“Oh, well, I don't know as I can altogether tell you; but you see, Sir Norman Kingsley being possessed of an inspiration that something was happening to you, came to your house a short time ago, and, as he suspected, discovered that you were missing. I met him there, rather depressed in his mind about it, and he told me--beginning the conversation, I must say, in a very excited manner,” said Hubert, parenthetically, as memory recalled the furious shaking he had undergone--“and he told me he fancied you were abducted, and by one Count L'Estrange. Now I had a hazy idea who Count L'Estrange was, and where he would be most apt to take you to; and so I came here, and after some searching, more inquiring, and a few unmitigated falsehoods (you'll regret to hear), discovered you were locked up in this place, and succeeded in getting in through the window. Sir Norman is waiting for me in a state of distraction so now, having found you, I will go and relieve his mind by reporting accordingly.” “And leave me here?” cried Leoline, in affright, “and in the power of Count L'Estrange? Oh! no, no! You must take me with you, Hubert!” “My dear Leoline, it is quite impossible to do it without help, and without a ladder. I will return to Sir Norman; and when the darkness comes that precedes day-dawn, we will raise the ladder to your window, and try to get you out. Be patient--only wait an hour or two, and then you will be free.” “But, O Hubert, where am I? What dreadful place it this?” “Why, I do not know that this is a very dreadful place; and most people consider it a sufficiently respectable house; but, still, I would rather see my sister anywhere else than in it, and will take the trouble of kidnapping her out of it as quickly as possible.” “But, Hubert, tell me--do tell me, who is Count L'Estrange?” Hubert laughed. “Cannot, really, Leoline! at least, not until to-morrow, and you are Lady Kingsley.” “But, what if he should come here to-night?” “I do not think there is much danger of that, but whether he does or not, rest assured you shall be free to-morrow! At all events, it is quite impossible for you to escape with me now; and even as it is, I run the risk of being detected, and made a prisoner, myself. You must be patient and wait, Leoline, and trust to Providence and your brother Hubert!” “I must, I suppose!” said Leoline, sighing, “and you cannot take me away until day-dawn.” “Quite impossible; and then all this drapery of yours will be ever so much in the way. Would you object to garments like these?” pointing to his doublet and hose. “If you would not, I think I could procure you a fit-out.” “But I should, though!” said Leoline, with spirit “and most decidedly, too! I shall wear nothing of the kind, Sir Page!” “Every one to her fancy!” said Hubert, with a French shrug, “and my pretty sister shall have hers in spite of earth, air, fire, and water! And now, fair Leoline, for a brief time, adieu, and au revoir!”