The Star-Chamber, Volume 2 An Historical Romance

d Confession

ld her propped up by pillows, bearing evident marks in her countenance of the severe sufferings she had endured. She was emaciate

mission, Sarah left

arcely dared to raise his eyes towards his wife, so much was he shocked by her appe

ness. We are quite alone, are we not? My eyes are so dim that I cannot distinguish an

ed Lord Roos, in a voice of some

to take that phial from me and place it in other hands. Nay, start not! I know I am poisoned: I have known

h!" murmured

I would not now thwart your purpose, even though I myself must be the sacrifice.

arms round his neck, and he fel

thought I had firmness for anything; but it deserts me entirely now. You are an angel

ith the request I am about to make to you,

earnestly. "I would redeem your life, if I could, at the price o

" she replied, with a sm

is it you would have

know she has been dealt with in the same way as my

aid Lord Roos, emphat

djoining

on in attenda

rd. But take heed of him: he is a dangerous weapon, and may injure the hand

ce to the adjoining room were drawn aside, and Lady Lake stalked from behind them. Never be

see, Elizabeth," said

ds no aid. She i

you perceive; nor shall you accomplish your wife's destruction, though you have well-nigh succeeded. Let it chafe you to madness to lear

lligence fills me with delight beyond expression. Give it me, Madam, that I may

id Lady Lake, bitterly. "But you may stand by and witn

you do not delay the a

o

dy Lake, after she had poured some

o hand but my husband'

imed her mot

his a time for hesitation, when you see her life h

it to his wife's lips; tenderly support

lour, and the pulsations of the heart became stronger and more equal; and though the debility could not be so speedily repa

Lord," said Lady Roos, regarding

ich we will endeavour to pay, and with interest. But keep calm, my child, and do not t

ans to make me calm, mot

gnal was answered by Sir Thomas Lake, who came forth from the adjoining room with Luke Hatton. At the same time, and as if it had been so contrived that

ntess would have precipitately retreated; but

l in my toils. You, my Lord," addressing her son-in-law, "have treated a wife, who has ever shown you the most devoted affection,

Roos, raising herself in her couch. "Take heed, I say. Let your venge

done you, Lady Roos," said the Countess, "and have c

on administered to her and to me by Luke Hatton, according to your order; but you a

t would be to find that Luke Hatton had succeeded in his desi

Sir Thomas Lake, "since it is contradicted by an order which I hold i

ejaculated

ture?" asked Sir Thomas

er made n

s made a full confession of his offence, wherein he declares that he was incited by you, and by y

; "why, I opposed him. It is impossible he can

lied Luke Hat

ed a lie-a lie that wi

it to be false, and can

you, and say ho

nobleman rem

the Countess exclaimed, in a voice of

e. Guilty of disloyalty to your proud and noble husband, you have sought to remove by violent deaths those who stood between you and your lover. Happily your dreadful purpose has been defeat

frightful accusations," exclaimed the Countess distr

it, Madam?" cried Lord Roos, almos

d Lady Lake; "or will the Countess? Behold the confess

tess. "You have charged me with witc

n the hand was yours, Countess," cried Lord Roos; "a

dy Lake, "it shall be la

l the details-ay, a

ed in her ear-"Countess, our sole safety is in immediate flight. Circumstances

e, my Lord," she rejoined, with scorn. "F

n made a movement

thout my order, my Lord

s gua

" exclaimed

le of triumph. But it was presently checked by a look f

ild?-more of the cordi

to the others. "Nor will I suffer another drop to pass my lip

re with my vengean

y Roos, firmly. "I will acquaint the Countess with the true nature of that confess

l by your weaknes

, and let there be a t

hree days, and

a promise," said Lady Lake.

geance," rejoined Lady Roos, in a tone

and a few words having passed between them in private, t

el, and I therefore recommend you to set forth without delay, for if you be found in London, or in England, after three days, during which time, at the desire also of our daughter-and equally against our

Lord Roos. And turning upon his heel, he marched towards the door, whither he was ac

not one look!" exclaimed his wi

" murmured the Countess, compressing her

low tone-"If your ladyship will trust to me, and make it worth my while, I will deliver you fr

cons

hat h

have no alternative but to trust thee. Am I free

cretary of State, with mock ceremoniousness. "After t

eath," subjoi

he Countess. "I shall

for which she was remarkable, she we

e followed her, but S

and glancing at Lady Lake. "Her lady

s soon as I am satisfied my daughter

e apothecary. "I will answ