“You will ruin all by your weakness,” said Lady Lake.

“Let Lord Roos go free, and let there be a truce between you and the Countess for three days, and I am content.”

“I do not like to give such a promise,” said Lady Lake.  “It will be hard to keep it.”

“It may be harder to lose all your vengeance,” rejoined Lady Roos, in a tone that showed she would not be opposed.

Compelled to succumb, Lady Lake moved towards Sir Thomas, and a few words having passed between them in private, the Secretary of State thus addressed his noble son-in-law—­

“My Lord,” he said in a grave tone, “at the instance of my daughter, though much against my own inclination, and that of my wife, I will no longer oppose your departure.  I understand you are about to travel, and I therefore recommend you to set forth without delay, for if you be found in London, or in England, after three days, during which time, at the desire also of our daughter—­and equally against our own wishes—­we consent to keep truce with my lady of Exeter; if, I say, you are found after that time, I will not answer for the consequences to yourself.  Thus warned, my Lord, you are at liberty to depart.”

“I will take advantage of your offer, Sir Thomas, and attend to your hint,” replied Lord Roos.  And turning upon his heel, he marched towards the door, whither he was accompanied by Sir Thomas Lake, who called to the attendants outside to let him go free.

“Not one word of farewell to me! not one look!” exclaimed his wife, sinking back upon the pillow.

“Nor for me—­and I shall see him no more,” murmured the Countess, compressing her beautiful lips.  “But it is better thus.”

While this was passing, Luke Hatton had contrived to approach the Countess, and now said in a low tone—­“If your ladyship will trust to me, and make it worth my while, I will deliver you from the peril in which you are placed by this confession.  Shall I come to Exeter House to-night?”

She consented.

“At what hour?”

“At midnight,” she returned.  “I loathe thee, yet have no alternative but to trust thee.  Am I free to depart likewise?” she added aloud to Sir Thomas.

“The door is open for you, Countess,” rejoined the Secretary of State, with mock ceremoniousness.  “After three days, you understand, war is renewed between us.”

“War to the death,” subjoined Lady Lake.

“Be it so,” replied the Countess.  “I shall not desert my post.”

And assuming the dignified deportment for which she was remarkable, she went forth with a slow and majestic step.

Luke Hatton would have followed her, but Sir Thomas detained him.

“Am I a prisoner?” he said, uneasily, and glancing at Lady Lake.  “Her ladyship promised me instant liberation.”

“And the promise shall be fulfilled as soon as I am satisfied my daughter is out of danger,” returned Sir Thomas.