As he turned, Nick caught him by the arm. 'You must not go yet.' 'Why?' For answer Wogan turned to the window. 'Stand here in the shadow of the curtain. Across the street; there, in the corner.' Kelly put his hands to his face to shut out the light of the room, and peered into the darkness. 'There is a man. Who is it?' 'I told you! Scrope. I saw him an hour ago. A link-boy's torch showed me his face. You have to-night free. An hour or so more will make little difference to you, and may tire out our friend there--or he may mean another bout with the sharps.' 'I hope so,' said Kelly. At this moment Sambo returned with a little damp sheet of the _Flying Post_, and the laces were forgotten. Sambo carried the sheet to Lady Oxford. 'Faugh,' said she, 'I dare not touch the inky thing!' Wogan came out from his window, where he left his friend, and took the sheet from the boy's black paw. 'Does your ladyship wish to alarm us all by reading out the news? These Papists are terrible fellows.' 'Read! Read!' said Lady Oxford, with a contented laugh. Wogan ran his eyes over the print. 'It is scarce fit for ladies' ears,' he said meaningly. 'Some nonsense out of Grub Street. The wretch should be whipped from Temple Bar to Westminster,' and Wogan made as if he would tear the sheet. Her ladyship hesitated. But she could not guess what the sheet contained, and she knew Mr. Wogan would try to screen his friend. 'Nay, read sir,' she said boldly, 'or must I imperil my own fingers with the foul thing?' Wogan folded the paper, and with a bow held it out to her ladyship; again she hesitated; she did not take the sheet; she looked into Wogan's face as though she would read the news-sheet there. Curious smiles began to show upon the faces about her, heads to nod, lips to whisper. 'Shall I oblige your ladyship?' asked Mr. Methuen, who stood by. 'If you please,' replied Lady Oxford, but in a less certain tone than she had used before. Mr. Methuen took the sheet from Wogan's hand, unfolded it, and glanced at it. 'It is indeed scarce fit for your ladyship's ears,' he said; and in his turn he folded it. The smiles broadened, the whispers increased. Lady Oxford was altogether disconcerted. 'I will read it,' a young voice rang out. Lord Sidney Beauclerk stepped forward, took the sheet from Mr. Methuen, and at once read it aloud. He began defiantly, but towards the end his voice faltered. Mr. Kelly did not turn round, and seemed to pay no heed whatever.