“On my soul, no!” rejoined the king, passionately.  “I have never seen beauty equal to yours, sweetheart—­never have been so suddenly, so completely captivated before.”

“Oh! do not use this language towards me, my liege,” replied Nizza, dropping on her knee before him.  “I am unworthy your notice.  My heart is entirely given to Leonard Holt.”

“You will speedily forget him in the brilliant destiny which awaits you, child,” returned Charles, raising her.  “Do not bestow another thought on the senseless dolt who can prefer Amabel’s sickly charms to your piquant attractions.  By Heaven! you shall be mine.”

“Never!” exclaimed Nizza, extricating herself from his grasp, and rushing towards the door.

“You fly in vain,” cried the king, laughingly pursuing her.

As he spoke the door opened, and Sir Paul Parravicin entered the room.  The knight started on seeing how matters stood, and the king looked surprised and angry.  Taking advantage of their embarrassment, Nizza made good her retreat, and hurrying to Amabel’s chamber, closed and bolted the door.

“What is the matter?” cried Amabel, startled by her agitated appearance.

“Sir Paul Parravicin is here,” replied Nizza.  “I have seen him.  But that is not all.  I am unlucky enough to have attracted the king’s fancy.  He has terrified me with his proposals.”

“Our persecution is never to end,” rejoined Amabel; “you are as unfortunate as myself.”

“And there is no possibility of escape,” returned Nizza, bursting into tears; we are snared like birds in the nets of the fowler.”

“You can fly with Leonard if you choose,” replied Amabel.

“And leave you—­impossible!” rejoined Nizza.

“There is nothing for it, then, but resignation,” returned Amabel.  “Let us put a firm trust in Heaven, and no ill can befall us.”

After passing several hours of the greatest disquietude, they were about to retire to rest, when Mrs. Buscot tapped at the door, and making herself known, was instantly admitted.

“Alas!” she cried, clasping her niece round the neck, “I tremble to tell you what I have heard.  Despite the king’s injunctions, the wicked Earl of Rochester is determined to see you before morning, and to force you to compliance with his wishes.  You must fly as soon as it is dark.”

“But how am I to fly, dear aunt?” rejoined Amabel.  “You yourself know that the keys of the stable are taken away, and that two of the king’s attendants will remain on the watch all night.  How will it be possible to elude their vigilance?”

“Leave Leonard to manage it,” replied Mrs. Buscot.  “Only prepare to set out.  John Lutcombe will guide you across the downs to Kingston Lisle, where good Mrs. Compton will take care of you, and when the danger is over you can return to me.”

“It is a hazardous expedient,” rejoined Amabel, “and I would rather run all risks, and remain here.  If the earl should resort to violence, I can appeal to the king for protection.”