The Star-Chamber, Volume 2 An Historical Romance

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ouch, with the habitual sneer upon his lips, watching the progress of his own infernal work, as to the possibility of renovating her strength, if only for an hour, in order that she might strike the blow. But he shook his head, and bade her wait. Wait, however, she would not, and she became at length so impatient, that he agreed to make the experiment, telling her he woul

of the handmaiden, Lady Lake anxiously i

replied Sarah Swarton. "She is somewhat easier now. But has

Sarah, that you should put such a qu

omething frigh

hesitate to

Lady Roos have been seized?" said Sarah, coming close up to her, and speak

homas, and all others, except Luke Hatton and yourself, are forbidden to come near us. What we should have done without you, Sarah, I know not, for Luke Hatton tells me the rest of the househ

," replied Sarah, significantl

ur ignorance against the skill and science o

tude the disclosure I am about to make to you. In a word, my lady, I am as certain as I

ication, a mortal sickn

on her brow, and she fi

ra

so, there is but one person who can have

should I have come hither to wa

ust be Luk

ed him narrowly, and found that this proceeding was repeated with every draught; with this difference merely, that the dose was increased in strength by one additional drop; the potion administered to your ladyship being some degrees less powerful than that given to my dear lady, and no doubt

ner, Sarah?" said Lady Lake, ho

e in tasting the drink, I was very ill-indeed I am scarcely well yet; and, to tell truth, I was afraid of Luke Hatton, as I am sure he would m

Lake be summoned to me immediately. If he be at Theobalds, at Greenwich, or Windsor, let messengers be sent after him, praying him to use all possible dispatch in coming to me. I ca

ay now venture to inform you that I am charged with a message from my dear lady

d, as her wishes were complied with. "I do not feel so feeble as I expected. I was sure revenge would give me strength. Now give me my black velvet robe, and my coif. Even in this

t a dagger, and giving it to Lady Lake, who imm

y alarm. But bid two of the trustiest of the household hold themselves in readiness without, and if I strike upon

. I am sure it has only been Luke Hatton who, by his false representatio

ot may have been laid, and must take its authors by surprise. You were once more intimate than I lik

thing whatever of Diego of late, and care not if I never

be able to save her. Ha! here comes the villain. Away

ed, but hastily quitted the room, casting a terrified l

her couch, and could not help exclaiming, as he quickly advanced toward

uld oppose my inclination, I got Sarah to lift me from the couch

he replied, produ

she cried, tak

moment, she took out the glass stopper, and, smelling at

manded, fixing her eyes

he rarest cordial that can be prepared, and the secret of its composition is only known to myself. When I said your ladyship would incur great risk

joined. "Yet I wou

e easy on that score in

Hat

t with water and carefully wiped it; after which he pour

itted him for a second. Apparently satisfied wit

he replied, cleansing the glass as before. "The quanti

count the drops as accurately," she rejoined,

spleased; "but perhaps you had better confine yo

give me too much strength-ha! Wha

elf. It is my duty to prevent you. I must insist upon your givi

ave a hundred drops of the cor

nger to maintain the semblance of respect he had hitherto preser

he stretched out his hand for the purp

and to let you know that your villanies are discovered. I am aware of the malignant practices you have resorted to, and that my daughter and myself would have been destroyed by your poisonous preparations.

he phial into the glass, saying as she drank

. Lady Lake, however, upon whom the restorative effect of the cordial was almost magical, ordered hi

placed me and my daughter in fearful jeopardy; but it is in your power to make reparation for the injury; and as I hold you to be a mere instrument in the matter, I am willing to spare the life you have forfeited, on condition

f Exeter to poison you and my Lady Roos," replied L

eplied Lady Lake, afte

ne it, I shall be f

free to go,"

rd, Luke Hatton sat down, and with great expedition drew up a statement whi

her ghastly feature

question, and you are free. Will this cordial

ed more cautiously. Were she to take the quantity you hav

" replied

ly afterwards the door was opened; not, howev

itatively commanded him to stay, exclaiming, "You stir not hence, till you have accounted to me for my daughter, who, I underst