He who is sane enough to conceive an act of wickedness, to plan its execution, and to attempt to perpetrate it, although he may be in other respects of unsettled mind, is equally amenable to the law, and ought equally to suffer for his criminality with him who has a wiser and sounder head upon his shoulders." Aveline attempted no reply, but the tears sprang to her eyes.
At this moment the door was thrown open by the usher to admit Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey.
The emotion displayed by the young couple when thus brought together passed unnoticed by the Secretary of State, as he was occupied at the moment in writing the authority for Aveline, and did not raise his eyes towards them.
"Are you the officer to whom my father's custody has been entrusted ?" exclaimed Aveline, as soon as she could give utterance to her surprise.
"Why do you ask that question, mistress ?" demanded Sir Thomas, looking up.

"What can it signify to you who hath custody of your father, provided good care be taken of him?
There is a Latin maxim which his Majesty cited at the banquet last night--_Etiam aconito inest remedium_--and which may be freely rendered by our homely saying, that 'It is an ill wind that bloweth nobody good luck;' and this hath proved true with Sir Jocelyn Mounchensey--for the gust that hath wrecked your father hath driven him into port, where he now rides securely in the sunshine of the King's favour.

Nor is this to be wondered at, since it was by Sir Jocelyn that his Majesty's life was preserved." "The King preserved by him!" exclaimed Aveline, in bewilderment.
"Ay, marry and indeed, young mistress," rejoined Sir Thomas.

"He arrested the fell traitor; was knighted on the spot for the service, by the King; was invited afterwards to the grand banquet in the evening, and received with more distinction than any other guest; and he is now, as you find, entrusted with the custody of the prisoner.

Thus, if your father has done little good to himself, he hath done much to Sir Jocelyn." Aveline could not repress an exclamation of anguish.
"No more of this, I entreat, Sir Thomas," cried Sir Jocelyn.
"It is right she should hear the truth," replied the Secretary of State.
"Here is her authority for admittance to her father," he continued, giving it to him.