size, so there is little risk of detection in that particular; and if you can but conceal your features for a short while, on Sir Francis’s entrance, the trick will never be discovered.  All the rest has been arranged; and I am a mere puppet in the hands of others, to be played as they direct.  Bless us! how beautiful this dress is, to-be-sure!—­what satin!—­and what lace!  The Countess of Exeter has just such another.  Have you heard that her ladyship has gained her cause against those wicked Lakes, who conspired against her?  But what am I saying—­when I know you cannot have heard of it!  Well, then, it occupied five days in the Star-Chamber; and Sir Thomas and his lady are sent to the Tower, and Sarah Swarton to the Fleet.  Poor creature! she is to be whipped and branded, and to do penance in Saint Martin’s church.  Dreadful! but I won’t think of it.  I wonder how this dress will become me!  How astounded Dick Taverner would be, if he could only see me in it!  Mayhap he will—­there’s no saying.  And now, fair mistress, may I crave your aid?”

While Gillian was thus running on, she had partially disrobed herself, and very soon afterwards was decked out in the rich attire, the effect of which upon her own person she was so desirous of ascertaining.  When her toilet was complete, she could not help running up to a mirror, and on seeing the reflection of her well-formed figure now displayed to unwonted advantage, she clapped her hands and cried out with girlish delight.

Allowing her to gratify her feelings of vanity by the contemplation of her pretty person for a few minutes, Aveline felt it necessary to recal her to her situation, and her own transformation into the tire-woman was speedily effected,—­Gillian’s dress fitting her exactly.  The light-hearted damsel was quite as much pleased with this change as with the other—­and vowed that Aveline looked far better in the rustic gown, than she herself did in the silken attire.

But time pressed; and as Sir Francis might surprise them, they hastened to complete their arrangements.  Gillian’s comely features, as well as her sumptuous robe, had to be obscured by the envious veil; and as it was thrown over her, she could not help heaving a sigh.  Aveline then put on the muffler which had been worn by the country damsel, and their disguises were complete.

Not a minute too soon.  At this juncture a tap was heard at a door communicating with the adjoining apartment, and the voice of the old usurer was heard inquiring whether his bride was ready.  An answer in the affirmative was given by Aveline, and, with a throbbing heart and faltering steps, Gillian prepared to obey the summons.

The door was thrown open, and mustering up all her resolution, she passed through it.  Both Sir Francis and his partner were waiting to receive her.  The latter was richly attired, but had not changed the sombre hue of his habiliments, even for the anticipated ceremonial, being clad, as usual, in black.  In this respect he offered marked contrast to the gay apparel of the antiquated bridegroom, as well as by the calmness of his deportment and the stern gravity of his looks.  Behind them stood Luke Hatton, bearing a heavy silver coffer, of antique workmanship.