It is needless to say that Buckingham knew his man, and Constance’ desires for one whom she could bribe.  The latter’s first and only desire was for means of escape, and to this end tried to bribe the keeper for man’s attire.  This was not the Duke’s aim, and Constance, being thwarted, struck quickly upon another means.

She succeeded in getting the promise of a visit from Cantemir, who was little able to be about, but he intended to see her of his own accord, that he might move her to a lively interest in the salvation of her soul.

In anticipation of his visit, Constance had obtained through the gaoler certain drugs of nondescript virtues.  These she carefully hid and made her final preparations for a speedy flight.

Cantemir stopped for a moment, as he stepped from the chair, and looked up at the prison walls, that were made grey and indistinct by the clouded moon and falling rain.  Religion had changed him even more than the ravages of disease.  His true self had awakened, and the beauty of it had devoured the Satanic expression that was wont to lie upon his countenance.  His face fairly beamed with a light that came from within, where his soul stirred now free from sin’s fetters.

He was conducted by the keeper through the windings of the sombre corridors to the cell of Constance, who greeted him with the words: 

“Now, Adrian, we can excuse wantonness in the devil, but never slothfulness in religion.  We have no shrines here as abroad; what has kept thee from thy captive cousin?”

“I am not late, Constance; thou art impatient, and as for shrines, I carry one in my heart all the time, and thou must have one, too—­”

“Damn!  We have no time to prate.  I must get out of this vile hole.—­Hast thou seen the devil Duchess lately?”

“Aye, yesterday I saw her riding out.  She is very beautiful, but she has changed—­”

“Changed—­how?”

“She has grown fleshy—­”

“Ah! say not ‘fleshy’ but fat! fat!  Now what good fortune is this?  The
Duke will be getting a divorce, for he doth abominate a fat woman. 
Good, good!  I must see her.  I shall pay her a visit before I leave for
France.”

“Thou wilt have far to journey, for they leave at once for Ellswold.  The case will be settled within a few days at most.”

“A few days at most?  Legal folderol, a mere shade of a trial.  Aye; I must see her Grace.  I have a message for her.”

“I will serve thee; Constance, I will take thy message—­” Adrian was interrupted by the entrance of the gaoler, who brought in cordial juleps.  Her ladyship made the fellow drink, before she would allow him to go.  Then, as he left them again, she said,—­

“Thou canst not; it is a message no one can deliver but me,” and as if to seal her words she poured down a good, round bumper.

“What dost mean, Constance?  Thou art too subtle for me!”