"It is possible she may be without," returned Lady Lake. "Before I came here, I summoned her in your name." "We will see," cried Sir Thomas, striking upon the bell. And the usher, appearing to the summons, informed him that in effect the damsel in question was in attendance. "She seems much alarmed, Sir Thomas," said the usher, "and has with her a young man, who appears to take a tender interest in her, and wishes to be present at the investigation." "Let him come in with her," said the Secretary of State. And seeing the usher pause, he inquired if he had anything further to say. "His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador and my Lord Roos are without, and desire admittance," replied the man. Sir Thomas consulted his lady by a look; and as she made no objection, he signified his pleasure that they should be admitted, and accordingly the door was thrown open for the entrance of all the persons mentioned. Gillian came first, and seemed much embarrassed by the situation in which she found herself. She had been well tutored for the part she had to play; but the instructions she had received entirely fled from her mind as she found herself in the presence of two such awful personages as Sir Thomas Lake and his lady, both of whom fixed keen glances upon her. Feeling ready to drop with fright, she looked at Dick Taverner, as if imploring his support. But this Dick declined to afford. His jealousy having been roused by what he had heard, he determined to be governed in his conduct towards her by the result of the investigation. Accordingly, though it cost him an effort, he held back. As the Conde de Gondomar appeared, Sir Thomas Lake arose, and made him a profound salutation, which was returned with equal ceremony by the Spanish Ambassador. The latter, however, did not take a seat, but remained standing with Lord Roos, whose presence was acknowledged by a cold and distant bow from his father-in-law. The young nobleman did not appear in the slightest degree disconcerted by the reception he met with, or apprehensive of the result of the investigation. He jested apart with De Gondomar; and both he and the Spanish Ambassador appeared greatly amused by Gillian's embarrassment. Behind him stood his servant Diego. "You are handmaiden to the Countess of Exeter, I presume?" demanded Lady Lake of the damsel. "I am, my lady," she answered. "The girl does not look as if the imputations cast upon her character can be true," observed Sir Thomas Lake. As this was said, poor Gillian became suffused with blushes, and hung her head. "Before I put any further questions to her," remarked Lady Lake, "I will ask Lord Roos if he still persists in affirming that it was this damsel who visited him last night?" Dick Taverner looked as if his fate depended upon the response the young nobleman might make to the inquiry. "I must decline to answer your ladyship's question," returned Lord Roos.