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 Conde Gondomar was one of them, Jocelyn had remarked the three personages in the Lord Chamberlain’s Walk.  He had seen them pause, and apparently look 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 recognised one of them as Lord Roos, 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 of velvet of the same colour 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 a handle of rarest workmanship.  Bound his throat he wore a large, triple ruff, 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 singularly handsome, and his looks penetrating.  His hair was raven-black, cut short, and removed from the forehead.

Lord Roos and his companion passed close to Jocelyn without appearing to notice him; but they halted before Gillian, 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 Taverner, he trembled with rage and jealousy, and began to repent having brought his treasure into such a dangerous neighbourhood.

The person who seemed to be most struck with Gillian’s charms was the wearer of the Spanish mantle.

“En verdad!” he exclaimed, “that is the loveliest piece of rusticity I have seen since I came to England.  I thought mine eyes did not deceive me, as to her beauty, when I caught sight of her from the Lord Chamberlain’s gallery.”

“The Conde de Gondomar hath ever an eagle’s eye for a pretty woman,” Lord Roos replied, laughing.

“The Conde de Gondomar!” 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.”