She had lost all clew to her way homeward, and she saw with horror, in the distance, the hateful timbrel-girls, followed by the rabble, and weaving their strange dances towards the spot.
"Dost thou fear me, child?
There is no cause," said the stranger, following her.

"Again I say, What ailest thou ?" This time his voice was that of command, and the poor girl involuntarily obeyed it.

She related her misfortunes, her persecution by the tymbesteres, her escape,--thanks to the Nevile's courtesy,--her separation from her attendant, and her uncertainty as to the way she should pursue.
The nobleman listened with interest: he was a man sated and wearied by pleasure and the world, and the evident innocence of Sibyll was a novelty to his experience, while the contrast between her language and her dress moved his curiosity.

"And," said he, "thy protector left thee, his work half done; fie on his chivalry! But I, donzel, wear the spurs of knighthood, and to succour the distressed is a duty my oath will not let me swerve from.

I will guide thee home, for I know well all the purlieus of this evil den of London.