"What is it, Bingham?" inquired the magistrate of the officer. "Please, your worship," was the reply, "it's a serious charge; and the prosecutor will be here in a moment." "Very well," said the magistrate: "I will take it directly." "Who is she?" whispered Dykes, accosting his brother officer. "Her name is Esther de Medina, she tells me," returned Bingham. The question and answer were overheard by Tom Rainford, who was standing close by the officers; and the announcement of the lady's name produced a strange and almost electrical effect upon him. The devil-me-care recklessness of his manner suddenly disappeared; and a sentiment of profound commiseration and deep interest, in respect to Esther de Medina, seemed to occupy his mind. He was about to question Mr. Bingham relative to the charge which he had against her, when the clerk called upon him and his securities to sign the bond. This ceremony was speedily performed; and Rain's money was returned to him by Mr. Dykes, who, however, looked at him in a manner which seemed to say—"I know I am not mistaken in you, although you have contrived to get off: but I'll have you another time." Tom cared nothing for the sinister looks of the Bow Street officer; neither did he pay much attention to the gold which he now poured back into his pocket; for all his thoughts appeared to be absorbed in the presence of the veiled lady. "Come along with us," whispered Bertinshaw, "and we'll celebrate your escape over a bottle of wine at my place." "No—not now," replied Tom, hastily: "I mean to stay and hear this case: it interests me." "Will you join us presently?" asked his new friend, who had just now pretended to be a very old one. "Yes, yes," answered Tom: "in an hour or so." Bertinshaw and Watkins then took their departure. "Now, Bingham," cried the clerk; "what is it?" At that moment a gentleman of handsome appearance and middle age entered the court. "Here's the prosecutor who will explain the matter," said the officer. The prisoner, suddenly remembering the respect due to the bench, raised her veil; and, at the same time, she glanced in an eager, inquiring manner towards the individual who now appeared against her. But we must pause to describe her.