 Chapter 19 of the Star Chamber and 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. The Star Chamber, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 19. Theobalds Palace. The magnificent Palace of Theobalds, situated near Chessunt in Harfordshire, originally the residence of the great Lord Treasurer Burley, and the scene of his frequent and sumptuous entertainments to Queen Elizabeth and the ambassadors to her court, when she was seen, says Stowe, in as great royalty and served as bountifully and magnificently as at any other time or place, all at his lordship's charge, with rich shows, pleasant devices, and all manner of sports, to the great delight of her majesty and her whole train, with great thanks from all who partook of it, and as great commendations from all that heard of it abroad. This famous and delightful palace, with its stately gardens wherein Elizabeth had so often walked and held converse with her faithful counselor, and its noble parks and chases, well stocked with deer wherein she had so often hunted, came into possession of James I, in the manner we shall proceed to relate, some years before the date of this history. James first made acquaintance with Theobalds during his progress from Scotland to assume the English crown, and it was the last point at which he halted before entering the capital of his new dominions. Here, for four days, he and his crowd of noble attendants were guests of Sir Robert Cecil, afterwards Earl of Salisbury, who proved himself the worthy son of his illustrious and hospitable sire by entertaining the monarch and his numerous train in the same princely style that the Lord Treasurer had ever displayed towards Queen Elizabeth. An eyewitness has described the king's arrival at Theobalds on this occasion. Thus then, says John Seville, for his majesty's coming up the walk, there came before him some of the nobility, barons, knights, esquires, gentlemen and others, amongst whom was the sheriff of Essex, and most of his men. The trumpet sounding next before his highness, sometimes one, sometimes another, his majesty riding not continually betwixt the same two, but sometimes one, sometimes another, as seemed best to his highness. The whole nobility of our land and Scotland round about him observing no place of superiority, all bare-headed, all of whom, alighted from their horses at their entrance into the first court, save only his majesty alone. Who rid along still, four noblemen laying their hands upon his steed, two before and two behind. In this manner he came to the court door, where I myself stood. At the entrance into that court stood many noblemen, amongst whom was Sir Robert Cecil, who there meeting his majesty conducted him into his house, all which was practised with as great applause of the people as could be, hearty prayer and throwing up of hats. His majesty had not stayed above an hour in his chamber, but hearing the multitude throng so fast into the uppermost court to see his highness, he showed himself openly out of his chamber window by the space of half an hour together. After which time he went into the labyrinth-like garden to walk, where he secreted himself in the meander's compact of bays, rosemary, and the like overshadowing his walk, to defend him from the heat of the sun till suppertime, at which was such plenty of provision for all sorts of men in their due places as struck me with admiration. And first, to begin with the ragged regiments, and such as were debarred the privilege of any court, these were so sufficiently rewarded with beef, veal, mutton, bread, and beer that they sung holiday every day and kept a continual feast. As for poor maimed and distressed soldiers, which repaired thither for maintenance, the wine, money, and meat, which they had in very bounteous sort, hath become a sufficient spur to them to blaze it abroad since they're coming to London. The reader will marvel at the extraordinary and unstinting hospitality practiced in those days, which, as we have shown, was exhibited to all comers, irrespective of rank, even to the ragged regiments, and which extended its bounties in the shape of alms to the wounded and disabled veteran. We find no parallel to it in modern times. Theobalds produced a highly favorable impression upon James, who, passionately attached to the chase, saw in its well-stocked parks the means of gratifying his taste to the fullest extent. Its contiguity to Enfield Chase was also a great recommendation, and its situation, beautiful in itself, was retired, and yet with an easy distance of the metropolis. It appeared to him to combine all the advantages of a royal hunting-seat with all the splendors of a palace, and his predilections were confirmed by a second visit paid by him to it in 1606, when he was accompanied by his brother-in-law, Christianus, king of Denmark, and when the two monarchs were gloriously entertained by the Earl of Salisbury. The Danish king drank inordinately, so did the whole of his suite, and they soon inoculated the English court with their soddish tastes. Bonnie King Jamie himself got foe twice a day, and Mellon Collie to relate, the ladies of the court followed the royal example and, abandoning their sobriety, were seen to roll about in intoxication. So says Sir John Harrington, who has given a very diverting account of the orgies at Theobalds and the inebriate extravagances of Christianus. One day, writes Sir John, a great feast was held, and after dinner the representation of Solomon's temple and the coming of the Queen of Sheba was made, or, as I may better say, was meant to have been made before their majesties by device of the Earl of Salisbury and others. But alas, as all earthly things do fail to pour mortals in enjoyment, so did prove our presentment thereof. The lady that did play the Queen's part did carry most precious gifts to both their majesties, but forgetting the steps arising to the canopy, overset her casket into his Danish Majesty's lap and fell at his feet, though I rather think it was into his face. Much was the hurry in confusion. Cloths and napkins were at hand to make all clean. His Majesty then got up and would dance with the Queen of Sheba, but he fell down and humbled himself before her, and was carried to an inner chamber and laid on a bed of state. The entertainment and show went forward, and most of the presenters went backward or fell down, why and did so occupy their upper chambers. Worthy Sir John seems to have been greatly scandalized, as well he might be at these shameless proceedings, and he exclaims pathetically, the Danes have again conquered the Britons, for I see no man or woman either that can command himself or herself. Nor does he fail to contrast these strange pageantries with what occurred of the same sort in the same place in Queen Elizabeth's time, observing, I never did see such lack of good order, discretion and sobriety as I have now done. Having set his heart upon theobalds, James offered the Earl of Salisbury in exchange for it, the palace and domains of Hatfield, and the proposal being accepted, it could not very well be refused. The delivery of the much coveted place was made on the 22nd May 1607. The Prince Jeanville, brother to the Duke de Guise, being present on the occasion, where fresh festivities were held, accompanied by an indifferent mask from Ben Johnson, whether the King or the Earl had the best of the bargain we are not prepared to decide. Enchanted with his acquisition, James commenced the work of improvement and embellishment by enlarging the park, appropriating a good slice of Enfield Chase, with parts of Northaw and Chessent Commons, and surrounding the whole with a high brick wall ten miles in circumference. Within this ring he found ample scope for the indulgence of his hunting propensities, since it contained an almost inexhaustible stock of the finest deer in the kingdom, and within it might be heard the sound of his merry horn and the bane of his favorite stag hounds, whenever he could escape from the cares of state or the toils of the council chamber. His escapes from these demands upon his time were so frequent, and the attraction of the woods of Theobalds so irresistible, that remonstrances were made to him on the subject, but they proved entirely ineffectual. He declared he would rather return to Scotland than forgo his amusements. Theobalds, in the time of its grandeur, might be styled the Fontainebleau of England, though not to be compared with Windsor Castle in grandeur of situation or magnificence of forest scenery, still it was a stately residence and worthy of the monarch of a mighty country. Crowned with four square towers of considerable height and magnitude, each with a line and vein on the top, it had besides a large lantern-shaped central turret, proudly domineering over the others, and made with timber of excellent workmanship, curiously wrought with diverse pinnacles at each corner, wherein were hung twelve bells for chimage and a clock with chimes of sundry work. The whole structure was built, says the survey, of excellent brick with coins, jams, and cornices of stone. Approached from the south by a noble avenue of trees planted in double rows and a mile in length, it presented a striking and most picturesque appearance with its lofty towers, its great gilded veins, supported, as we have said, by lions, its crowd of twisted chimneys, its leaded and arched walks, its balconies and its immense bay windows, nor did it lose its majestic and beautiful aspect as you advanced nearer, and its vast proportions became more fully developed. Then you perceived its grand, though irregular facades, its enormous gates, its cloistered walks, and its superb gardens, and comprehended that with its five courts and the countless apartments they contained, to say nothing of the world of offices, that the huge edifice comprised a town within itself, and a well-peopled town too. The members of the household and the various retainers connected with it were multitudinous as the rooms themselves. One charm and peculiarity of the palace, visible from without, consisted in the arched walks before referred to, placed high up on the building on every side. Screened from the weather, these walks looked upon the different courts and gardens, and commanded extensive views of the lovely silvan scenery around. Hence, Chessent and Waltham Abbey, Enfield and other surrounding villages, could be distinguished through the green vistas of the park. On the south, facing the Grand Avenue was a large open cloister built upon several large, fair pillars of stone, arched over with seven arches and a fair rail and balusters well-painted with the kings and queens of England and the pedigree of the old Lord Burley and diverse other ancient families. The body of the palace consisted of two large quadrangles, one of which, 86 feet square, was denominated the Fountain Court, from the circumference of a fountain of black and white marble standing within it. The other quadrangle, somewhat larger, being 110 feet square, was called the Middle Court. In addition to these, there were three other smaller courts, respectively entitled the Dial Court, the Buttery Court, and the Dove House Court, wherein the offices were situated. On the east side of the fountain court stood an arched cloister, and on the ground floor there was a spacious hall paved with marble and embellished with a curiously carved ceiling. Adjoining it were the apartments assigned to the Earl of Salisbury as Keeper of Theobalds, the Council Chamber, and the chambers of Sir Louis Lucaner, Master of the Ceremonies, and Sir John Finnet. Above was the Presence Chamber, wainscotted with oak, painted in liver color and gilded, having rich pendants from the ceiling, and vast windows resplendent with armorial bearings. Near this were the Privy Chamber and the King's Bed Chamber, together with a wide gallery, 123 feet in length, wainscotted and roofed, like the Presence Chamber, but yet more gorgeously fretted and painted. Its walls were ornamented with stag's heads, with branching antlers. On the upper floor were the rooms assigned to the Duke of Lenox, as Lord Chamberlain, and close to them was one of the external leaded walks before alluded to, 62 feet long and 11 wide, which, from its eminent position, carried the gaze to wear. In the middle court were the Queen's Apartments, comprising her chapel, Presence Chamber, and other rooms, and over them a gallery nearly equal in length to that reserve for the King. In this quadrangle also were Prince Charles's lodgings. Over the ladder was the Green Gallery, 109 feet in length, and proportionately wide. And above the gallery was another external covered walk, wherein were two lofty arches of brick of no small ornament to the house, and rendering it comely and pleasant to all that passed by. The gardens were enchanting and in perfect keeping with the palace, occupying several acres. They seemed infinitely larger than they were, since they abounded in intricate alleys, labyrinths, and mazes, so that you were easily lost within them, and sometimes wanted a clue to come forth. They contained some fine canals, fountains, and statues. In addition to the Great Gardens were the Priory Gardens, with other enclosures for pheasants, aviaries, and menageries. For James was very fond of wild beasts and had a collection of them worthy of a zoological garden. In one of his letters to Buckingham when the ladder was at Madrid, we find him inquiring about the elephant, camels, and wild asses. He had always a camel house at Theobalds. To close our description, we may add that the tennis court, manège, stable canals, and falconry were on a scale of magnitude proportionate to the palace. Beneath the wide-spreading branches of a noble elm, forming part of the Great Avenue, and standing at a short distance from the principal entrance to the palace, were collected together, one pleasant afternoon in May, a small group of persons consisting almost entirely of the reader's acquaintances. Chief amongst them was Jocelyn Monchancy, who, having dismounted and fastened his horse to the branch, was leaning against the large trunk of the tree, contemplating the magnificent structure we have attempted to describe. Unaquainted as yet with its internal splendors, he had no difficulty in comprehending them from what he beheld from without. The entrance gates were open, and a wide archway beyond leading to the Great Quadrangle gave him a view of its beautiful marble fountain in the midst. Ornamented with exquisite statues of Venus and Cupid, numerous officers at the household, pages, ushers, and serving men in the royal liveries, with now and then some personage of distinction, were continually passing across the fountain court. Gaelia tired courtiers, in doublets of satin and mantles of velvet, were lounging in the balconies of the presence chamber, staring at Jocelyn and his companions for wants of better occupation. Other young nobles, accompanied by richly-habited dames, some of them the highest-born and loveliest in the land, were promenading to and fro upon the garden terrace on the right, chattering and laughing loudly. There was plenty of life and movement everywhere. Even in the Lord Chamberlain's walk, which, as we have said, was contrived in the upper part of the structure and formed a sort of external gallery, three persons might be discerned, and to save the reader any speculation, we will tell him that these persons were the Duke of Lenox, Lord Chamberlain, the Condé de Gondemare, the Spanish leisure ambassador, and the Lord Reus. In front of the great gates were stationed four warders with the royal badge woven in gold on the front and back of their crimson doublets, with roses in their velvet hats, roses in their buskins, and halberds over their shoulders. Just within the gates stood a gigantic porter, a full head and shoulders taller than the burly warders themselves. From the summit of the lofty central tower of the palace floated the royal banner, discernible by all the country round. On the other side of the tree, against which Jocelyn was leaning, and looking down the long avenue, rather than towards the palace, stood Dick Taverner, who, however, bestowed little attention upon his master, being fully occupied by a more attractive object close at hand. Dickon, it appeared, had succeeded in inducing Gillian Greenford to accompany him in the expedition to Theobalds, and as the fared damsel could not, of course, go alone, she had cajoled her good-natured old grandsire into conveying her thither, and she was now seated behind him upon a pillion placed on the back of a strong, rough-coated horse. Dick was in raptures at his success. The ride from Tottenham had been delightful. They had tarried for a short time to drink a cup of ale at the bell at Edmonton, where Dick meant to have breakfasted, though chance had so agreeably prevented him, and where the liquor was highly approved by the old farmer, who became thenceforth exceedingly chatty, and talked of nothing else but good queen best, and her frequent visits to Theobalds in the old Lord Burley's time during the rest of the journey. Little heed was paid to his gerulity by the young people. They let him talk on, feigning to listen, but in reality, noting scarce a word he said. As they entered the park of Theobalds, however, they found their tongues, and Gillian became loud in her admiration of the beautiful glades that opened before them, and of the dappled denizens of the wood that tripped lightsomely across the sword, or hurried towards the thickets. The park indeed looked beautiful with its fine oaks and their freshly-opened foliage of the tenderest green, its numerous spreading beaches, its scattered thorns white with blossom, and the young fern just springing from the seed in the breaks. No wonder Gillian was delighted. Dick was equally enchanted, and regretted he was not like King James, master of a great park, that he might hunt within it at his pleasure. Of course, if he had been king, Gillian would naturally have been his queen, and have hunted with him. Old Greenford too admired the scene, and could not but admit that the park was improved, though he uttered something like a groan as he thought that Queen Elizabeth and the Lord Treasurer could be seen in it no longer. After riding for a couple of miles along a road which led them over beautifully undulating ground, affording glimpses of every variety of forest scenery, sometimes plunging them into the depths of groves, where the path was covered by overarching trees, sometimes crossing the open chase, studded by single-aged oaks of the largest size, sometimes skirting the margin of a pool fringed with flags, reeds, and bullrushes for the protection of the waterfowl, now passing the large heronry to the strict preservation of which James attached the utmost importance. They at length approached the long avenue leading to the palace. At its entrance they found Jocelyn waiting for them. The young man who cared not for their company had ridden on in advance. The strange events of the morning gave him plenty of material for reflection, and he longed to commune with himself. Accordingly, when the others stopped at Edmonton, he quitted them, promising to halt till they came up before entering the precincts of the palace. If his ride was not so agreeable as theirs, it at least enabled him to regain in some degree his composure of mind which had been greatly disturbed by his abrupt parting with Avalon. Her image was constantly before him and refusing to be dismissed connected itself with every object he beheld. At first he despaired of meeting her again, but as he gradually grew calmer his hopes revived and difficulties which seemed insuperable began to disperse. By the time Dick Tavernor and his companions came up, he felt some disposition to talk and Gillian's hearty merriment and high spirits helped to enliven him. Having ascertained from one of the royal keepers whom he had encountered that the king, with a large company, was out hawking on the banks of the new river which was cut through the park, and that he would in all probability return through the great avenue to the palace, he proposed that they should station themselves somewhere within it in order to see him pass. This arrangement pleased all parties, so proceeding slowly up the avenue they took up a position as described. More than an hour, however, elapsed and still James, who no doubt was pleased with his sport, came not. Without being aware of their high quality, or having the slightest notion that the Condagandamar was one of them, Jocelyn had remarked the three personages in the Lord Chamberlain's Walk. He had seen them pause and apparently looked towards the little group of which he himself formed part. Shortly after this, two of the party retired, leaving the third alone in the gallery. By and by these two individuals were seen to cross the fountain court and passing through the great gates to direct their steps towards the avenue. As they approached, Jocelyn recognized one of them as Lord Ruse, whom he had seen play so singular a part at Madame Bonaventure's Ordinary. The other was wholly unknown to him, but that he was a person of the utmost distinction he felt convinced, as well from his haughty bearing and sumptuous attire, as from the evident respect paid him by his companion. In stature he was rather short, being somewhat under the ordinary standard, but his figure was admirably proportioned and was displayed to the greatest advantage by his rich habiliments. His doublet was of sea-green satin, embroidered with silver and black, with rich open sleeves, and his Spanish cloak was a velvet of the same color and similarly embroidered. His hose were of tawny silk, and the plumes in his bonnet black striped with white. He was decorated with the order of the golden fleece and bore at his side a genuine blade of Toledo with the handle of rarest workmanship. Bound his throat he wore a large triple-rough edged with pointed lace. His face was oval in shape, his complexion of a rich olive hue, his eyes large, dark, and keen, his features singed early handsome, and his looks penetrating. His hair was raven black, cut short, and removed from the forehead. Lord Ruse and his companion passed close to Jocelyn without appearing to notice him, but they halted before Jillian, regarding her with insolent admiration. Evidently she was the object that had brought them forth. The poor damsel was terribly confused by their ardent glances and libertine scrutiny, and blushed to her very temples. As to Dick Tavernor, he trembled with rage and jealousy, and began to repent having brought his treasure into such a dangerous neighborhood. The person who seemed to be most struck with Jillian's charms was the wearer of the Spanish mantle. Enverdad, he exclaimed, that is the loveliest piece of rusticity I have seen since I came to England. I thought my eyes did not deceive me, as to her beauty, when I caught sight of her from the Lord Chamberlain's gallery. The Conde de Gondemare hath ever an eagle's eye for a pretty woman, Lord Ruse replied, laughing. The Conde de Gondemare mentally ejaculated Jocelyn, who had overheard what he said. Why, this is he to whom the ring must be shown. The opportunity must not be lost. Accordingly, regardless of the impropriety of the proceeding, he uncovered his head, and advancing towards the Spaniard said, I believe I have the honor of addressing the Conde de Gondemare? What means this intrusion, sir? Lord Ruse demanded insolently. What have you to say to his Excellency? I bring him a token, my lord, the young man replied, exhibiting the ring given him by the masked horseman to the ambassador. Ha! exclaimed de Gondemare, glancing at the ring, and then regarding Jocelyn's steadfastly. I must speak with this young man, my lord. And abandon the damsel, demanded Lord Ruse. No, no, you must take care of her, de Gondemare replied, in a low tone. Can you not induce Lady Exeter to take her into her service? I will try, Lord Ruse replied, and see, he added, pointing down the avenue. The royal party is returning, so I can at once ascertain whether her ladyship will second your Excellency's designs. Do so, said de Gondemare, and I shall be forever indebted to you. This girl has quite taken my fancy, and I must not lose her. And now, sir, he added, stepping aside with Jocelyn. You have brought me the token from my assured agent, and I understand from it that you are a person upon whom I may rely. In all that besiems a gentleman, and a man of honor and loyalty, your Excellency may rely on me, Jocelyn replied. I shall require nothing inconsistent with those principles, the Spanish ambassador said. This point disposed of, let me know how I can serve you, for I presume you have some request to prefer. Your Excellency can very materially serve me, Jocelyn replied. I am in danger. I thought as much, de Gondemare observed with a smile. Since you have placed yourself under my protection, I will do my best to hold you harmless. But who is your enemy? I have two deadly enemies, Sir Giles Mampasan and Sir Francis Mitchell, Jocelyn rejoined. I know them well, instruments of Buckingham, said de Gondemare. They are indeed dangerous enemies. I have another yet more dangerous, returned Jocelyn. I have reason to fear that, by boldness of speech, I have incurred the enmity of the Marquis of Buckingham himself. Ah, this indeed is serious, said de Gondemare. I am threatened with arrest by the star chamber, pursued Jocelyn. So your Excellency will perceive that my position is fraught with extreme peril. Still I persuade myself, if I could obtain a hearing of the king, I should be able to set my enemies at defiance and obtain my right. De Gondemare smiled somewhat scornfully. You will obtain little in that way, he said, and your enemies will crush you effectually. But you must explain to me precisely how you are circumstanced, and I will then consider what can be done for you, and begin by acquainting me with your name and condition, for as yet I am entirely ignorant whom I am addressing. Upon this, Jocelyn succinctly related to the ambassador all such particulars of his history as had been laid before the reader. De Gondemare listened to him with attention, and put some questions to him as he proceeded. At its close, his countenance brightened. You are in an awkward dilemma, it must be owned, Master Jocelyn Munchency, he said. But I think I can protect you in spite of them all, in spite of bucking him himself. Luckily he is not at theobalds at present, so the coast is clear for action. The first blow is half the battle. I must present you to the king without delay, and see his majesty approaches, stand close behind me, and act as I advise you by a sign. End of Chapter 19 Chapter 20 of the Star Chamber, an 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. The Star Chamber, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 20, King James I. Meantime the royal cavalcade came slowly up the avenue. It was very numerous, and all the more brilliant in appearance, since it comprised nearly as many high-born dames as nobles. Amongst the distinguished foreigners who with their attendance swelled the party were the Venetian leisure ambassador, Justiniano, and the Marquis de Tremoyer from the family de Ursin's ambassador from France. These exalted personages rode close behind the king, and one or the other of them was constantly engaged in conversation with him. Justiniano had one of those dark, grave, handsome countenances familiarized to us by the portraits of Titian and Tintoretto, and even the king's jests failed in making him smile. He was appareled entirely in black velvet, with a cloak bordered with the costly fur of the black fox. All his followers were similarly attired. The sombre Venetian presented a striking contrast to his vivacious companion, the gay and graceful de Tremoyer, who glittered in white satin embroidered with leaves of silver while the same color and the same ornaments were adopted by his retinue. No order of precedence was observed by the court nobles, each rode as he listed. Prince Charles was absent, and so was the supreme favorite Buckingham, but their places were supplied by some of the chief personages of the realm, including the earls of Arendelle, Pembroke, and Montgomery, the Marquis of Hamilton, and the lords Haddington, Fenton, and Doncaster. Intermingled with the nobles, the courtiers of lesser rank and the ambassadors' followers were the ladies, most of whom claimed attention from personal charms, rich attire, and the grace and skill with which they managed their horses. Perhaps the most beautiful amongst them was the young Countess of Exeter, whose magnificent black eyes did great execution. The lovely Countess was mounted on a fiery Spanish barb, given to her by Degondamar. Forced into a union with a gaudy and decrepit old husband, the Countess of Exeter might have pleaded this circumstance in extenuation of some of her follies. It was undoubtedly an argument employed by her admirers, who, in endeavoring to shake her fidelity to her lord, told her it was an infamy that she should be sacrificed to such an old daughter as he. Whether these arguments prevailed in more cases than one, we shall not inquire too nicely, but, if court scandal may be relied on, they did, Buckingham and Degondamar being both reputed to have been her lovers. The last, however, in the list, and the one who appeared to be most passionately enamored of the beautiful Countess, and to receive the largest share of her regard, was Lord Ruse. And as this culpable attachment and its consequences connect themselves intimately with our history, we have been obliged to advert to them thus particularly. Lord Ruse was a near relative of the Earl of Exeter, and although the infirm and gaudy old peer had been excessively jealous of his lovely young wife on former occasions when she had appeared to trifle with his honour, he seemed perfectly easy and unsuspicious now, though there was infinitely more cause for distrust. Possibly he had too much reliance on Lord Ruse's good feelings and principles to suspect him. Very different was Lady Ruse's conduct. This unhappy lady, whom we have already mentioned as the daughter of Sir Thomas Lake, Secretary of State, had the misfortune to be sincerely attached to her handsome but profligate husband, whose neglect and frequent irregularities she had pardoned, until the utter estrangement, occasioned by his passion for the Countess of Exeter, filled her with such trouble that, overpowered at length by anguish, she complained to her mother Lady Lake, an ambitious and imperious woman whose vanity had prompted her to bring about this unfortunate match. Expressing the greatest indignation that the treatment her daughter had experienced, Lady Lake counseled her to resent it, undertaking herself to open the eyes of the injured Earl of Exeter to his wife's infidelity, but she was dissuaded from her purpose by Sir Thomas Lake. Though generally governed by his wife, Sir Thomas succeeded in this instance in overruling her design of proceeding at once to extremities with the guilty pair, recommending that, in the first instance, Lord Ruse should be strongly remonstrated with by Lady Lake and her daughter, when perhaps his fears might be aroused if his sense of duty could not be awakened. This final appeal had not yet been made, but an interview had taken place between Lady Ruse and her husband, at which, with many passionate entreaties, she had implored him to shake off the thralldom in which he had bound himself and to return to her when all should be forgiven and forgotten, but without effect. Thus matters stood at present. As we have seen, though the Countess of Exeter formed one of the chief ornaments of the Hawking Party, Lord Ruse had not joined it, his absence being an occasioned by a summons from the Condé de Gondemar with some of whose political intrigues he was secretly mixed up. Whether the Countess missed him or not, we pretend not to say. All we are able to declare is she was in high spirits and seemed in no mood to check the advances of other aspirants to her favor. Her beautiful and expressive features beamed with constant smiles, and her lustrous black eyes seemed to create a flame wherever their beams alighted. But we must quit this enchantress in her spells and proceed with the description of the Royal Party. In the rear of those on horseback walked the Falconers, in liveries of green cloth with bugles hanging from the shoulder, each man having a hawk upon his fist, completely tired in its hood, bells, varvals, and jesses. At the heels of the Falconers, and accompanied by a throng of varlots, in russet jerkins carrying staves came two packs of hounds, one used for what was termed in the language of falconry, the flight at the river. These were all water spaniels, and the other for the flight at the field. Nice music they made in spite of the efforts of the varlots in russet to keep them quiet. Hawking in those days was what shooting is in the present, fouling pieces being scarcely used, if at all. Thus the varieties of the hawk tribe were not merely employed in the capture of pheasants, partridges, grouse, rails, quails, and other game, besides waterfowl, but in the chase of hares, and in all of these pursuits the Falconers were assisted by dogs. Game, of course, could only be killed at particular seasons of the year, and wild geese, wild ducks, woodcocks, and snipes in the winter, but spring and summer pastime was afforded by the Crane, the Bustard, the Heron, the Rook, and the Kite, while at the same periods some of the smaller description of waterfowl offered excellent sport on Lake or River. A striking and picturesque sight that cavalcade presented, with its knotting plumes of many colors, its glittering silks and velvets, its proud array of horsemen, and its still prouder array of lovely women, whose personal graces and charms baffle description while they invited. Pleasant were the sounds that accompanied the progress of the train, the jacquined laugh, the musical voices of women, the jingling of bridles, the snorting and trampling of steeds, the baying of hounds, the shouts of the varlots, and the winding of horns. But having, as yet, omitted the principal figure, we must hasten to describe him by whom the party was headed. The king, then, was mounted on a superb milk-white steed, with wide-flowing mane and tail, and of the easiest and gentlest pace. Its color was set off by its red chanfrant, its knotting crest of red feathers, its broad poitronal with red tassels, and its saddle with red housings. Though devoted to the chase, as we have shown, James was budding in different horsemen, and his safety in the saddle was assured by such high bolstered bows in front and at the back that it seemed next to impossible he could be shaken out of them. Yet, in spite of all these precautions, accidents had befallen him. On one occasion, Sir Simmons Dewes relates that he was thrown headlong into a pond, and on another we learn from a different source that he was cast over his horse's head into the new river, and narrowly escaped drowning, his boots alone being visible above the ice covering the stream. Moreover, the monarch's attire was excessively stiff and cumbrous, and this, while it added to the natural ungainliness of his person, prevented all freedom of movement, especially on horseback. His doublet, which on the present occasion was of green velvet considerably frayed, for he was by no means particular about the newness of his apparel, was padded and quilted so as to be dagger-proof, and his hoes were stuffed in the same manner, and preposterously large about the hips. Then his ruff was triple-banded and so stiffly starched that his head was fixed immovably amidst its plaques. Though not handsome, James' features were thoughtful and intelligent, with a gleam of cunning in the eye, and an expression of sarcasm about the mouth, and that contained the type of the peculiar physiognomy that distinguished all his unfortunate line. His beard was of a yellowish-brown, and scantily covered his chin, and his thin mustaches were of a yet lighter hue. His hair was beginning to turn gray, but his complexion was ruddy and hail, proving that, but for his constant ebriety and indulgence in the pleasures of the table, he might have attained a good old age, if indeed his life was not unfairly abridged. His large eyes were forever rolling about, and his tongue was too big for his mouth, causing him to splutter in utterance, besides giving him a disagreeable appearance when eating, while his legs were so weak that he required support in walking. Notwithstanding these defects, and his general coarseness of manner, James was not without dignity, and could, when he chose, assume a right royal heir in deportment. But these occasions were rare. As is well known, his pedantry and his pretensions to superior wisdom and discrimination procured in the title of the Scottish Solomon. His general character will be more fully developed as we proceed, and we shall show the perfidy and dissimulation which he practiced in carrying out his schemes, and try to soften down under the plausible appellation of Kingcraft. James was never seen to greater advantage than on occasions like the present. His hearty enjoyment of the sport he was engaged in, his familiarity with all around him, even with the meanest violets by whom he was attended, and for whom he had generally some droll nickname, his complete abandonment of all the etiquette which either he or his master of the ceremonies observed elsewhere, his good tempered vanity and his boasting about his skill as a woodsman, all these things created an impression in his favor, which was not diminished in those who were not brought much into contact with him in other ways. When hunting or hawking, James was nothing more than a hearty country gentleman engaged in the like sports. The cavalcade came leisurely on, for the king proceeded no faster than would allow the falconers to keep easily up with those on horseback. He was in high good humor and laughed and gested sometimes with one ambassador, sometimes with the other, and having finished a learned discussion on the manner of fleeing a hawk at the river and on the field, as taught by the great French authorities Martin, Malopin, and Immacassian, with the Marquis de Tremollier, had just begun a similar conversation with Giustiano as to the Italian mode of manning, hooding, and reclaiming a falcon, as practiced by Messer Francesco Sforzino Vincenteno, when he caught sight of the Condit de Gondemare, standing where he left him at the side of the avenue, on which he came to a sudden halt, and the whole cavalcade stopped at the same time. Salud, Condimagnifico, exclaimed King James, as the Spaniard advanced to make his obeisance to him. How is it that we find you standing under the shade of the tree, friendly to the vine? Am Ictoe vittibus ulmi, as avid hath it? Is it that yawn-blooming chloe, he continued, leering significantly at Gillian, hath more attraction for you than our court dames? Troth, the queen, is not ill-favored, but you have lost a good day's sport count, for by either losses which we shall not particularize. We have had a noble flight at the Heron, and a nither just as good after the Bustard. God's santi, the run the Lang Leggett loon gave us, Lady Exeter, on her bra's Spanish barb, we can whose gift it is, was the only one able to keep with us, and it was her lettyship's aim-paragran falcon that checked the fleeing Carl at last. By our faith the Countess understands the gentle science wheel. She cared not to soil her dainty glows by rewarding her hawk with a sapa, as his Excellency Justiano would term it, of the Bustard's heart, blood, and brains. But what have ye gotten, we ye, he added, for the first time, noticing Jocelyn. A young gentleman in whom I am much interested, and whom I would crave permission to present to your majesty, replied to Gondemar. Sol of our body count, the permission is readily granted, replied James, evidently much pleased with the young man's appearance. Ye shall bring him to us in the privy chamber before we gang to supper, and moreover ye shall have full license to advance what you please in his behoof. He is a wheel-grown, wheel-favored laddie, almost as much say as our own dear dog, Stini, but we wad say to him, in the words of the Roman Bard, O Famose porer nimium necrede calori. Good parts are better than good looks, not that the latter are to be undervalued, and bathes should exist in the same person. We shall soon discover whether the young man hath been wheel-nurtured, and if all correspond, we shall not refuse him the light of our countenance. I tender your majesty thanks for the favor you have conferred upon him, replied to Gondemar. But ye have not yet told us the youth's name count, said the king. Your majesty, I trust, will not think I make a mystery where none is needed, if I say that my protege claims your gracious permission to preserve, for the moment his incognito, to Gondemar replied. When I present him, of course, his name will be declared. Be it as you will count, James replied. We can fool-wheel ye have good reason for how ye do. Fail not in your attendance on us at the time appointed. As to Gondemar, where the profound obeisance drew back, the king put his steed in motion, with the general attention having been thus called to Jocelyn, all eyes were turned towards him. His appearance and attire were criticized, and much speculation ensued as to what could be the Spanish ambassador's motive for undertaking the presentation. Meanwhile, Lord Ruse had taken advantage of the brief halt of the hunting party to approach the Countess of Exeter, and pointing out Jillian to her, inquired in a low tone, and in a few words to which, however his looks imparted significance, she would take the pretty damsel into her service as tire-woman or handmaiden. The Countess seemed surprised at the request, and after glancing at the beauty of Tottenham was about to refuse it when Lord Ruse urged in a whisper, "'Tis for to Gondemar, I ask the favor.' "'In that case I readily assent,' the Countess replied. "'I will go speak to the damsel at once, if you desire it. How pretty she is! No wonder his infimable excellency should be smitten by her, and detaching her barb as she spoke from the cavalcade, she moved towards Jillian, accompanied by Lord Ruse. The pretty damsel was covered with fresh confusion at the great lady's approach, and was indeed so greatly alarmed that she might have taken to her heels if she had been on the ground, and not on the pillion behind her grand sire. "'Be not abashed, my pretty maiden,' the Countess said, in a kind and encouraging tone. There is nothing to be afraid of. "'Aware that I am in want of a damsel like yourself to tire my hair and attend upon me, Lord Ruse has drawn my attention to you, and if I may trust to appearances, as I think I may,' she added, with a very flattering and persuasive smile. "'In your case, you are the very person to suit me, provided you are willing to enter my service. I am the Countess of Exeter.'" "'A Countess!' exclaimed Jillian. "'Do you hear that, grand sire? The beautiful lady is a Countess. What an honor it would be to serve her!' "'It might be,' the old man replied, with hesitation, and in a whisper, yet I do not exactly like the manner of it. "'Don't accept the offer, Jillian. Don't go,' said Dick Tavernor, whose breast was full of uneasiness. "'Your answer, my pretty maiden,' the Countess said, with a winning smile. "'I am much beholden to you, my lady,' Jillian replied, and it will delight me to serve you as you propose, that is, if I have my grand sire's consent to it. "'And the good man, I am sure, has your welfare too much at heart to withhold it,' the Countess replied. "'But follow me to the palace, and we will confer further upon the matter. Inquire for the Countess of Exeter's apartments, and with another gracious smile she rejoined the cavalcade, leaving Lord Ruse behind. He thanked her with a look for her complacence. "'Oh, Jillian, I am sure ill will come of this,' Dick Tavernor exclaimed. "'Wherefore should it?' she rejoined, almost beside herself with delight, at the brilliant prospect suddenly opened before her. "'My fortune is made.' "'You are right, my pretty damsel, it is,' Lord Ruse remarked. "'Fail not to do as the Countess has directed you, and I will answer for the rest.' "'You hear what the kind young nobleman says, Grand Sire?' Jillian whispered in his ear. "'You cannot doubt his assurance?' "'I hear it all,' Old Greenford replied. "'But I know not what to think. I suppose we must go to the palace.' "'To be sure we must,' Jillian cried. "'I will go there alone if you will not go with me.'" Satisfied with what he had heard, Lord Ruse moved away, nodding approval at Jillian. The cavalcade, as we have said, was once more in motion, but before it had proceeded far, it was again most unexpectedly brought to a halt. Suddenly stepping from behind a large tree which had concealed him from view, a man in military habiliments with grizzled hair and beard and an exceedingly resolute and stern cast of countenance planted himself directly in the monarch's path and extending his hand towards him exclaimed in a loud voice, "'Stand, O King!' "'Who art thou, fellow? And what wouldst thou?' demanded James, who had checked his horse with such suddenness as almost to throw himself out of his high holstered saddle. "'I have a message to deliver to thee from heaven,' replied Hugh Cavillie.' "'Aha!' exclaimed James, recovering in some degree, for he thought he had a madman to deal with. "'What may thy message be?' "'And willing to gain a character for courage, though it was wholly foreign to his nature, he motioned those around him to keep back. "'Thy message, fellow,' he repeated. "'Here, then, what heaven saith to thee,' the Puritan replied, "'Have I not brought thee out of a land of famine into a land of plenty? Thou oddest, therefore, to have judged my people righteously, but thou hast perverted justice and not relieved the oppressed. "'Therefore, unless thou repent, I will rend thy kingdom from thee and from thy posterity after thee. Thus saith the Lord, whose messenger I am.'" End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of The Star Chamber in 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. The Star Chamber, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 21 Consequences of the Puritan's Warning Coupling Hugh Cavali's present strange appearance and solemn warning with his previous denunciations uttered in secret and his intimations of some dread design with which he had sought to connect the young man himself, intimating that its execution would jeopardize his life. Putting these things together, we say, Jocelyn could not for an instant doubt that the king was in imminent danger, and felt called upon to interfere, even though he should be compelled to act against his father's friend and the father of Avalon. No alternative, in fact, was allowed him. As a loyal subject, his duty imperiously required him to defend his sovereign, and perceiving that no one, in consequence of the king's injunctions, advanced towards the Puritan, Jocelyn hastily quitted the Conditagandamar and rushing forward stationed himself between the monarch and his bold admonisher, so near to the latter that he could easily prevent any attack being made by him upon James. Evidently disconcerted by the movement, Hugh Cavali signed to the young man to stand aside, but Jocelyn refused compliance, the rather that he suspected from the manner in which the other placed his hand in his breast that he had some weapon concealed about his person. Casting a look of bitterest reproach at him, which plainly, as word said, sexual boy, thou hast prevented my purpose, the Puritan folded his hands upon his breast with an air of deep disappointment. Fly, cried Jocelyn, in a tone calculated only to reach his ears, I will defend you with my life, waste not another moment, fly! But Hugh Cavali regarded him with cold disdain, and though he moved not his lips he seemed to say, you have destroyed me, and I will not remove the guilt of my destruction in your head. The Puritan's language and manner had filled James with astonishment and fresh alarm, but feeling secure in the propinquity of Jocelyn to the object of his uneasiness and being closely environed by his retinue, the foremost of whom had drawn their swords and held themselves in readiness to defend him from the slightest hostile attempt, it was not unnatural that even so timorous a person as he should regain his confidence. Once more, therefore, he restrained by his gestures the angry impetuosity of the nobles around him who were burning to chastise the rash intruder and signified his intention of questioning him before any measures were adopted against him. Let him be, he cried, he is some poor, demented creature fitter for bedlam than anywhere else, and we will see that he be sent thither, but molest him not till we have spoken with him and certified his condition more fully. Quit not the position, ye has say judiciously occupied, young sir, albeit against our orders, he cried to Jocelyn. Dina, draw your blade, unless the fellow seeks to come to us. Not that we are under any apprehension, but there are blue-thirsty traitors even in our Pacific territories, and as this may be any of them, it is we'll not to neglect due precaution, and now, man, he added, raising his voice and addressing the Puritan, who still maintained a steadfast and unmoved demeanor with his eye constantly fixed upon his interrogator. Ye say ye are a messenger for heaven, and it be say, wilt we take leave to doubt, rather conceiving ye to be an envoy from the Prince of Darkness than an ambassador from above? An ill choice hath been made in ye. Unto what order of prophets do ye conceive yourself to belong? To this interrogation, propounded in a jeering tone, the Puritan deigned no reply. But an answer was given for him by Archie, the court jester, who had managed in the confusion to creep up to his royal master's side. He belongs to the order of Melchizedek, said Archie, a reply that occasioned some laughter among the nobles, in which the king joined heartily. Tut fool, ye are as daft as ye poor body before us, cried James. Can ye not that Melchizedek was a priest and not a prophet, while to judge Freyjan fellow's abulements, if ye belongs to any church at all, it mon be to the church militant? And yet, abelans, ye are naysay far out after ah. Like a nuke, he may be infected with the heresy of the Melchodesians, a pestilent sect, who plagued the early Christian church serrily, placing their master Abun our blessed Lord himself, and holding him to be identical with the Holy Ghost. Are ye a Melchizedesian surah? I am a believer in the gospel, the Puritan replied, and am willing to seal my faith in it with my blood. I am sent hither to warn thee, O king, and thou wilt do well not to despise my words. Repent ere it be too late. Wonderfully hath thy life been preserved. Dedicate the remainder of thy days to the service of the most high. Persecute not his people, and revile them not. Purge thy city of its uncleanness and idolatry, and thy court of its corruption. Profane not the Sabbath. I see how it is, interrupted Archie, with a scream. The man hath been driven stark wood by your majesty's book of sports. A book devised by the devil cried Hugh Calvally, catching at the suggestion, and which ought to be publicly burnt by the hangman, instead of being read in the churches. How much mischief hath that book done? How many abominations hath it occasioned? And alas, how much persecution hath it caused, for have not many just men and sincere preachers of the word hath they prosecuted in thy court, misnamed of justice, and known, O King, as the star chamber, suffering stripes and imprisonment, for refusing to read thy mischievous proclamation to their flocks. I knew it! I knew it! screamed Archie, delighted with the effect he had produced. Take heed, Sera, he cried to the Puritan, that you make not acquaintance with that court misnamed of justice your reign cell. He is liker to be arraigned at the court, styled the king's bench, and he is drawn and quartered afterward toward James, far more enraged at the disrespectful mention made of his manifesto than by anything that had previously occurred. The man is not, say, doided as we have supposed him. He is not sane enough to keep his neck from the halter, rejoined Archie. Your majesty should spare him, since you are indirectly the cause of his malady. Intercede not for me, cried Hugh Cowley. I would not accept any grace at the tyrant's hands. Hugh me in pieces, and my blood shall cry out for vengeance upon his head. By our Halladame, a dangerous traitor, exclaimed James. Hear me, O King, thundered the Puritan, for the third and last time I lift up my voice to warn thee. Visions have appeared to me in the night, and mysterious voices have whispered in my ear. They have revealed to me strange and terrible things, but not more strange and terrible than true. They have told me how thy posterity shall suffer the injustice thou doest to thy people. They have shown me a scaffold which a king shall mount, and a block whereon a royal head shall be laid. But it shall be better for that unfortunate monarch, though he be brought to judgment by his people, than for him who shall be brought to judgment by his God. Yet more. I have seen in my visions two kings in exile, one of whom shall be recalled, but the other shall die in a foreign land. As to thee thou mayest live on yet a while in fancied security, but destruction shall suddenly overtake thee, thou shalt be stung to death by the serpent thou nourishest in thy bosom. Whatever credit might be attached to them, the Puritan's prophetic forebodings produced from the manner in which they were delivered, a strong impression upon all his auditors. Unquestionably, the man was in earnest, and spoke like one who believed that a mission had been entrusted to him. No interruption was offered to his speech, even by the king, though the latter turned pale as these terrible coming events were shadowed forth before him. His words are awesome, he muttered, and gar the flesh creep on our veins. Will Nanius stab his tongue? Better haste stabbed it up for this, said Archie. He has said, O'er Makle, or not Anuk, the Dale's malison on thee, fellow, for a prophet of ill, hast thou ought to allege why his majesty should not tuck thee up with a halter? I have spoken, responded the Puritan, let the king do with me what he lists. Seize him, arrest him, ye are nearest to him, sir, shouted the king to Jocelyn. The command could not be disobeyed. As Jocelyn drew near, and laid his hand upon Hugh Cowley, the latter looked reproachfully at him, saying, Thou doest well, son of my old friend. Jocelyn was unable to reply, for a crowd now pressed forward on all sides, completely surrounding the prisoner. Some of the nobles threatened him with their swords, and the warders who had come up from the gateway thrust at him with their partisans. Jocelyn had great difficulty in shielding him from the infuriated throng. Touch him not, he cried, clearing a space around them with the point of his sword. His majesty has committed him to my custody, and I am responsible for him. Pardon me if I disarm you, sir," he added in an undertone to the prisoner. Here is my sword, replied Hugh Cowley, unbuckling his belt and delivering up the weapon it sustained to Jocelyn. It hath never been dishonored, and, he added, lowering his voice, it hath been twice drawn in thy father's defense. The reproach cut Jocelyn to the heart. At this moment the crowd drew aside to allow the king's approach. Hath he been searched to see whether any deadly or offensive weapon is concealed about him, demanded James. He cannot have any more offensive weapon than his tongue, cried Archie, who accompanied his royal master. I counsel your majesty to deprive him of that. There is something hidden in his breast, cried one of the warders, searching in his jerkin, and at length drawing forth a short, clumsy pistol, or dag, as the weapon was then called. It is loaded, and please your majesty, the man continued after examining it. Exclamation of horror arose from those around, and Jocelyn had again some difficulty in protecting the prisoner from their fury. A dag, ejaculated James, a loaded dag, crammed to the muzzle with bullets, nade out. How'd it down, man? How'd it down? It may fire off itself, and accomplish the villain's murderous and sacrilegious design, and say this was to be the instrument of our destruction. Dost thou confess thy guilt, thou blued thirsty traitor, or shall the torture force the truth from thee? The torture will force nothing from me, replied Hugh Calvally, but I tell thee, tyrant, that I would have slain thee, had not my hand been stayed. Herge ever the like of that, exclaimed James, his ruddy cheek blanched with fright, and his voice quavering. Excedeth in audacity the arch-trader Fox himself. And what stayed thy hand, villain? he demanded. What stayed thy hand, thou blued thirsty traitor? The presence of this youth, Jocelyn Munchency, rejoined Hugh Calvally. Had he not come between us when he did, and checked my purpose, I had delivered my country from oppression. I told thee, tyrant, thou hath been marvelously preserved, thy preserver stands before thee. Heaven defend us, exclaimed James, trembling. What an escape we he had! There hath been a special interposition of providence in our behoof. Our gratitude is due to him who watcheth o'er us. And in some degree to him who hath been made the instrument of your majesty's preservation, observed the Condi de Gondemar, who formed one of the group near the king. Since the foul traitor hath proclaimed the name of my young protege, there can be no need for further concealment. Master Jocelyn Munchency hath been singularly fortunate in rendering your majesty a service, and may forever congratulate himself on his share, accidental though it may be, in this affair. By my halodame, he shall have reason for congratulation, cried James, graciously regarding the young man. I let him rise by my fall. To his meat he should, cried the Puritan bitterly. Shower thy honors upon him, tyrant. Give him wealth and titles. I could not wish him worse misfortune than thy favor. Hold thy scurril tongue, villain, or it shall be torn out by the roots, said James. Thou shalt see that I can as promptly reward those that serve me, as thou shalt presently feel I can severely punish those that seek to injure me. Hark ye count, he added to the Spanish ambassador, while those around drew back a little, seeing it was his majesty's pleasure to confer with him in private. This youth, this Jocelyn Monchancy, hath gentle blued in his veins, he comes of a good stock, ha? He is the representative of an old Norfolk family, Degondemar replied. What, the son of Sir Ferdinando? demanded James, a shade crossing his countenance, which did not escape the while the ambassadors noticed. You have guessed right, Sire, he said. This is Sir Ferdinando's son, and if I may be permitted to say so, your majesty owes him some reparation for the wrongs done his father. How, count, exclaimed James, with a look of slight displeasure. Do you venture to question our judgments on hearsay? For ye can know nothing, our aim knowledge? I know enough to be satisfied that misrepresentations were made to your majesty respecting this young man's father, Degondemar replied. For I am well assured that if you ever aired it all, it must have been through ignorance and want of due information. This is what I designed to explain more fully than I can well do now, when I availed myself of your majesty's gracious permission to bring the young man into your presence, and I should then have taken leave to express how much he merited your majesty's favor and protection. Fortune, however, has outrun my wishes and given him a stronger claim upon you than any I could urge. Ye are right, count, rejoined James cautiously. He hath the strongest claim upon us, and he shall not find us ungrateful. We will confer with Stine with bucking him, we mean, about him. Pardon me, Sire, said Degondemar, if I venture to suggest that your majesty hath an admirable opportunity, which I should be sorry to see neglected, of showing your goodness and clemency, and silencing forever the voice of Calumne, which will sometimes be raised against you. What mean ye, count? cried James. Ye would nay have me pardon yon trader? Most assuredly not, Sire, Degondemar rejoined, but I would urge some present mark of favor for him who hath saved you from the trader's fell designs, and I am emboldened to ask this because I feel assured it must be consonant to your majesty's own inclinations to grant the request. It is say, count, rejoined James. We only desire to consult with bucking him to ascertain whether he had any objections, but as this is altogether unlikely, we will follow our own inclinations and do as your excellency suggests. Degondemar could scarcely conceal his satisfaction. At this moment, Lord Ruse pressed towards the king. I have something to say in reference to this young man, my li, she cried. In his favor, demanded the king. Yes, yes, in his favor, Sire, said Degondemar, looking hard at the young nobleman. You need not trouble his majesty further, my lord. He is graciously pleased to accede to our wishes. Aye, aye, nay, Mary need be said, said cried James. Let the young man stand forward. And as Jocelyn obeyed the injunction which was immediately communicated to him by Degondemar, the king bade him kneel down, and taking Lord Ruse's sword, touched him with it upon the shoulder, exclaiming, Arise, sir Jocelyn. You are safe now, whispered Degondemar. This is the first blow, and it has been well struck. So confused was the new-made knight by the honor thus unexpectedly conferred upon him that when he rose to his feet, he could scarce the command himself sufficiently to make the needful obeisance, and tender thanks to the king. For a moment his brow was flushed with pride, and his breast beat high, but the emotions were instantly checked as he thought how the title had been purchased. Looking towards the prisoner, he saw the hands of the warders to whose custody he had been committed with his arms bound behind him by thongs. His gaze had never quitted the young man during the ceremony which had just taken place, and he still regarded him sternly and reproachfully. Let the prisoner be removed, and kept in a place of safety till our pleasure respecting him be made known, cried James. And now, my lords and ladies, let us forward to the palace. And the cavalcade was once more put in motion, and passing through the great gateway entered the fountain court, where the nobility of both sexes dismounted while their attendants and the falconers and varlots passed off to the offices. The prisoner was conveyed to the porter's lodge, and strictly guarded till some secure chamber could be prepared for him. On the way thither, Jocelyn contrived to approach him, and say in a low tone, Can I do ought for Avalon? Concern not yourself about her, Sir Jocelyn rejoined Hugh Cavillie with stern contempt. She is in a place of safety. You will never behold her more. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of the Star Chamber An 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. The Star Chamber, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 22 Wife and Mother-in-Law Quick steps descended the narrow staircase, steps so light and cautious that they made no sound. Before drawing aside the eras that covered the secret entrance to the chamber, the lady paused to listen, and hearing nothing to alarm her she softly raised a corner of the wolf and looked in. What did she behold? A young man seated beside a carved oak table with his back towards her. He was reading a letter the contents of which seemed greatly to disturb him, for he more than once dashed it aside and then compelled himself to resume its perusal. No one else was in the room which was spacious and lofty, though somewhat somber, being wholly furnished with dark oak, while the walls were hung with ancient tapestry. Heavy curtains were drawn before the deep bay windows, increasing the gloom. The chamber was lighted by a brass lamp suspended from the molded ceiling, the ribs of which were painted and the bosses at the intersections gilded. Near the concealed entrance where the lady stood was placed a large, curiously carved ebony cabinet against which leaned a suit of tilting armor and a lance, while on its summit were laid a morion, a brigundine, greaves, gauntlets, and other pieces of armor. On the right of the cabinet the entry was looped aside, disclosing a short flight of steps, terminated by the door of an antechamber. Almost as the lady set foot within the room, which she did after a brief deliberation, dropping the heiress noisily behind her, the young man arose. Her entrance had not been perceived so violently was he agitated. Crushing the letter which had excited him so much between his fingers and casting it furiously from him, he gave vent to an incoherent expression of rage. Though naturally extremely handsome his features at this moment were so distorted by passion that he looked almost hideous. In person he was slight and finely formed, and the richness of his attire proclaimed him of rank. The lady who, unperceived, had witnessed his violent emotion was remarkably beautiful. Her figure was superb and she had the whitest neck and arms imaginable and the smallest and most delicately formed hands. Her features derived something of haughtiness from a slightly aquiline nose and a short curled upper lip. Her eyes were magnificent, large, dark, and almost oriental in shape and splendor. Jetty brows and thick lustrous raven hair completed the catalogue of her charms. Her dress was of white brocade over which she wore a loose robe of violet-colored velvet. Her clean sleeves well calculated to display the polished beauty of her arms. Her rough was of point lace and round her throat she wore a carcannet of pearls while other precious stones glistened in her dusky tresses. This beautiful dame whose proud lips were now more compressed than usual and whose dark eyes emitted fierce rays very different from their customary tender and voluptuous glances was the Countess of Exeter he whom she looked upon was Lord Ruse and the chamber she had just entered was the one assigned to the young nobleman in the Palace of Theobalds. She watched him for some time with curiosity. At length his rage found vent in words. Perdition seized them both, he exclaimed, smiting his forehead with his clenched hand. Was ever man cursed with wife and mother-in-law like mine? They will perforce drive me to desperate measures which I would willingly avoid, but if nothing else the grave must, I, the grave he repeated in a hollow voice it is not my fault if I am compelled to send them thither. Fools to torment me thus. Feeling she had heard more than she ought the Countess would have retired but as retreat might have betrayed her she deemed it better to announce her presence by saying, you are not alone, my lord. Startled by her voice Lord Ruse instantly turned and regarded her with haggard looks. You hear Francis, he exclaimed. I did not expect you so soon. I came before the hour because, but you seem greatly agitated. Has anything happened? Little more than what happens daily, he replied, and yet it is more. For the crisis has arrived and a fearful crisis it is. Oh, Francis, he continued vehemently. How dear you are to me! To preserve your love I would dare everything, even my soul's welfare. I would hesitate at no crime to keep you ever near me. Let those beware who would force you from me. What means this passion, my lord? inquired the Countess. It means that since there are those who will mar our happiness who, jealous of our loves will utterly blight and destroy them who will tear us forcibly asunder wrecking little of the anguish they occasion since we have enemies who will do this who will mortally wound us let us no longer hesitate until the first blow we must rid ourselves of them at any cost and in any way. I will not affect to misunderstand you, my lord, the Countess replied her beautiful features beginning to exhibit traces of terror, but has it arrived at this point? Is the danger imminent and inevitable? Imminent, but not inevitable, Lord Ruse rejoined. It can be avoided as I have hinted in one way and in one way only. The Countess replied from my wife, wherein, after her usual upbratings, remonstrances and entreaties, she concludes by saying that if I continue deaf to her prayers and refuse to break off entirely with you and return to her, our criminal attachment for so she terms our love should be divulged to the deluded earl of Exeter who will know how to redress her wrongs and avenge his own injured honor. What answers save one can be returned to Francis? If we set her at defiance as we have hitherto done she will act for she is goaded on by that fury, her mother. We must gain a little time in order that the difficulties now besetting us may be effectually removed. I shudder to think of it William said the Countess, trembling and turning deathly pale. No, it must not be. Rather than such a crime should be committed, I will comply with their demand. And leave me? cried Lord Ruse bitterly. Francis, your affection is not equal to mine or you could not entertain such a thought for a moment. You almost make me suspect he added sternly, that you have transferred your love to another. Ah, beware, beware I am not to be trifled with like your husband. I forgive you the doubt my lord, unjust though it be because your mind is disturbed but where you calm enough to view the matter as it really is you would perceive that my resolution has nothing in it inconsistent with affection for you but rather that my very love for you compels me to the step. What I propose is best for both of us. The remedy you suggest would work our ruin here and hereafter would drive us from society and render us hateful to each other my soul revolts at it and though I myself have received a mortal affront from your wife's mother Lady Lake though she has poured forth all the malice of which she is capable upon my devoted head yet I would rather forgive her rather sue for pity from her than go the fearful length you propose No, William, the pang of parting from you will indeed be terrible but it must be endured fate wills it so and it is therefore useless to struggle against it Oh, recall those words Francis cried the young nobleman throwing himself at her feet and clasping her hands passionately Recall them, I implore of you in uttering them you pronounce my doom a doom more dreadful than death which would be light in comparison with losing you plunge this sword to my heart he exclaimed, plucking the shining weapon from his side and presenting it to her free me from my misery at once but do not condemn me to lingering agony Rise, William Rise, I pray of you ejaculated the countess overcome by the intensity of his emotion and put up your sword the love you display for me deserves an adequate return and it shall meet it come what will I will not leave you but oh, let us not plunge deeper in guilt if it can be avoided but how can it be avoided cried Lord Bruce will they listen to our prayers will they pity us will they hesitate at our destruction I know not I know not replied the countess bewildered but I stand appalled before the magnitude of the offense they will not spare us pursued Lord Bruce or we cannot spare them in my turn I bend to you, William said the countess, sinking on her knee before him and taking his hand by the love you bear me I beseech you not to harm your wife we have wronged her deeply let us not have her death to answer for if the blow must fall let it be upon the mother's head I have less compassion for her Lady Lake deserves no compassion replied Lord Bruce raising the countess and embracing her tenderly for she is the cause of all this mischief it is to her agency we owe the storm which threatens us with ruin but things have gone too far now to show compunction for either of them our security demands that both should be removed I may now say as you have just said, William and with far greater reason, cried the countess that you love me not or you would not refuse my request how can I comply with it he rejoined nothing were done if only partly done know you the charge that Lady Bruce means to bring against you though alike false and improbable it is one to find easy credence with the king and it has been framed with that view you will understand this when I tell you what it is in this letter he added picking up the paper he had thrown down and unfolding it she accuses you of practicing sorcery to enslave my affections she declares you have bewitched me and that she has proof of the manner in which it was done and of the sinful compact you have entered into for the purpose oh, William this is false utterly false exclaimed the countess in despair I know what he rejoined but you have no need to practice other enchantments with me than those you possess by nature but what I tell you will show you the extent of their malice and steal your heart as it hath already steeled mine against them but this accusation is too monstrous it will not be believed, cried the countess monstrous as it is it is more likely to be believed more certain to be maintained than the other which they lay at our door we may deny all their assertions may intimidate or give the lie to the witnesses they may produce against us may stamp as forgeries your letters which have unluckily fallen into their hands but if this charge of witchcraft be once brought against you it will not fall to the ground the king will listen to it because it flatters his prejudices and even my voice would fail to save you from condemnation from the stake horrible exclaimed Lady Exeter spreading her hands before her eyes as if to exclude some dreadful object oh to live in an age when such enormities can be perpetrated when such frightful weapons can be used against the innocent for I am innocent at least of this offense all seems against me all doors of escape save one closed and wither does that door lead to the bottomless pit if there be truth in ought we are told by heaven Lord Ruth seemed unable or unwilling to reply and a deep pause ensued for a few moments during which the guilty pair shunned each other's regards it was broken at length by Lady Exeter who said reproachfully you should have burnt my letters William without them they would have had no evidence against me imprudent that you were you have destroyed me reproach me not princess he rejoined I admit my imprudence I blame myself severely for it but I could not part with a line I had received from you I enclosed the letters in a little coffer which I deposited in a secret drawer of that cabinet as in a place of perfect safety the coffer and its contents mysteriously disappeared how it was perloined I cannot inform you do your suspicions a light on no one she inquired they have fallen on several but I have no certainty that I have been right in any instance he replied that I have some spy near me I am well aware and if I detect him he shall pay for his perfidy with his life hissed cried Lady Exeter did you not hear a noise no he rejoined where she pointed to the little passage leading to the antechamber he instantly went thither and examined the place but without discovering any listener there is no one he said as he returned no one in fact could have obtained admittance without my knowledge for my Spanish servant Diego in whom I can place full confidence is stationed without I distrust that man William she observed when I asked whom you thought had removed the letters my own suspicions had attached to him I do not think he would have done it Lord Roos replied he has ever served me faithfully and besides I have a guarantee of his fidelity in the possession of a secret on which his own life hangs I can dispose of him as I please again that sound exclaimed the Countess I am sure someone is there your ears have deceived you said the young nobleman after examining the spot once more and likewise the secret entrance by which the Countess had approached the chamber I heard nothing and confined nothing your nerves are shaken and make you fanciful so she rejoined but it was evident she was not convinced for she lowered her tones almost to a whisper as she continued it might be that the question she designed to put was one she dared not ask aloud what means do you propose to employ in the execution of your design the same as those employed by Somerset and his Countess in the removal of Sir Thomas Overbury but more expeditious and more certain he replied under his breath dreadful she exclaimed with a shudder but the same judgement that overtook the Somersets may overtake us such crimes are never hidden crimes fowler than theirs have never been brought to light and never will there was one in which Somerset himself was concerned involving the destruction of a far higher personage than Overbury and this dare not even be hinted at because the greatest person in the land was connected with it returned the Countess to the death of Prince Henry I do answered Lord Bruce Somerset would never have been questioned about Overbury if his fall had not been resolved upon by the king one other question and I ask no more said the Countess scares the able to syllable her words who was to administer the deadly draft Luke Hatton, Lady Lake's apothecary he is a creature of mine and entirely devoted to me our lives will be in his hands ever afterwards said the Countess in a deep whisper they will be in safekeeping he rejoined endeavoring to reassure her oh William I would I could prevail upon you to defer this project to what end the sooner it is done the better it cannot indeed be deferred I shall send for Luke Hatton tonight at this announcement the Countess who had gradually been growing fainter and becoming paler lost all power of supporting herself and uttering a cry fell into his outstretched arms in a state of complete insensibility while Lord Bruce half-distracted was considering what means he could adopt for her restoration a man with an almost tawny complexion hair and eyes to match inhabited in a young nobleman's livery of crimson and white suddenly entered from the anti-chamber how dare you come in unsummoned Diego cried Lord Bruce furiously be gone instantly Sera I crave your lordship's pardon replied the Spanish servant but I was obliged to apprise you that your wife the Baroness Bruce and Lady Lake are without and will not be denied admission damn nation exclaimed Lord Bruce what brings them here at such an hour but you must on no account admit them Diego at least till I have had time to remove the Countess to her own chamber what a cursed mischance Diego instantly withdrew to obey his Lord's command but he had scarcely entered the little passage when two ladies pushed past him and made their way into the room they arrived just in time to intercept Lord Bruce who was conveying his insensible burthen towards the secret staircase the young nobleman was as much confounded by their appearance as if two specters had risen before him both ladies were very richly attired and the younger of the two was by no means destitute of beauty though of a pale and pensive character the elder had a full noble figure haughty features now lighted up with a smile of triumph as she gazed on Lord Bruce very different was the expression of the other who seemed so much grieved and agitated by what she beheld as to be almost ready to lapse into the same condition as the Countess if Lord Bruce could have seen the grin upon Diego's swarthy visage as he stood at the entrance of the passage leading to the anti-chamber he would have had little doubt if he was indebted for this surprise it is needless to say that the ladies who had thus broken upon Lord Bruce's privacy and obtained full confirmation of their suspicions if they had any doubts remaining were his wife and mother-in-law End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 of the Star Chamber an 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 The Star Chamber, Volume 1 by William Harrison Ainsworth Chapter 23 The Tress of Hair How to extricate himself from the dilemma in which he was placed Lord Bruce scarcely knew but he had a good deal of self-possession and it did not desert him on the present trying occasion after such consideration as circumstances permitted he could discern only one chance of escape and though well-nigh hopeless he resolved to adopt it if consummate audacity could carry him through and it was required in the present emergency he had no lack of it hitherto not a word had passed between him and the intruders on his privacy Lady Lake seemed to enjoy his confusion too much to do anything to relieve it and his wife was obliged to regulate her movements by those of her mother without breaking the silence which by this time had become painfully oppressive he proceeded to deposit the still inanimate person of the Countess of Exeter upon a couch and casting a handkerchief as if undesignedly over her face he marched quickly up to the spot where Diego was standing and said to him in a deep determined tone but so low as to not be overheard by the others you have betrayed me villain and unless you obey me unhesitatingly and corroborate all my assertions however startling they may appear you shall pay for your treachery with your life this done he turned towards the two ladies and with more calmness than might have been expected addressed himself to Lady Lake you imagine you have made an important discovery madam he said a discovery which will place me and a noble lady whose reputation you and your daughter seek to injure in great perplexity and you conclude that being completely as you fancy in your power I shall consent to any terms you and Lady Ruth may propose rather than suffer you to go forth from this chamber and reveal what you have seen in it is it not so madam I my lord Lady Lake replied bitterly you have stated the matter correctly enough except in one particular we do not imagine we have made a discovery because we are quite sure of it we do not fancy you will agree to our terms because we are certain you will only too gladly screen yourself and the partner of your guilt from exposure to disgrace at any sacrifice and allow me to observe that the tone adopted by your lordship is neither befitting the circumstances in which you are placed nor the presence in which you stand some sense of shame must at least be left you some show of respect if nothing more ought to be observed towards your injured wife were I acting alone in this matter I would show you and my lady of Exeter no consideration whatever but I cannot resist the pleadings of my daughter and for her sake and hers alone I am content to suspend the blow unless forced to strike in which case nothing shall stay my hands I thank your ladieship for your clemency said lord ruse with mock humility oh my dear lord do not forever close the door between us cried lady ruse return to me and all shall be forgiven peace Elizabeth exclaimed lady lake impatiently do not from sad experience that your husband is inaccessible to all gentle and treaty his heart is steeled to pity solicit not that which is your right and which must be conceded whether he like or not let him bend the knee to you let him promise amendment and implore pardon and it will then be for you to consider whether you will extend forgiveness to him lady ruse looked as if she would feign interrupt her mother but she was too much under her subjection to offer a remark it is time to undeceive you madame said lord ruse wholly unmoved by what was said I am not in the straight you suppose and have not the slightest intention of soliciting lady ruse's pardon or making any promise to her oh mother you see that even you fail to move him said lady ruse tearfully what is to happen to me you will make me chide you daughter if you exhibit this weakness cried lady lake angrily in spite of your affected confidence my lord you cannot be blind to the position in which you stand and though you yourself personally may be careless of the consequences of a refusal of our demands you cannot I conceive be equally indifferent to the fate of the countess of exeter which that refusal will decide I am so little indifferent to the safety of the countess madame that I cannot sufficiently rejoice that she is out of the reach of your malice how my lord lady lake astounded at his assurance out of reach when she is here you cannot mean she added with an undefinable expression of satisfaction that she is dead dead ejaculated lady ruse the countess dead I thought she was only in a swoon what riddle is it you would have us read my lord demanded lady lake no riddle whatever madam replied lord ruse I only mean to assert that the person you behold the countess of exeter not the countess exclaimed lady ruse oh if this were possible but no no I cannot be deceived I now see the reason why her face has been covered with a kerchief cried lady lake but it shall not save her from our scrutiny so sane she advanced towards the couch with the intention of removing the covering when lord ruse barred her approach not a step nearer madame he cried in a peremptory tone I will not allow you to gratify your curiosity further you and lady ruse may make the most of what you have seen and proclaim abroad any tale your imaginations may devise forth you will only render yourselves ridiculous and encounter derision in lieu of sympathy no one will credit your assertions because I shall be able to prove that at this moment lady exeter is in a different part of the palace this bold falsehood will not serve your turn my lord whoever she may be the person on that couch shall be seized and we shall then ascertain the truth and she would have moved towards the door if lord ruse had not caught hold of her arm while at the same time he drew his sword thinking from his fierce looks and menacing gestures that her mother might be sacrificed to his fury lady ruse fell on her knees before him imploring pity and she continued in this supplicating posture till lady lake angrily bade her eyes you have come here without my permission madame lord ruse cried furiously to his mother-in-law and you shall not depart until I choose secure the door Diego and bring me the key it is well he continued as the injunction was obeyed lady lake submitted without resistance to the constraint imposed upon her she could not well do otherwise for though her screams would have brought aid it might have arrived too late and after all she did not intend to settle matters in this way but she betrayed no symptoms of fear and as we have stated ordered her daughter to discontinue her supplications and now madame said lord ruse releasing lady lake as he took the key from Diego I will tell you who that person is pointing to the couch add not to the number of falsehood you have already told my lord rejoin lady lake contemptuously I am perfectly aware who she is but I would feign hear his explanation mother said lady ruse what explanation can be offered cried lady lake do you doubt the evidence of your senses I know not what I doubt or what I believe exclaimed lady ruse distractedly then believe what I tell you best said her husband this is the countess's handmaiden Jillian greenford an impudent lie cried lady lake a truth my lady interposed Diego a truth to which I am ready to swear no doubt of it double-slave and double-trader thou art worthy of thy lord there is no lie however absurd and improbable which he can invent that thou wilt not support thou art ready now to perjure thyself for him but let him place little reliance on thee for thou wilt do the same thing for us tomorrow I scarcely think it probable my lady Diego replied bowing lady lake turned from him in supreme disgust admitting for a moment the possibility your lordship's assertion being correct," said Lady Ruse. "'How comes Jillian Greenford, for so me thinks you name her, in her mistress's attire?' "'Tis easily explained, Chuck,' Lord Ruse rejoined. Anxious, no doubt, to set herself off to advantage, she hath made free with the Countess's wardrobe. Your own favorite attendant, Sarah Swarton, hath often arranged herself in your finest farting-gales, curtlets, and bust-points, as Diego will tell you. "'Is it not so rascal?' "'Tis precisely as my lord hath stated, my lady,' said the Spaniard to Lady Ruse. When Sarah Swarton hath been so habited, I have more than once mistaken her for your ladyship.' "'Yet Sarah is very unlike me,' said Lady Ruse. "'That only shows how deceptive appearances are, Chuck, and how little we ought to trust them,' observed Lord Ruse. "'How can you suffer yourself to be thus duped, Elizabeth?' said Lady Lake. As her ladyship would rather believe me than you, madam,' rejoined Lord Ruse. But she is not duped.' "'Heaven, forgive him,' exclaimed Diego aside.' "'And supposing it were Jillian, how would the case be mended, as far as you are concerned, Elizabeth?' said Lady Lake. "'Are you not as much injured by one as by the other?' "'It may be,' replied her daughter. But I am jealous only of the Countess. I would kneel to any other woman and thank her, who would tear my husband from her embraces. "'Weak fool, I disown you,' exclaimed Lady Lake angrily. "'What a wife!' cried Diego apart. His lordship is quite unworthy of her. Now I should appreciate such devotion.' At this juncture there was a slight movement on the part of Lady Exeter, and something like a sigh escaped her. "'She revives,' whispered Lady Lake to her daughter. "'We shall soon learn the truth. I will find a means to make her speak.' "'Well, my lord,' she added aloud, and speaking in a sarcastic tone. If you will have it so, it is idle to dispute it. But what will the Countess say when she discovers your infidelity?' On this a brisk movement took place on the couch, and a hand was raised as if to snatch away the kerchief. "'We have,' whispered Lady Lake triumphantly to her daughter. "'Surely,' she proceeded aloud, the Countess will deeply resent the transfer of your affections to her handmaiden.' Lord Ruth saw the peril in which she stood. A moment more, and Lady Lake had gained her point, and the Countess betrayed herself. "'Lady Exeter will place little reliance on any representation you may make, madam,' he said, giving particular significance to his words, except so far as they concern herself, and then she will take care to refute them. As to the circumstance of Gillian Greenford visiting me, fainting in my arms from excess of timidity, poor girl, and being discovered by you and Lady Ruth in that position, the Countess will laugh at it when it comes to her knowledge. As why should she do otherwise? But she will feel very differently when she finds that you and your daughter insist that it was she herself and not her handmaiden whom you beheld. Rely on it, madam. Lady Exeter will contradict that assertion and disprove it. Let it be disproved now. Let the person on that couch disclose her features, and we shall then see whether she be the Countess or Gillian. I, let her do that, my lord. Let her speak to us, urge Lady Ruth. Diablo, how is this request to be complied with, I marvel, said Diego apart. But Lord Ruth was too experienced a player to be defeated by this turn in the game. Gillian has already been sufficiently annoyed, he cried, and shall not submit to this ordeal. Besides, she has relapsed into insensibility as you see. She does what your lordship wills her. It is clear, said Lady Lake contemptuously. We know what construction to put upon your refusal. I care not what construction you put upon it, cried Lord Ruth, losing patience. You and Lady Ruth may think what you please, and act as you please. Enough for me, you can prove nothing. Why, this is more like yourself, my lord, retorted Lady Lake derisively. Having thrown aside the mask, you will be spared the necessity of further subterfuge. The Countess, doubtless, will imitate your example. Lay aside her feigned insensibility and defy us. She need be under no apprehension, since she has your own warrant that we can prove nothing. Your purpose, I perceive, is to irritate me, madam, cried Lord Ruth fiercely, and so far you are likely to succeed, though you fail in all else. I have no mask to throw off, but if you will have me declare myself your enemy, I am ready to do so. Henceforth, let there be no terms kept between us. Let it be open warfare. Be it so, my lord, and you will soon find who will be worsted in the struggle. O, do not proceed to these fearful extremities, dear mother and dearest husband, cried Lady Ruth, turning from one to the other imploringly. Cease these provocations, I pray of you. Be friends and not enemies. As you please, peace or war, it is the same to me, said Lord Ruth. Meantime, I am wearied of this scene, and must put an end to it. Diego, and beckoning his servant to him, he whispered some directions in his ear. My lord shall be obeyed, said Diego, as he received his commission. Jillian shall be conveyed with all care to her chamber. We must have some proof that she has been here, thought Lady Lake, but how to obtain it? I have it. Take these, she added in a whisper to her daughter, and giving a pair of scissors, and contrive, if possible, to several lock of her hair before she be removed. By a look, Lady Ruth promised compliance. While this was passing, Diego had approached the couch, and fastening the kerchief securely round the Countess's face, he raised her in his arms and moved towards the secret staircase, the tapestry covering of which was held aside by Lord Ruth to give him passage. Rapidly as the Spaniard moved, he did not outstrip Lady Ruth, whose design being favored by the escape from its confinement of one of the Countess's long dark tresses, she had no difficulty of possessing herself of it in the manner prescribed by her mother. Lady Exeter was aware of the loss she had sustained, and uttered a stifled cry, but this was attributed to the fright natural to the occasion by Lord Ruth, who had not noticed what had taken place, and only caused him to hurry Diego's departure. But before the latter had wholly disappeared with his burden, the perfumed and silken tress of hair was delivered to Lady Lake, who muttered triumphantly as she received it. This will convict her, she cannot escape us now. The prize was scarcely concealed when Lord Ruth, sheathing the sword which he had hitherto held drawn, advanced towards his mother-in-law. Now that the object of your disquietude is removed, madam, it will not be necessary to prolong this interview, he said. Have we then your lordship's permission to depart? rejoined Lady Lake coldly. We are not, I presume, to avail ourselves of the private means of exit contrived for your amorous adventures, lest we should make other discoveries. Your ladyship will leave by the way you entered, rejoined Lord Ruth. I will attend you to the door, and unfasten it for you. Before we go, I would have a word with my husband. It may be my last, said Lady Ruth to her mother. I pray you withdraw a little, that we may be alone. Better not, rejoined Lady Lake, but unable to resist her daughter's imploring looks, she added, well, as you will, but it is useless. With this she proceeded to the little passage and remained there. As Lady Ruth's term to her husband, she saw from the stern and inflexible look he had assumed that any appeal made to him would be unavailing, and she attempted none. A moment elapsed before she could utter a word, and then it was only a murmur to heaven for guidance and support. What say you, Elizabeth? demanded Lord Ruth, thinking she had addressed him. I asked for support from on high, William, and it has been accorded to me. She replied in a low, sweet voice. I can now speak to you. It is not to wear you with supplications or reproaches that I thus detain you. I have something to impart to you, and I am sure you will eagerly listen to it. Come nearer that we may not be overheard. Lord Ruth, whose curiosity was aroused by her manner, obeyed her. I am all attention, he said. I feel I am in your way, William, she rejoined in a deep whisper, and that you desire my death. Nay, interrupt me not. I am sure you desire it, and I am equally sure that the desire will be gratified, and that you will kill me. Kill you best, cried Lord Ruth, startled. How can you imagine ought so frightful? There is a power granted to those who love deeply as I do, of seeing into the hearts of those they love, and reading their secrets. I have read yours, William. Nay, be not alarmed. I have kept it to myself hitherto, and will keep it to the end. You wish me dead, I say, and you shall have your wish, but not in the way you propose. Having lost your love, I am becoming different to life, or rather, life has grown intolerable to me. But though death may be a release, it must not come from your hand. You cannot mean to destroy yourself, Elizabeth, cried Lord Ruth, appalled. I mean to trouble you no longer. I mean to make the last and greatest sacrifice I can for you, and to save you from a crime, or if you must share the crime, at least to screen you from punishment. Look, here, she added, producing a small file. Bid me drink of this, and ere tomorrow you are free, and I am at rest. Shall I do it? No, no, rejoined Lord Ruth, snatching the file from her. Live best, live. Am I to live for you, William? She cried with inexpressible joy. He made no answer, but averted his head. In mercy, give me back the file, she exclaimed, again plunged into the depths of despair. I must refuse your request, he replied. Have you done, Elizabeth? demanded Lady Lake, coming forth from the passage. A moment more, mother, cried Lady Ruth. One word, one look, she added to her husband. But he neither spoke to her nor regarded her. I am ready to accompany you now, mother, said the poor lady faintly. Nerve yourself, weak-hearted girl, said Lady Lake in a low tone. Revenge is ours. If I could only strike her without injuring him, I should not heed, thought Lady Ruth. But where he suffers, I must also suffer, and yet more acutely. And scarcely able to support herself, she followed her mother to the door of the antechamber, which was unlocked, and thrown open for them by her husband. He did not bid her farewell. As Lady Lake passed forth, she paused for a moment and said, Tomorrow, my lord, we will ascertain whether the tress of hair we have obtained from the fair visitant to your chamber, matches that of Gillian Greenford, or with the raven locks of the Countess of Exeter. And satisfied with the effect produced by this menace, she departed with her daughter, before Lord Ruth could utter a reply. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of the Star Chamber and 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. The Star Chamber, Volume 1, by William Harrison Ainsworth. Chapter 24 The Fountain Court On the morning after the eventful passage in his life, previously related, our newly created night was standing in a pensive attitude beside the beautiful fountain adorned with two fair statues representing the Queen of Love and her son, heretofore described as placed in the center of the great quadrangle of the Palace of Theobalds. Sir Jocelyn was listening to the plashing of the sparkling jets of water as they rose into the air and fell back into the broad marble basin and appeared to be soothed by the pleasant sound. His breast had been agitated by various and conflicting emotions. In an incredibly short space of time events had occurred, some of which seemed likely to influence the whole of his future career, while one of them, though it had advanced him far beyond what he could have anticipated, appeared likely to mar altogether his prospects of happiness. Though the difficulties, therefore, that surrounded him had been unexpectedly overcome, though by the exertions of the Conde de Gondemore who had followed up his first success with wonderful promptitude and perseverance, and had dexterously contrived by all the insidious arts of which Lai was so perfect a master to ingratiate his protégé still further with the King, without the protégé himself being aware of the manner in which he was served, though James himself appeared greatly pleased with him at the banquet in the evening to which, owing to the skillful management of the Spanish ambassador, he was invited and bestowed such marked attention upon him, that the envy and jealousy of most of the courtiers were excited by it, though he seemed on the high road to still greater favor, and was already looked upon as a rising favorite, who might speedily supplant others above him in this ever-changing sphere if he did not receive a check, though his present position was thus comparatively secure and his prospects thus brilliant, he felt ill at ease and deeply dissatisfied with himself. He could not acquit himself of blame for the part he had played, though involuntarily, in the arrest of Hugh Cavally. It was inexpressibly painful to him, and he felt it as a reproach from which he could not free himself to have risen, however unexpectedly on his own part, by the unfortunate Puritans' fall. How could he ever face Aveline again? She must regard him with horror and detestation as the involuntary cause of her father's destruction. A bar had been placed between them, which nothing could ever remove, and though on the one hand he was suddenly exalted far beyond his hopes, yet on the other he was as suddenly cast down and threatened to be forever deprived of the bliss he had in view, the possession of which he coveted far more than wealth or grandeur. Additional complexity had been given to his position from the circumstance that, at Dagondemar's secret instance of which, like all the rest, he was unaware, he had been appointed as officer in custody of Hugh Cavally, until the latter, who was still detained a close prisoner in the Porter's Lodge, should be removed to the tower, or the fleet, as his majesty might direct. This post he would have declined had there been a possibility of doing so. Any plan he might have formed of aiding the prisoner's escape was thus effectually prevented as he could not violate his duty, and it was probably with this view that the Wiley ambassador had obtained him the appointment. In fact, he had unconsciously become little more than a puppet in the hands of the plotting Spaniard, who pulled the strings that moved him at pleasure, regardless of the consequences. What Dagondemar's ulterior designs were with him had not yet become manifest. These perplexing thoughts swept through Sir Jocelyn's breast, as he stood by the marble fountain and listened to the sound of its falling waters. While thus occupied, he perceived two persons issue from the arched entrance fronting the gate, adjoining the Porter's Lodge in which the prisoner was still detained, and make their way slowly across the quadrangle in the direction of the cloister on its eastern side, above which were apartments assigned to the Secretary of State, Sir Thomas Lake. The foremost of the two was merely a yeoman of the guard, and would not for a moment have attracted Sir Jocelyn's attention, if it had not been for a female who accompanied him, and whom he was evidently conducting to Sir Thomas Lake's rooms, as Sir Jocelyn not only saw the man point towards them, but heard him mention the Secretary of State's name. Something whispered him that this closely hooded female, the lower part of whose face was shrouded in a muffler, so that the eyes alone were visible, was Avalon. Little could be discerned the features, but the exquisitely proportioned figure, so simply yet so tastefully arrayed, could only be hers. And if he could have doubted that it was Avalon, the suddenness with which her looks were averted as she beheld him, and the quickness with which she stepped forward, so as even to outstrip her companion, these circumstances, coupled with the violent throbbing of his own heart, convinced him he was right. He would have flown after her, if he had dared. Would have poured forth all his passionate feelings to her, had he been permitted. Would have offered her his life to deal with as she pleased. But his fears restrained him, and he remained riveted to the spot, gazing after her until she entered the great hall on the ground floor, beneath the Secretary of State's apartments. Why she sought Sir Thomas Lake he could easily understand. It was only from him that authority to visit her father could be obtained. After remaining irresolute for a few minutes, during which the magnificent structure around him faded entirely from his view, like a vision melting into air, and he heard no more the pleasant plashing of the fountain. He proceeded to the great hall near the cloister, resolved to wait there till her return. End of chapter 24, The Fountain Court.