is morning," replied Laura, "and sent to
call me down in haste. I found him partly angry, partly frightened,
partly suspicious, and hesitating what to do. I besought him, Wilton,
to fly with all speed. I pledged my word that Wilton, however
ill-treated he might have been, and however he might feel that the
services which he had rendered had been undervalued, would say
nothing but that which was actually true, and absolutely necessary
for the safety of those he loved."
"Surely," said Wilton, "he did not suspect me of falsifying the truth
to give myself greater importance in his eyes?"
"Whatever were his suspicions, dear Wilton," replied Lady Laura,
"they were too soon painfully removed; for he had scarcely given
orders to have breakfast immediately, and the carriage prepared
without loss of time, when two Messengers arrived with a warrant for
his committal to the Tower. They treated us with all kindness,"
continued Lady Laura, "waited till our preparations were made,
permitted me to accompany him, and have promised that to-morrow or
the day after--as soon, in short, as a proper order can be made for
it--I shall be permitted to be with him, and have a room near his.
But oh, Wilton, you cannot imagine how my father's mind is
overthrown. It seems, though I never knew it before, that he has
really had some dealings with this Sir John Fenwick, and his whole
reliance now appears to be upon you, Wilton."
"Oh, I trust, dearest Laura, that this charge will prove nothing,"
replied Wilton. "As far as I know, though he acted imprudently, there
was not anything in the slightest degree criminal in his conduct. The
days, I trust, are gone by when fictitious plots might be got up, and
the blood of the innocent be sold for its weight of gold. It may have
been judged necessary to secure his person, and yet there may not be
the slightest probability of his being condemned or even tried."
"I do not know, Wilton," replied Lady Laura, sadly--"I do not know.
He seems in very great terror and agitation. Are you sure he has
told you all, Wilton?"
"On that subject, of course, I cannot be sure," replied Wilton. "But
I do not feel at all sure, Laura, that this charge and this
imprisonment may not have its origin in personal revenge. If so,
perhaps we may frustrate the plotter, though we be weak and he is
strong. Who was the warrant against your father signed by?--Was
it--?"
"Not by Lord Byerdale," replied Laura, laying her hand upon his and
gazing into his face, and thus showi