The Star-Chamber, Volume 1 An Historical Romance

ined Sir Francis M

cts more than the penalty of thy bond,-unless more may be got; who never drives a hard bargain with a needy man-by thine own account; who never persecutes a debtor-as the prisons sha

t, my lord," Sir

well-conceived that they prove thee to have an absolute genius for villany. Scruples thou hast none; and considerations and feelings which might move me

You were always mer

e over. I laughed not then; but was foolish enough to threaten to take th

's pleasure," Sir

Lord Roos cried. "'Tis well! Now pour the whole into

t replied. "Nay, 'tis too much, I swear. If I

nd let the toast be what thou pra

at toast, my lord.

shalt never taste wine more. Down with it,

fect of the wine he had swallowed. "Nay, my good lord;

Roos rejoined. "I will

, I decline-that is, I had rathe

erwise. Give him pen and ink

Francis regarded the pa

near the bottom of the

compulsion; and I pro

nobleman exclaimed, rappi

s wrote his name in

Now set him on the table, that his partner may have him in full view whe

which I shall not submit," cried Sir Francis, who wa

ace to the door; looking the very picture of inebriety, with his head drooping on one side, his arms dangling uselessly down, and his thin legs stretched idly out. After making

guests, when a loud and peremptory summons was heard at the door. The noise roused even th

authoritative voice exclaimed, wh

succeeded the clashing of glasses, and expressions of hilarity, Sir

y treated, did he exhibit any signs of displeasure, or take the slightest notice of the circumstance; reserving this point for consideration, when his first business should be settled. An additional frown might have darkened his countenance; but it was so stern and sombre, without it, that no perceptible change could be discerned; unless it might be in the lightning glances he cast around, as if seeking some one he might call to account presently for the insult. But no one

ght's eagle eye ranged round the table and fell upon him, the young man (notwithstanding the efforts of his pacific neighbour in the furred cloak to restrain him

n his memory. Perhaps they brought Mounchensey's father to mind, for Sir Giles withdrew his gaze for a moment to reflect, and then looked ag

iles-'tis Jocel

young man," he cried, waving his hand imperiously

ur's entreaties to him to sit down, Sir Giles advanced towards the middle cha

d like a grand inquisitor