ng Wilton that she instantly
divined his suspicions.--"It was by the Duke of Shrewsbury."
"That looks ill, dearest Laura," replied Wilton, thoughtfully. "The
Duke of Shrewsbury is one above all suspicion, high, noble,
independent, serving the state only for the love of his country,
abhorring office and the task of governing, but wise and prudent,
neither to be led by any art or trickery to do what is not just, nor
even to entertain base suspicions of another, without some very
specious cause to give them credibility. This is strange, Laura, and
I do not understand it. Did your father express a wish that you
should see me, so that I may act openly in the business without
offending him?"
"He not only told me to consult with you," replied Laura, "but he
sent me direct from the Tower in the chair which you saw standing at
the door, desiring me not to go to Beaufort House till I had seen
you; to beseech you to come to him immediately, in order that he
might advise with and consult you upon his situation. Indeed, he
seems to have no hope in any one but in you."
Wilton mused for a minute or two.
"I do not think, my dear Laura," he said, "that the Earl of Byerdale
knew anything of your father's arrest this morning when I saw him. I
believe I must have done him wrong in my first suspicions. I will
now, however, go to him at once, and endeavour to ascertain the
precise nature of Sir John Fenwick's charge."
"Might it not be better," said Laura, anxiously, "to see my father
first?"
"I must obtain an order of admission, dear Laura," replied Wilton.
"What are the orders respecting your father's confinement I cannot
tell, but I know that Sir John Fenwick is permitted to see no one but
the ministers of the crown or somebody appointed by them. At all
events, I think it will be better to converse with the Earl, and get
the order at the same time. I will then hasten to your father with
all speed, give him what comfort and consolation I can, and
afterwards come for a few minutes to Beaufort House to see my Laura,
and tell her the result--that is to say, if I may."
"If you may! dear Wilton," said Lady Laura, casting herself upon his
bosom, "if you could see my poor father now with all his pride
subdued, you would not ask if you may."
"But we must lose no time, dear Laura," replied Wilton. "You shall
go on to Beaufort House with all speed. But where are your servants?
I saw none in the hall."
"Oh, I have none with me," replied Lady Laura; "there was but one
with the c