I hope so for your sake, and for hers also--but I have my fears." "You know more than you choose to avow, Sir," said Sir Jocelyn sternly,--"and as you value your life, I command you to speak plainly, and tell me what has happened, and where I shall find Aveline." "So commanded by any other than yourself, Sir Jocelyn," rejoined the promoter, "I would _not_ speak; but to you I say, as I have before declared, that Aveline is undoubtedly in the power of Sir Francis Mitchell, and that it will rest entirely with herself whether she escapes him or not." "And you have caused me to be detained while she has been carried off," exclaimed Sir Jocelyn, furiously.

"Fool that I was to trust you! You are in league with the villains." "Think of me what you please, and say what you will--you shall not anger me," rejoined the promoter.

"I discovered your flight from the place of refuge I had procured for you, and guessing where you had come, followed you hither.

Your danger is not past.

Vainly will you seek Sir Francis Mitchell.