Be satisfied I am a friend,--perchance your best friend.

Come with me, and I will take you to a place of safety." "But what is to happen to Aveline ?" cried the young knight, in deep anxiety.
"I will endeavour to watch over her," replied the promoter; "and I trust no harm will befall her.

At all events, you will deprive yourself of the power of rendering her any protection, if you are rash enough to go forward now." Struck by the force of these remarks, our young knight felt he had no alternative but to submit to circumstances, and he accordingly agreed to accept the aid proffered him by his mysterious friend.

But it was not without feelings of intense anguish that he turned away from the path leading to the little secluded cottage containing all he held dear, and followed his conductor, who seemed resolved to allow him no time for further hesitation, but proceeding at a rapid pace towards the west till he reached Broad Saint Giles's--then a rural village--and entered a small tavern, bearing the sign of "The Rose and Crown," the landlord of which appeared to have an understanding with the promoter, for at a sign from him, he immediately ushered his guests into a chamber up-stairs, and without saying a word, left them alone together.
"Here you will be secure and undisturbed," said Lanyere; "and all your wants will be cared for by my trusty ally, Barnabas Boteler; but, for your own sake, you must consent to remain a close prisoner, till I bring you word that you may go forth with safety.

I must now leave you, having much to do, and must defer the explanations I design to give you to a more convenient season.