And so it presently appeared she was; for when the damsel had an opportunity of talking quite in private to her new mistress, she informed her of the real motive of her coming there.
"I am engaged, by one who wishes you well, to take your place, sweet Mistress Aveline, and to be married in your stead to Sir Francis Mitchell," she said.
"And have you really consented to such an arrangement ?" rejoined Aveline.

"Is it possible you can sacrifice yourself thus ?" "I am not to be sacrificed," returned the damsel quickly.

"If it were so, I would never have agreed to the scheme.

But I am told I shall get a fortune, and--" "Oh, then the ten thousand marks are for you!" interrupted the other.

"I now see the meaning of that part of the plan.