“I thank you for your solicitude,” replied Jane—“but, it is needless. Retire all of you, I entreat, and leave me with my husband.” Her injunctions were immediately complied with, and her attendants withdrew. The unfortunate pair were not, however, allowed much time for conversation. Before they had been many minutes alone, the door was burst open, and a troop of armed men headed by Lord Clinton, the lieutenant of the Tower, rushed in. “I am aware of your errand, my lord,” said Jane; “you are come to convey me to the Tower. I am ready to attend you.” “It is well,” replied Lord Clinton. “If you have any preparations to make, you shall have time for them.” “I have none, my lord,” she replied. “Nor I,” replied Lord Guilford. “My sole request is, that I may take one female attendant with me,” said Jane, pointing to Cicely. “I am sorry I cannot comply with the request,” answered Lord Clinton, “but my orders are peremptory.” “Will my esquire be permitted to accompany me?” inquired Dudley. “If he chooses to incur the risk of so doing, assuredly,” replied Clinton. “But he will go into captivity.” “I will follow my Lord Guilford to death,” cried Cholmondeley. “You are a faithful esquire, indeed!” observed Lord Clinton, with a slight sneer. While this was passing, Cicely hastily threw a surcoat of velvet over her mistress’s shoulders, to protect her from the night air, and then prostrating herself before her, clasped her hand, and bedewed it with tears. “Rise, child,” said Jane, raising her and embracing her—“Farewell! may you be speedily united to your lover, and may your life be happier than that of your unfortunate mistress!” “My barge awaits you at the stairs,” observed Lord Clinton. “We will follow you, my lord,” said Dudley. Leaning upon Cicely, Jane, who was scarcely able to support herself, was placed in the stern of the boat. Her husband took his seat near her, and two men-at-arms, with drawn swords, were stationed as a guard on either side of them. Bidding a hasty adieu to the weeping Cicely, Cholmondeley sprang into the boat, and was followed by Clinton, who immediately gave the signal to the rowers. Cicely lingered till the bark disappeared, and as two halberdiers bearing torches were placed in the fore part of the vessel, she was enabled to track its course far down the river. When the last glimmer of light vanished, her heart died within her, and she returned to indulge her grief in solitude.