The Star-Chamber, Volume 2 An Historical Romance

s Mompesson's habit

is structure, with its stone walls, corner turrets, ponderous door, and barred windows, might be taken as part and parcel of the ancient prison existing in this locality. Such, however, was not the fact. The little rive

than any one ever did before him, it would almost seem that he had selected his abode for the purpose of watching over the safe custody of the

e narrow aperture at which he was known to place himself; but such regards only excited Sir Giles's derision: many an imploring gesture was made to him; but these entreaties for compassion were equally disregarded. Being a particular friend of the Warden of the Fleet, and the jailers obeying him as they would have done their principal, he entered the pris

his master, and a similar understanding appeared to exist between him and the jailers. Hence, he was nearly as much an object o

by the subordinate officers as to the warden. It was even supposed by some of the prisoners that a secret means of communication must exist between Sir Giles's habitation and the jail; but as both he

nd that he could, if he thought proper, aggravate the sufferings of its unfortunate occupants without incurring any responsibility for his treatment of them. He looked upon the Star-Chamber

to assemble, with a great table in the midst of it, on which no victuals were ever placed-at least at the extortioner's expense-and a great fire-place, where no fire ever burnt. From this a broad stone staircase mounted to the upper part of the house, and communicated by means of dusky corridors and narrow passages with the various apartments. A turnpike staircase connected the turret to which Sir Giles used to resort to reconnoitre the Fleet Prison, with the lower part of the habitation, and

g beyond a slight greeting passed between them in the street, for Sir Giles was ever jealous of his slightest word being overheard; but he could see from his partner's manner that something had occurred to annoy and irritate him greatly. Sir Giles was in no respec

e, threatened to shake his feeble frame in pieces; this, added to the exasperation under which he was evidently labouring, was almost too much for him. Three months seemed to have placed as many years upon his head; or, at all events, to have taken a vast deal out of his constitution. But, notwithstanding his increased infirmities, and

h his crafty looks; and the tipstaves-all, in short, were present, excepting Clement Lanyere, and Sir Giles knew how to account for his absence. To the inquiries of Captain Bludder and his associates, whether they were likely to be required on any business that day, Sir Giles gave a doubtful answer, and placing some pieces of money in the Alsatian's hand, bade him repair, with his followers, to the "Rose Tavern," in Hanging Sword Court, and crush a flask or two of wine, and then return for orders-an injunc

, Sir Giles," he said; "and I will keep you no longer in su

emanded the

g with passion. "I have received a degrading insult from

one to you?" in

gh! what a plaguey cough I have gotten, to be sure; but 't is all owing to those cursed 'prentices-a murrain seize 'em! Your patience, sweet Sir Giles, I am coming to the point-ough! o

scornfully. "Let not such a d

nt him. Whereupon I cocked my hat fiercely, as I

, I pray of you, Sir Francis," o

f gentlemen. Next, he tweaked my nose, and as I turned round to avoid him, he applied his foot-yes, his foot-to the back of my trunk-hose; and well was it that the hose were stoutly wadded and quilted. Fire and fury! Sir Giles, I cannot brook the indignity. And what was worse, the shameless gall

his words. Yet no! Revenge must not be accomplished in that way. I have already told you I am willing to let him pursue his pres

I must take my own means of setting myself right with him. I cann

cquired, and plunging him into the Fleet Prison, where he will die by inches, and where you yourself may feast your eyes on his slow agonies? That is true revenge; and you are but a novice in the art of vengeance if you think your plan equal to mi

Sir Francis; "but it is hard to be publicly insulted, and have in

ir Giles; "but you well know you a

re-Clement Lanyere, fo

re than once arrang

e," said Sir Giles; "or I myself would undertake it for you. But that were only half revenge. No; the work

udden rise of this upstart, and that is that he encounters no opposition from Buckingham. Even the King, I am told, has e

e puppet brought forward by De Gondomar-for it is by him that Mounchensey is supported-will be instantly remov

overacts his part, and shows him too much attention. He invites him, as I am given to understand, to all his masques, banquets, an

tween De Gondomar and the Marquis, in consequence of which a trial of skill is to be made in the Tilt-yard to-morrow? Mounc

claimed S

t is not enough for me to hurl this aspiring youth from his proud position, and cover him with disgrace-it is not enoug

" exclaimed

e young man's heart is fixed upon a maiden of great beauty, named Aveline Calveley, daughter o

circumstance," obs

insensible to his passion. But a bar exists to their happiness. Almost with his last breath, a promise was extorted from his daughter by Hugh Calveley, that if her h

the clai

wi

she will fulf

g father's commands are

Giles? Is she so very be

she will be here anon. And you

Francis. "By what magic

ith a grim smile. "I have summoned her in her father's name.

inquired

ecret," repli

the person without to enter, it was opened by Clement Lanyere, wrap

e here,"

he elderly female

affirmative from the promoter, h

ment Lanyere. The maiden was attired in deep mourning, and though looking very pale, her surpassing beauty produced a strong impress

tention on him, Aveline

look filled h

ent for me, Sir

, to remind you of the promise made by

"then my forebodings

"and it is only necessary for me to announce to you that, in

who will claim it?-and how can the claim be substan

given you notice to prepare for the fulfilment of an engagement solemnly contracted

rther explanation; but perceiving from the inflexible expression of his counte

possess to make that

ted with admirati

lished. Half your possessions, say you? She is not worth so much. Assi

the old usurer, eagerly; "but you must prove t

you, man? But rest easy. Yo

t once," cried Sir Francis. "I shall have a rare prize; and s