The doors were constantly guarded by one or other of the myrmidons; and any communication with the external world was impossible, because the windows were partially grated, and looked into a court-yard.

Beyond this, she was subjected to no restraint; and her own attendants, Dame Sherborne and old Anthony Rocke, were suffered to remain with her.
Had it not been for her exposure to the annoyance of frequent from Sir Francis Mitchell, and her anxiety about Sir Jocelyn, Aveline would not have found her confinement so intolerable.

But the enamoured old usurer persecuted her at all hours, and she could never be free from the intrusion, since the doors could not be shut against him.

Sometimes, he came accompanied by his partner, though more frequently alone, but ever with the same purpose,--namely, that of protesting the violence of his passion, and seeking to soften her obduracy.

As may be well supposed, his pleadings, however urged, were wholly ineffectual, and excited no other feelings, except those of detestation, in her bosom.