft and have only made the Countess confess her criminality with Lord Roos and of this we have had abundant proofs nay we should have them all if those condemnatory letters of hers which had come into our possession had not been stolen that mischance necessitates the present measure having managed to deprive us of our weapons Lord Roos thinks himself secure but he will find his mistake when this document is produced to confound him I tremble at the thought grown the secretary of state those fears are worse than woman as she exclaimed his lady shake them off and be yourself who is to prove that the confession proceeds not from the Countess not she herself since no one will believe her Lord Roos for he will be equally discredited this testimony would be valueless the Countess's handwriting has been so skillfully imitated that the falsification cannot be detected compare it with this note written by herself to Lady Roos and which though it proves nothing has so far answered my purpose compare I say the writing of the confession and the signature with this note and declare if you can discern any difference between them as to the signatures of Lord Roos and Diego they are equally well simulated that the forgery is skillfully executed I do not deny replied the secretary of state and that circumstance though it does not lessen the crime may lessen the chance of detection since nothing I can urge will turn you from your design and you are determined to employ this dangerous instrument at least be cautious in its use terrify Lord Roos with it if you choose certain to late before the Earl of Exeter before the king himself in case of your son-in-law's non-compliance with your demands but beware how you proceed further do not part with it for a moment so that if need me you may deny it do you heed me my lady I do sir Thomas you replied be assured I will act with due caution I am glad to find you are coming round to my views and are disposed to countenance the measure I countenance it exclaimed the secretary of state in alarm no such thing I disapprove of it entirely and cannot sufficiently reprehend it but as I will know when you have once made up your mind the fiend himself cannot turn you from your purpose I give you the best counsel I can under the circumstances I wash my hands of it all together what to heaven I had never been consulted upon it never even been acquainted with the project however as you have gone so far with me you may go a step further and let me know what story you mean to attach to this confession how will you feign to have obtained it the statement I shall make will be this and it will be borne out by many corroborative circumstances that it would be impossible to contradict it you observe that the document is dated on the 10th of April last it is not without reason that it is so dated on that day I and our daughter Lady Roos attended by her maid Sarah Swarton proceeded to the Earl of Exeter's residence at Wimbledon for the purpose of having an interview with the Countess and then we saw her in the presence of Lord Roos and his servant Diego but you gained nothing by the journey remarked her husband your pardon Sir Thomas you rejoined I gained this confession on the way back I reflected upon what had occurred and I thought how flushed with triumph I should have been if instead of meeting with discomforture I had gained my point if I had brought the haughty Countess to her knees had compelled her to write out and sign a full of owl of her guilt coupled with supplications for forgiveness from my injured daughter and myself and as a refinement of revenge had forced Lord Roos and his servant to attest by their signatures the truth of the confession I thought of this and in sense that I had not done it resolved it should be done and ill-resolved muttered her husband in Lake Leucatin Arapatikari I had the man for my purpose pursued Lady Lake aware of this marvellous talent for imitating any writing he pleased aware also that I should entirely rely upon him I resolved to call in his aid impudent woman you have placed yourself wholly in his power grown Sir Thomas suppose he should betray the terrible trust you have reposed in him he will not betray a triplied Lady Lake he is too deeply implicated in a matter not to keep silence for his own sake but to proceed the documents such as you see it was drawn out by myself and transcribed by Leucatin and the writing so admirably can't defeat it that Lady Exeter herself may well doubt if it be not her own then circumstances they will all bear me out we were known to have been at Wimbledon on the day in question we were known to have had an interview with Lady Exeter at which Lord Roos and Diogo were present the interview was private and therefore no one can tell what took place at it but the probabilities are that what I shall assert really did occur Sir Thomas signified his assent and she went on the plot is well contrived and with prudent management cannot fail of success we have the time of the supposed occurrence the actors in it and the scene for I shall describe the particular room in which the interview really did take place and I shall further bring forward Sarah Swarton who will declare that she was concealed behind the hangings and heard the Countess read over the confession before she signed it another party to the affair and a woman ejaculated Sir Thomas the dangers of discovery are multiplied a hundred fold the danger exists only in your imagination said his lady come admit Sir Thomas that the scheme is well contrived and that they must be cunning indeed if they escape from the meshes I have woven for them you have displayed ingenuity enough I am free to own if it had been directed to a better end but in the best contrived scheme some floor is ever found which is sure to mark it you can detect no flaw in this I am persuaded Sir Thomas if you can let me know it Nate is only when too late that such things are found out the supposed armor of proof is then found wanting in some vital point however I will say no more he observed perceiving her impatience what is done cannot be undone have you prepared our daughter will she consent to aid you she will reply Lady Lake I had some difficulty with her at first but I found means to overrule her scruples and she consented at last to act as I desired provided all other means failed for accomplishing the object in view and they have failed since we have lost those letters for though I have one other proof left which might perhaps be adduced I do not attach much importance to it what is it Sir Thomas quickly you shall know Anand she answered suffice it I have done all I could to avoid having recourse to the present measure and have delayed its execution to the last moment but that proof of which she was speaking Sir Thomas let me hear it the necessity of this dangerous proceeding I do not think so but you shall judge last night our daughter and myself obtained secret admittance to Lord Ruth's chamber and we found the chamber and fainting in his arms why that is enough to convict them you know nothing more hear me to an end and you will change your opinion placing the inanimate countess on a couch and covering her face with a handkerchief Lord Ruth had the effrontery to assert that we were mistaken insisting that it was not for Lady Exeter we beheld but her handmaiden Gillian Greenford as he appealed to Diego in confirmation of his assertion but you did not leave without satisfying yourselves of the truth demanded Sir Thomas his lordship took care we should have no means of doing so she answered he caused Diego to convey her away by a secret staircase shh death that was unlucky you have no proof then that it was the countess you beheld nothing beyond the lock of her hair which was secured by Lady Ruth as the man was removing her that may be enough to write the secretary of state and prevent the necessity of resorting to this frightful expedient we must see the girl and interrogate her Gillian Greenford you say she's called she shall be called brought hither at once it is possible she may be without return Lady Lake before I came here I summoned her in your name we will see cried Sir Thomas striking upon the bell and the usher appearing to the summons informed him that in effect the damsel in question was in attendance she seemed much alarm Sir Thomas said the usher and has with her a young man who appears to take a tender interest in her and wishes to be present at the investigation let him come in with her said the secretary of state and seeing the usher pause he inquired if he had anything further to say His Excellency the Spanish ambassador and my lord Roosa without and desired admittance replied the man Sir Thomas consulted his lady by a look and as she made no objection he signified his pleasure that they should be admitted and accordingly the door was thrown open for the entrance of all the persons mentioned Gillian came first and seemed much embarrassed by the situation in which she found herself she had been well tutored for the part she had to play but the instructions she had received entirely 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 Tavern as if imploring his support but this dick declined to afford his jealousy having been aroused by what he had heard he determined to be governed by his conduct towards her by the result of the investigation accordingly though it cost him an effort he held back as the 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 Ruse 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 gested apart with Dick Gondomar and both he and the Spanish ambassador appeared gently amused by Gillian's embarrassment behind him stood his servant Diego you are handmade into the countess of Exeter I presume Timar did 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 admired Lady Lake I will ask Lord Ruse 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 woman might make to the inquiring I must decline to answer your Ladyship's question returned Lord Ruse why cannot he speak out mutterdick this uncertainty is worse than anything what says the Damsel herself observes Sir Thomas Lake does she admit the change you cannot expect her to do that Sir Thomas interposed Lord Ruse I expect her to answer my question rejoined the Secretary of State sharply were you in Lord Ruse room added to Gillian oh dear I am ready to feign she exclaimed catch me Dick catch me answer yes or no or I won't he rejoined yeah well then yes if I must say something she replied poor Dick fell back as if struck by a shot I don't believe it cried Sir Thomas nor I either said Dick recovering himself I don't believe she could do such a wicked thing beside it was the foreign ambassador there he added to Degondomar who seemed most enamoured of her yesterday and I shouldn't have been so much surprised if she'd gone to see him perhaps she did he continued addressing the poor Damsel who again hung her head I cannot take upon me to affirm that that such was not the case observed Degondomar have you the lock of hair with you whispered Sir Thomas to his lady I have she replied taking a small packet from her bosom and did not pass unnoticed by Lord Ruse and the Spanish ambassador between whom an almost imperceptible smile passed if you have put all the interrogations you desire to make to Gillian madam said Lord Ruse to his mother-in-law perhaps she may be permitted to depart the situation cannot be agreeable to her a moment more my lord cried Lady Lake by detain her it is to clear her character I know her to be perfectly honest at this announcement Dick Taverner's countenance brightened and he extended his arms towards Gillian who gladly availed himself of his support I'm quite sure she was not the person I surprised in your chamber last night confirm Lady Lake indeed madam how do you arrive at that conviction because the person's hair was jet black whereas Gillian's as we see is of the exact opposite color Dick Taverner could not help pressing his lips against the back of the pretty damsel's neck as this was uttered your proof of this madam demanded Lord Ruse behold she cried the lock of hair was cut off before you are visit and escaped and has remained in my possession ever since ha how is this she exclaimed as she unfolded the packet and disclosed a stress of fair hair evidently matching Gillian's white lint locks what transformation has taken place witchcraft has been practiced this is the countess's work the minion must have been there after all cried Dick Taverner thrust in Gillian from him the charge of witchcraft will not serve your turn madam said Lord Ruse derisively the extermination is simple your eyes have deceived you most palpably cried the gondom who caught Gillian in his arms the jealous apprentice cast her from him I am afraid a ladyship cannot see very clearly I see clearly enough that a trick has been practiced on me Lady Lake rejoined sharply but let Lord Ruse look to himself I will have my revenge and a terrible one it shall be do not commit yourselves at the Thomas in a low tone your business here is at an end fair maiden said the con de de gondom and as your lover abandons you you are ready to take charge of you so saying he led her forth followed by Lord Ruse whose smile of triumph exasperated his mother-in-law almost beyond endurance for a moment Dick Taverner remained a resolute but his mistress had no sooner disappeared then he rushed after her wowing he would have a back if it cost him his life End of Chapter 26 Chapter 28 The Star Chamber Unhistorical Romance Volume 1 This is a LibriVox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Bill Mosley The Star Chamber Volume 1 By William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 28 The Secret Thrice was the guard relieved during that long night and as often was the prisoner visited on the first occasion he was found to be still engaged in his Bible and he so continued during the whole time the man remained in the vault The next who came discovered him on his knees rang loudly and fervently and unwilling to disturb him left him at his devotions But the third who entered was struck with terror at the prisoner's appearance he had risen from the ground and was standing as erect as the fetters would permit with his hands out stretched and his eyes fixed on vacancy he was muttering something but his words were unintelligible he looked like one who beheld a vision and this impression was produced upon the man who half expected some awful shape to reveal itself to him but whatever it might be spirit of good or ill it was visible to the Puritan alone After gazing at him for some minutes in mixed wonderment and fright the Halberdier ventured to draw near him as he touched him the Puritan uttered a fearful cry and attempted to spring forward as if to grasp some vanishing object but being checked in the effort by the chain he fell heavily to the ground and seemed to sustain severe injury for when the man raised him and set him against the pillar though he made no complaint it was evident he suffered excruciating pain the Halberdier poured out a cup of wine and offered it to him but though well nigh fainting he peremptorily refused it From this moment a marked change was perceptible in his looks the hue of his skin became cadaverous his eyes grew dim and glassy and his respiration was difficult everything betokened the Halberdiers would be speedily over and that however he might deserve it Hugh Calvelli would be spared the disgrace of death by the hands of the executioner the Halberdier was not unaware of his condition and his first impulse was to summon assistance but he was deterred from doing so by the earnest entreaty of the Puritan to be left alone for this the most merciful course he could pursue under the circumstances he yielded to the request scarcely expecting to behold him alive again it was by this same man that the door of the vault was open to Sir Jocelyn and Aveline the shock experienced by the maiden at the sight of her father had well nigh overcome her he seemed dead and such was Sir Jocelyn's first impression the unfortunate Puritan was still propped against the pillar as the Halberdier had left him but his head had fallen to one side and his arms hung listlessly down with a piercing shriek his daughter flew towards him and kneeling beside him raised his head gently and gazing eagerly into his face perceived that he still lived although the spirit seemed ready to wing its flight from its fleshly tabernacle the situation was one to call forth every latent energy in Aveline's character controlling her emotion she uttered no further cry but set herself with calmness to apply such restoratives as were at hand to her father after bathing his temples and chafing his hands with satisfaction airlong of seeing him open his eyes at first he seemed to have a difficulty in fixing his gaze upon her but her voice reached his ears and the feeble pressure of his hand told that he knew her the power of speech returned to him at length and he faintly murmured my child I am glad to see you once more I thought all was over please heaven to spare me for a few moments to give you my blessing bow down your head on my daughter and take it and though given by a sinner like myself it shall profit you may the merciful God who pardoneth all that repent even at the last hour and watcheth over the orphan bless you and protect you Amen exclaimed Jocelyn fervently who was it spoke demanded the Puritan and as no answer was returned he repeated the inquiry it was I Jocelyn Mount Chency the son of your old friend replied the young man good night to me Jocelyn said the dying man I have done you wrong and entreat your pardon oh talk not thus cried Jocelyn springing towards him I have nothing to forgive but much to be forgiven you have a noble heart Jocelyn rejoined you Calvelli and in that respect resemble your father in his name I conjure you to listen to me you will not refuse my dying request I have a sacred trust to commit to you name it cried the young man and rest assured it shall be fulfilled give me some wine gasped the Puritan taintly my strength is failing fast and it may revive me and with great effort to you swallowed a few drops from the cup filled for him by Jocelyn still his appearance was so alarming that the young man could not help urging him not to delay I understand replied you Calvelli slightly pressing his hand you think I have no time to lose then you are right my child then is the trust I would confide to you son behold thy sister daughter behold thy brother I will be more than a brother to her cried Sir Jocelyn earnestly more thou cannot be rejoined you Calvelli unless unless what demanded Sir Jocelyn I cannot exclaim cried the Puritan with an expression of agony there is not time suffice it she is already promised in marriage father exclaimed Aveline in surprise and with something of reproach I never heard of such an engagement before it has been made without my consent I charge you to fulfill it nevertheless my child if it be required said Hugh Calvelli solemnly promise me this or I shall not die content speak let me hear you and she reluctantly gave the required promise Sir Jocelyn uttered an exclamation of anguish what a flicks you my son demanded the Puritan to whom have you promised your daughter in marriage inquired the young man you have constituted me her brother and I am therefore entitled to inquire you will learn when the demand is made said the Puritan you will then know why I have given the promise and the nature of the obligation imposed upon my daughter to fulfill it but is this obligation ever to remain binding demanded Sir Jocelyn if the claim be not made within a year after my death she is discharged from it replied Hugh Calvelli oh thanks father thanks exclaimed Aveline at this moment the door of the vault was thrown open and two persons entered most of whom Sir Jocelyn instantly recognized as the king the other was his Majesty's physician Dr. Mayerne Turquet a glance sufficed to explain to the latter the state of the Puritan ah par bleu the man is dying your Majesty exclaimed deeing is he? cried James the mere reason he should tell his secret to us is his destination Hark ye prophet of oil he continued as he strode forward the judgment of heaven ye predicated for us seems to have fallen upon your own cell and to have laid you low even a four hour arm could touch you ye have good reason to be thankful you have escaped the woody say in make a clean breast of it confess your enormities and reveal to us the secret matter will we are totally had to communicate let all else withdraw a few paces said Hugh Calvelli and do thou, O king, approach me? what I have to say is for thine ear alone there will be no danger in granting his request inquired James of his physician none whatever the only danger is in delay your Majesty should lose no time the man is passing rapidly away a few moments more and he will have ceased to exist on a sign from the king Sir Jocelyn then stepped aside but Aveline refused to quit her father even for a moment as James drew near Hugh Calvelli raised himself a little in order to address him I say unto thee O king he cried as Elijah said unto Ahab because thou has sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the Lord behold, I will bring evil upon thee and will take away thy posterity and I will make thine house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat and like the house of Elijah for the provocation wherewith thou has provoked me to anger and made Israel to sin now the muckled I have seized thee, villain exclaimed James furiously is it to listen to thy text that thou has brought me hither and as Hugh Calvelli exhausted by the effort he had made fell back with a groan he bid his head the secret man the secret or the tormentor shall ring it from thee the Puritan essay to speak but his voice was so low that it did not reach the ears of the king what sayest thou he demanded speak louder soul of our body he exclaimed after a moment's pause during which the sudden alteration that took place in the prisoner's features made him suspect that all was over our belief is he will never speak again he has escaped us and has tanned his secret with him a loud shriek burst from avaline as she fell upon her father's lifeless body let us forth cried the king stopping his ears we cannot be present at scenes like this we have had a good riddance of this traitor though we wad hey gladly heard what he had to tell and he will see that this young woman be cared for and when he have caused her to be removed elsewhere follow us to the tennis court which we shall incontinently adjourn so saying he quitted the vault with his physician end of chapter 28 recording by Bill Mosley lateral county texas usa chapter 29 of the star chamber historical romance volume 1 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Asia Wilcox the star chamber volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth chapter 29 Luke Hatton feigning sudden in disposition and the excuse was not all together without foundation the Countess of Exeter quitted the Abal's palace on the day after her unlucky visit to lord ruse's chamber and proceeded to her husband's residence at Wimbledon where she was speedily joined by her lover who brought her word of the advantage he had gained over their foe I have fairly checkmated my gracious mother-in-law he cried with a laugh and it would have diverted you as much as it did me and the Gommar who was present on the occasion if you could have witnessed her rage and mortification when she discovered the change that had been affected and that in the place of your magnificent black ringlet which I now wear next to my heart and shall ever keep as a love token she had only a sorry specimen of your handmaiden's lint white locks as I live it was truly laughable the good lady would have annihilated me if she could and threatened me with terrible reprisals at first she tried to attribute the transformation which she could not otherwise account for to witchcraft and though I derided the charge I must need say the trick was so cleverly performed that it did look like magic the packet containing the tress of hair had never been out of her own keeping this she affirmed and it was true but there was a friendly hand to open it nevertheless to Pernloin its priceless treasure and to substitute something of a similar kind though of comparatively little value in its place that hand one not likely to be suspected was no other than that of my ladies confidential attendant Sarah Swarton the jugger was played by her at the instance of Diego anticipating some such occurrence as the present and desirous of having a spy upon the movements of our enemies I had sometimes since directed Diego to pay secret court to Sarah and my forethought has now been rewarded the main difficulty lay with poor Jillian she was greatly embarrassed by her situation and her perplexity was increased by the presence of a jealous lover in the shape of an apprentice who refused to leave her till his doubts should be satisfied this was awkward as the story could not be very well reconciled so as to suit all parties accordingly when the discovery was made which seemed to proclaim the poor girl's infidelity the youth's rage and consternation would nearly equal to Lady Lakes a circumstance that added considerable zest to the comedy but I see it does not divert you so much as I expected and therefore to relieve your mind I may tell you that the jealous Varley soon repented of his rash determination and pursuing his mistress whom de Gomar had considerably taken under his protection prevailed upon her to give the amorous ambassador the slip and return with him to her father's abode at Tottenham I'm right glad to hear it said the Countess though I've seen so little of Jillian and I can't help taking an interest in her she's so pretty and so innocent in appearance and her manners are so artless and engaging I owe her some reparation for the mischief I've done her and will not neglect to make it I am sorry I was ever induced by you to take her into my service and I am thankful to hear she has escaped the Gomar snares you are wonderfully interested about her thanks Francis and I hope she'll be grateful for your consideration rejoined Lord Ruse with a laugh but I should not be surprised if de Gomar still gained his point it is not his way to give up a pursuit he has once undertaken however to leave the pretty damsel to her fate which will depend entirely on her own conduct let us return to ourselves we have good reason to be satisfied with the issue of the adventure of the lock of hair nevertheless that recurrence to the charge of witchcraft on the part of my vindictive mother-in-law shows the extent of her malice and I cannot doubt that in threatening me with reprisals she will be as good as her word it behooves us therefore to be beforehand with her what she may intend I cannot say but I am satisfied she has a formidable scheme on foot and that nothing but her family's interposition prevented its disclosure when she was so violently incensed against me can you fill me with terror William exclaimed the Countess will this woman's hostility towards me never cease never replied Lord Ruse with a sudden change of manner and laying aside the levity he had hitherto exhibited there is but one way of ending the struggle Luke Hatten can help us do it persuaded we should require him I brought him along with me he waits in the hall below with Diego shall I send him to our conference oh no account exclaimed Lady Exeter hastily I will not see him you have done wrong to bring that poison there here my lord you will destroy me listen to me Francis replied Lord Ruse the next step taken by Lady Lake will be fatal to us there must be no delay no resolution on our part or all is lost I cannot depend upon myself or I would not call in another's aid you will comprehend how wanting and firm as I am when I tell you what happened the other night incredible as it may sound my wife in order to prove her devotion to me and to free me from further annoyance on her part offered to take poison but for my interference fool that I was to stay her would have drained the file containing the deadly potion the weakness was momentary and I reproached myself for it when too late but it convinced me that a firmer hand than mine must be employed in the task and can you after what you have related William can you seriously meditate the destruction of a fond woman who is generosity enough to lay down her life for you this is more incredible than the rest more monstrously wicked wicked it may be but the excuse if I have any lies in my overwhelming passion for you Francis replied lord ruse in a frenzy tone and it seems decided by the relentless destiny that covers me that the continued indulgence of the fatal passion shall only be purchased at the price of my soul that penalty I'm prepared to pay rather than lose you I will become up to it will turn my heart to stone and shall no longer melt at the tears of this fond foolish woman and I will slay her without remorse any other obstacle between us shall be removed be it her mother her father your husband I will emulate a hundred victims at the altar of our love I will shrink from nothing to make you mine forever I will share eternal bail with you Francis then immortal bliss with another you almost make me fancy some evil being has obtained possession of you William set the countess gazing at him with a fright it may be that the fiend himself had accepted my wild offered he rejoined grooming me but if my wish be granted it matters not I will not listen to such fearful impiety the countess shuddering let us dismiss the subject for the present and recur to it when you are calmer it cannot be postponed Francis time presses and even now Lady Lake may have got the start of us I shall be calm enough when this is over will you consent to see Luke Hatton why need I see him inquire at the countess with increasing uneasiness you force his hateful presence upon me if the deed must be done why can you not alone undertake it I will tell why not he replied in a somber tone and regarding her fixately I must have a partner in the crime it will bind us to each other in links not to be severed I shall have no fear of losing you then countess I go to bring Luke Hatton to you and without waiting for her reply he strode out of the room Lady Exeter would have arrested him but she had not the nerve to do so and with an exclamation of anguish she fell back in her chair what dominion sin has served over me she mentally ejaculated I have lost the power of resisting its further encroachment I see the enormity of the offense I'm about to commit and though my soul revolts at it I cannot hold back I am as one on the brink of a precipice who beholds the dreadful gulf before him into which another step must plunge him yet is too giddy to retreat and must needs fall over pity me kind heaven I am utterly helpless without my aid while the unhappy lady thus unavailingly deployed the sad position in which her own misconduct had placed her and from which she felt wholly incapable of extricating herself while in this wretched frame of mind she awaited her lover's return with as we have shown some remains of good struggling with the evil in her bosom we will cast a hasty glance around the chamber which she sat and we are prompted to do this not because it merits particular description but because it was the room referred to by Lady Lake as the scene of the confession she had forged the apartment then was spacious and handsomely furnished in the heavy taste of the period with but little to distinguish it from other rooms visited by us in the course of the story like most of them it had a gloomy air caused by the dark hue of its oaken panels and the heavy folds of its antiquated and faded tapestry the latter was chiefly hung against the lower end of the chamber and served as a screen to one of the doors at the opposite end there was a wide and deep bay window glowing with stained glass amidst the emblazony of which might be discerned the proud estetion of the house of Exeter with two lions rampant forming its supporters on the right of the enormous carved mantelpiece which with its pillars statues, statins and massive cornice mounted to the very ceiling was hung a portrait of the Earl of Exeter a grave dignified personage clad in the attire of Elizabeth's time and on the left was a likeness of the Countess herself painted in all the pride of her unequaled beauty and marvelous and resemblance then but how different in expression from her features now in the recess of the window stood an oak table covered with a piece of rich carpet fringed in gold on which a massive silver ink stand and materials for writing were placed and this table was seized upon by Lady Lake as a feature in her plot here she would have it the confession that was signed by the Countess another point in reference to this scheme must not be passed unnoticed we have mentioned the heavy hangings at the lower end of the room according to the plotter it was behind these that Sarah Swarton the intended witness of the imaginary scene was concealed the principal subjects represented on their eyes were the judgment of Solomon and the temptation of our first parents in the garden by the serpent the hangings had evidently not been removed for years and did not reach within two feet of the ground a circumstance that had escaped the attention of Lady Lake proving the truth of her husband's observation that in the best contrived plot some imperfection will exist certain to operate in its detection to return to the unhappy Countess so lost was she in reflection that she did not remark Lord his return to made aware of it by a slight touch on the shoulder when she raised her eyes they fell upon an object that inspired her with the dread and a version that a noxious reptile might have produced she had never seen Luke Hatton before and if she had figured him to her mind at all it was not as anything agreeable but she was not prepared for so hideous and revolting a personage as he appeared to be his face was like an ugly mask on which a sadonic grin was stamped his features were large and gaunt and he had the long hooked nose and the sharp pointed beastly ears of a sadder with leering eyes betokening at once sensuality and cunning he had the chin and beard of a goat and crisply curled hair yellow color with all this there was something sordid in his looks as well as his attire which showed that to his other vices he added that of avarice a mock humility belied by the changeless snare on his countenance distinguished his department it could be seen at once that however cringing he might be he despised the person he addressed moreover in spite of all his efforts to control it there was something sarcastic in his speech his doublet and hose both of which had endured some service were well-nigh threadbare and rotani colored and he wore short yellow cloak and a great rough of the same color and carried a brown steeple crowned hat in his hand I await your ladyship's commands said Luke Hatten bowing obsequiously I have none to give you Lady Exeter rejoined with irrepressible disgust I am not sent for you go hence not at all abashed by his reception Luke Hatten maintained his place and through an inquiring glance at Lord Ruse my dear countess said the young nobleman seating himself negligently upon a tabaret beside her I must pray you do not dismiss this worthy man so hastily you will find him eminently serviceable and as to his trustworthiness I have seen the best reasons for feeling satisfied of it because I hold in my hand a noose which whenever I please I could tighten around his neck of this he is quite aware and therefore he will serve us faithfully as well as from fear as from gratitude her ladyship maintained place entire confidence in me remarked Luke Hatten with a grin this is not the first affair of the kind in which I've been engaged I have prepared potions and powders which Miss Turner whose reputation your ladyship be acquainted used to vend to her customers my droughts have removed many a troublesome husband and silenced many a jealous wife I have helped many an heir to the speedy enjoyment of inheritance which but from my assistance would not have come to him for years the lover with a rival in his way who has come to me has soon been freed from all anxiety on that score the courtier eager for a post which is superior held has gained it by my aid yet none of those whom I have thus benefited have been suspected your ladyship I repeat need have no fears of me and no scruples with me state your wishes and they will be implicitly obeyed I have no wish except to be relieved of a presence which is disagreeable to me replied the Countess again Luke Hatton consulted Lord Rue's with the regard I find that I must act for her ladyship said the young nobleman you will take therefore the instructions I shall give you as proceeding from her what two names do you find upon that paper those of your lordship's wife and mother-in-law returned Luke Hatton you comprehend what her ladyship would have done with those persons said Lord Rue's looking at him steadfastly perfectly replied Luke Hatton oh do not give this fatal order my lord cried Lady Exeter trembling how many days do you require to affect their removal demanded Lord Rue's without appearing to notice her remark I do not require many hours replied Luke Hatton but it will be well not to be too precipitate neither must they die at the same time all precautions shall be taken the names are placed in a particular order is it so that the Countess would have them taken in that case I must commence with Lady Rue's wretch does not dare to make such an appeal to me cried Lady Exeter rising be gone instantly I say thou hast no order whatever from me or if thou fancied so I revoke it the order cannot be revoked cried Lord Rue's grasping her arm this is not a time for hesitation or repentance having commenced the work you must go through with it whether you will or not whether I will or not exclaimed Lady Exeter regarding him with an angry surprise have I heard you all right my lord am I to be forced into association with this foul deed have I sunk so low in your esteem that you venture to treat me thus pardon me Francis pardon me he cried imploringly I have said more than I intended if I appear to exercise undue influence over you now you will forgive me hereafter because the situation is one that requires decision and that quality I possess and a higher degree than yourself Luke Hatten must obey the orders given him and you must sanction them never she required emphatically then we part forever cried Lord Rue's no matter what the pain may be or what befalls me I will go farewell forever Countess stay! she cried we must not part thus then you consent he exclaimed Luke Hatten receives his orders from you ask me not that question she cried with a shudder if her ladyship would but sign this said Luke Hatten holding towards her the paper on which the names were written it will suffice for me you hear what he says Francis will you do it cried Lord Rue's it is but a few strokes of the pen those few strokes will cost me my soul she rejoined but if it must be so it must give me the pen and as Lord Rue's complied she signed the paper now you may go said Lord Rue's to Luke Hatten who received the paper with a diabolical cream you may count upon your reward in a week's time my lord said Luke Hatten still grinning and shifting his glance from the half fainting Countess to the young nobleman in a week's time you will have to put on mourning for your wife and in a month for your mother-in-law and with a cringing bow and moving with a soft cat-like footstep he quitted the room leaving the guilty pair alone together end of volume 1 end of chapter 29 end of the star chamber a historical romance volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth