And now, to give you the explanation you require in respect to Aveline." And he stamped upon the floor.
"You are not about to invoke a spirit of darkness to our councils ?" said Sir Francis, staring at him in astonishment and alarm.
"You will see," rejoined the extortioner with a grim smile.
After a brief pause, the door was almost noiselessly opened, and Clement Lanyere entered the chamber.
"What has Lanyere to do with the matter ?" cried Sir Francis, suspiciously regarding the promoter, who was without his mask.
"You will hear," replied Sir Giles.

"Be pleased to inform Sir Francis, good Lanyere, how you come to be in a position to demand the hand of fair Mistress Aveline Calveley ?" "He demand it! I understand you not, Sir Giles!" exclaimed the old usurer.
"Let him speak, I pray you, Sir Francis," returned the other.

"You will the sooner learn what you desire to know.".