“As I live, ’tis the pretty tirewoman from Tottenham, engaged by Luke Hatton to attend on Aveline,” cried Sir Francis; “but, ’fore Heaven, I have gained by the exchange.  I like her better than the other, and will go through with the ceremony.  Proceed, Sir Priest.”

At this declaration there was a shout of laughter from the assemblage; but the merriment was increased, when Do Gondomar, stepping up to the bride, said, “I forbid the marriage.  She belongs to me.”

“But my claim is paramount to that of your Excellency,” cried the old usurer.

“I cannot admit it,” rejoined the other.  “Let the damsel decide for herself.”

“Then I will accept neither,” said Gillian.  “Dick Taverner is already master of my heart, and no one but he shall have my hand.  I have been brought here to play a part, on the clear understanding that nothing serious was to come of it.”

“And nothing serious shall come of it, fair maiden,” said Prince Charles.  “I promise that on my princely faith.”

“Then, indeed, I am easy,” replied Gillian, inclining herself reverentially towards the royal speaker.

At this juncture, Sir Giles Mompesson, who had been hitherto restrained by the presence of the royal guest from any violent measures, was advancing with menacing looks towards Lanyere, when the attention of Charles being directed to his movements by Buckingham, the Prince instantly arose, and in a tone of authority not to be disputed, said—­

“Not a step further, Sir Giles.  I will take care that all needful explanations be given.”

“But your Highness cannot be aware that this is a heinous offender and traitor,” rejoined Sir Giles, pointing to Lanyere.  “I was about to take means to prevent his escape.”

“He has no intention of escaping,” rejoined Charles; “and I forbid any one to leave this apartment without my permission.”

“Will your Highness suffer me to relieve this fair creature from the embarrassing position in which she is placed,” said De Gondomar.  “The youth she has mentioned, and to whom she declares her affections are given, was confined in the Fleet Prison for an attack on me; but, on my representation of the matter to the King, your father, his Majesty’s gracious consent was immediately accorded for his liberation.”

“I am aware of it, Count,” replied Prince Charles.

“But your Highness may not be aware that the poor fellow is without,” pursued the Ambassador.  “Will it please you to allow him to be brought in?”

The Prince assented, on which De Gondomar signed to Luke Hatton, who seemed waiting for the order, and, disappearing for a moment, returned with the apprentice.

Though evidently prepared for the scene that awaited him, and not overburthened with modesty, Dick Taverner could not help exhibiting considerable confusion; but the sight of his mistress somewhat restored him, and he pressed towards her.  Sir Francis, however, stepped between them, exclaiming—­“Get hence, base varlet—­she is my wife.”