“It is needless,” replied Charles, coldly.  “I do not doubt your assertion.  But you will do the earl an injustice as well as yourself, if you do not allow him a fair hearing.”

“If you will allow me five minutes alone with you, Amabel, or will take a single turn with me on the terrace, I will engage to remove every doubt,” insinuated Rochester.

“You would fail to do so, my lord,” replied Amabel.  “The time is gone by when those accents, once so winning in my ear, can move me.”

“At least give me the opportunity,” implored the earl.

“No,” replied Amabel, decidedly, “I will never willingly meet you more; for though I am firm in my purpose, I do not think it right to expose myself to temptation.  And now that I have put your majesty in full possession of my sentiments,” she added to the king; “now that I have told you with what bitter tears I have striven to wash out my error,—­I implore you to extend your protecting hand towards me, and to save me from further persecution on the part of the earl.”

“I shall remain at this place to-night,” returned Charles.  “Take till to-morrow to consider of it, and if you continue in the same mind, your request shall be granted.”

“At least, enjoin the earl to leave me unmolested till then,” cried Amabel.

“Hum!” exclaimed the king, exchanging a look with Rochester.

“For pity, sire, do not hesitate,” cried Amabel, in a tone of such agony that the good-natured monarch could not resist it.

“Well, well,” he rejoined; “it shall be as you desire.  Rochester, you have heard our promise, and will act in conformity with it.”

The earl bowed carelessly.

“Nay, nay, my lord,” pursued Charles, authoritatively, “my commands shall be obeyed, and if you purpose otherwise, I will place you under restraint.”

“Your majesty’s wishes are sufficient restraint,” rejoined Rochester; “I am all obedience.”

“It is well,” replied Charles.  “Are you satisfied, fair damsel?”

“Perfectly,” replied Amabel.  And making a profound and grateful reverence to the king, she retired.

Nizza Macascree met her at the door, and it was fortunate she did so, or Amabel, whose strength began to fail her, would otherwise have fallen.  While she was thus engaged, Charles caught sight of the piper’s daughter, and being greatly struck by her beauty, inquired her name.

“Odds fish!” he exclaimed, when informed of it by Rochester, “a piper’s daughter!  She is far more beautiful than your mistress.”

“If I procure her for your majesty, will you withdraw your interdiction from me?” rejoined the earl.

“No—­no—­that is impossible, after the pledge I have given,” replied Charles.  “But you must bring this lovely creature to me anon.  I am enchanted with her, and do not regret this long ride, since it has brought her under my notice.”

“Your majesty’s wishes shall be obeyed,” said Rochester.  “I will not wait till to-morrow for an interview with Amabel,” he added to himself.