The movement did not pass unnoticed by Lord Roos and the Spanish Ambassador, between whom an almost imperceptible smile passed.

“If you have put all the interrogations you desire to make to Gillian, Madam,” said Lord Roos to his mother-in-law, “perhaps she may be permitted to depart?  The situation cannot be agreeable to her.”

“A moment more, my lord,” cried Lady Lake.  “If I detain her it is to clear her character.  I know her to be perfectly innocent.”

At this announcement, Dick Taverner’s countenance brightened, and he extended his arms towards Gillian, who gladly availed herself of his support.

“I am quite sure she was not the person I surprised in your chamber last night,” continued Lady Lake.

“Indeed, Madam!  How do you arrive at that conviction?”

“Because that person’s hair was jet black, whereas Gillian’s, as we see, is of the exactly opposite colour.”

Dick Taverner could not help pressing his lips against the back of the pretty damsel’s neck as this was uttered.

“Your proof of this, Madam?” demanded Lord Roos.

“Behold it!” she cried.  “This look of hair was cut off before your visitant escaped, and has remained in my possession ever since.  Ha! how is this?” she exclaimed, as she unfolded the packet, and disclosed a tress of fair hair, evidently matching Gillian’s lint-white locks.  “What transformation has taken place!  Witchcraft has been practised.  This is the Countess’s work.”

“The minion must have been there, after all,” cried Dick Taverner, thrusting Gillian from him.

“The charge of witchcraft will not serve your turn, Madam,” said Lord Roos derisively.  “The explanation is simple.  Your eyes have deceived you.”

“Most palpably,” cried the Conde de Gondomar, who had caught Gillian in his arms, as the jealous apprentice cast her from him.  “I am afraid her ladyship cannot see very clearly.”

“I see clearly enough that a trick has been practised upon me,” Lady Lake rejoined sharply.  “But let Lord Roos look to himself.  I will have my revenge, and a terrible one it shall be.”

“Do not commit yourself,” said Sir Thomas in a low tone.

“Your business here is at an end, fair maiden,” said the Conde de Gondomar to Gillian; “and as your lover abandons you, I am ready to take charge of you.”

So saying he led her forth, followed by Lord Roos, whose smile of triumph exasperated his mother-in-law almost beyond endurance.

For a moment Dick Tayerner remained irresolute; but his mistress had no sooner disappeared, than he rushed after her, vowing he would have her back if it cost him his life.

CHAPTER XXVII.

The Puritan’s Prison.