So one morning, three days after John's departure from Haddon, I was overjoyed to hear the words, "You are free." I did not know that Jennie Faxton had given Sir George her large stock of disturbing information concerning my connection with the affairs of Dorothy and John.

So when I left the dungeon, I, supposing that my stormy cousin would be glad to forgive me if Queen Elizabeth would, sought and found him in Aunt Dorothy's room.

Lady Crawford and Sir George were sitting near the fire and Madge was standing near the door in the next room beyond.

When I entered, Sir George sprang to his feet and cried out angrily:-- "You traitorous dog, the queen has seen fit to liberate you, and I cannot interfere with her orders; but if you do not leave my Hall at once I shall set the hounds on you.

Your effects will be sent to The Peacock, and the sooner you quit England the safer you will be." There was of course nothing for me to do but to go.
"You once told me, Sir George--you remember our interview at The Peacock--that if you should ever again order me to leave Haddon, I should tell you to go to the devil.