Wilton did not, indeed, entertain the vain thought that he brought with him a treasury of distinguished talents, high and noble feelings, a generous spirit, and a gallant heart—­qualities which many a competitor, if not most, would want:—­he did not, indeed, so argue the matter with himself; but there was in his bosom the proud consciousness of deserving well, and the still more strengthening and emboldening confidence, of loving well, truly, nobly, as Laura deserved to be loved.

Still, however, he was not satisfied with the sudden change in the Earl of Byerdale:  there was something in it that roused suspicion; and he resolved to watch all that noble man’s proceedings steadily and keenly, and if possible never to be off his guard for a moment.

Before the time appointed for the return of Arden, the Messenger, the Earl himself came home, bearing a smile of dark satisfaction on his countenance.

“Four or five of these gentry,” he said, as he entered, “are already in custody, and one or two have been brought before the council.  A man of the name of Cook, and another, seem well inclined to become approvers.  If so, the matter will be easily managed.  I find the rumour is spreading all over the town, with various additions and improvements, of course.  I even hear that there were reports of it all yesterday, though neither the King, nor I, nor any one else, knew aught of the matter then.”

“Are any of the principals caught, my lord?” demanded Wilton.  “I confess, I believe that man, Sir John Fenwick, to be as great a villain as any upon earth; nor do I look upon him as a man of much courage either.”

“He is not caught,” replied the Earl; “but we have got one poor foolish fellow, called Sir John Friend, who has shown himself a friend to anybody but himself;” and he laughed at his own joke.  “I rather suspect,” he continued, “that there are a good many people not a little anxious for Fenwick’s escape.  With the exception of Sir George Barkley, he is undoubtedly the man of most importance amongst them.  He is nearly connected, you know, with all the Howards, and was very intimate with your good friend the Duke.  He is well acquainted with Lord Aylesbury, too; and I can tell you there are a good many suspicions in that quarter.  There is another noble lord, Lord Montgomery, implicated; and all these good folks are suspected,” and he proceeded to read a list of some twenty or thirty names.  “But there is no intention of dealing harshly,” he added; “and a distinction will be made between the more culpable and the less.  Pray has Captain Churchill been here?”

“Not yet that I have heard of, my lord,” replied Wilton; “but I fairly tell your lordship that I do not think he was the man I saw, though that was the name given.”

The Earl rang the bell which stood upon the table, and when a servant appeared, demanded if Captain Churchill had been there.

The servant replied in the negative, but added that Mr. Arden was waiting.  The Earl ordered him to be sent in; and the Messenger accordingly entered, bearing on his face an air of triumph and insolence which provoked Wilton’s anger a good deal.