“The King preserved by him!” exclaimed Aveline, in bewilderment.

“Ay, marry and indeed, young mistress,” rejoined Sir Thomas.  “He arrested the fell traitor; was knighted on the spot for the service, by the King; was invited afterwards to the grand banquet in the evening, and received with more distinction than any other guest; and he is now, as you find, entrusted with the custody of the prisoner.  Thus, if your father has done little good to himself, he hath done much to Sir Jocelyn.”

Aveline could not repress an exclamation of anguish.

“No more of this, I entreat, Sir Thomas,” cried Sir Jocelyn.

“It is right she should hear the truth,” replied the Secretary of State.  “Here is her authority for admittance to her father,” he continued, giving it to him.  “It must take place in your presence, Sir Jocelyn.  And you will pay strict attention to what they say,” he added in a low tone, “for you will have to report all that passes between them to the council.  Something may arise to implicate the girl herself, so let naught escape you.  Be vigilant in your office, as is needful.  I mention this as you are new to it.  If the prisoner continues obstinate, as he hath hitherto shown himself, threaten him with the torture.  The rack will certainly be applied when he reaches the Tower.  I need not give you further instructions I think, Sir Jocelyn.  Be pleased to return to me when the interview is over.”

Upon this, he bowed gravely, and sounded the bell for the usher.  Unable to offer any remonstrance, Sir Jocelyn approached Aveline, who could scarcely support herself, with the intention of offering her assistance; but she shrank from him, and again muffling her face, went forth, while he slowly followed her.

CHAPTER XXVI.

The forged Confession.

Some little time had elapsed since Aveline’s departure on her sorrowful errand, and Sir Thomas Lake was still alone, and once more deeply engrossed in the consideration of the document, which, it will be recollected, had occasioned him so much disquietude; and the feeling by no means diminished when the usher entered and announced Lady Lake.  Severe and inflexible as we have described him, the Secretary of State was generally yielding enough towards his lady, of whom he stood in great awe, and whom he treated with the utmost deference; but on this occasion, contrary to habitude, he received her very coldly, and without rising motioned her to a seat beside him.  Disregarding the want of attention, which, under other circumstances, she would have resented, Lady Lake took the seat indicated without remark, and continued silent till the usher had retired.  Then turning quickly towards her husband, and fixing an inquiring look upon him, she said in a low voice—­

“What think you of this document, Sir Thomas?”

“This forgery?” he rejoined in the same tone, but without raising his eyes towards her.