May Heaven pardon the falsehood, because of the necessity!" "And am I then to travel alone with this stranger ?" said the lady.
"Bethink thee, Janet, may not this prove some deeper and darker scheme to separate me perhaps from you, who are my only friend ?" "No, madam, do not suppose it," answered Janet readily; "the youth is an honest youth in his purpose to you, and a friend to Master Tressilian, under whose direction he is come hither." "If he be a friend of Tressilian," said the Countess, "I will commit myself to his charge as to that of an angel sent from heaven; for than Tressilian never breathed mortal man more free of whatever was base, false, or selfish.

He forgot himself whenever he could be of use to others.

Alas! and how was he requited ?" With eager haste they collected the few necessaries which it was thought proper the Countess should take with her, and which Janet, with speed and dexterity, formed into a small bundle, not forgetting to add such ornaments of intrinsic value as came most readily in her way, and particularly a casket of jewels, which she wisely judged might prove of service in some future emergency.

The Countess of Leicester next changed her dress for one which Janet usually wore upon any brief journey, for they judged it necessary to avoid every external distinction which might attract attention.

Ere these preparations were fully made, the moon had arisen in the summer heaven, and all in the mansion had betaken themselves to rest, or at least to the silence and retirement of their chambers.
There was no difficulty anticipated in escaping, whether from the house or garden, provided only they could elude observation.