But the young knight, folding his arms upon his breast, sternly replied—­“When reparation is made, Count, I may accept your hand, but not till then.”

“At least enter my house,” urged the ambassador, “where you will be protected from arrest.”

“Do not hesitate, Sir Jocelyn,” subjoined Lanyere.  “You are in great peril.”

But the young knight haughtily refused.

“I will not owe an asylum to you, Count,” he said, “till my name be cleared from reproach.”  And, with a proud salutation, he departed.

The Spanish ambassador shrugged his shoulders, and looked after him with mingled admiration and contempt.  He then turned to the promoter, and said, “Come in with me, Lanyere.  I have somewhat to say to you.”

“I must pray your Excellency to excuse me just now,” replied the other.  “I have business on hand.”

And bowing with nearly as much haughtiness as Sir Jocelyn, he followed in the course taken by the young knight.

CHAPTER XX.

A Place of Refuge.

After quitting De Gondomar, as before related, Sir Jocelyn hurried along Holborn with the intention of proceeding to Aveline’s cottage, which was at no great distance from Ely House, though in a secluded situation, withdrawn from the road; and he was just about to strike into the narrow lane leading to it, when he was arrested by the voice of Clement Lanyere, who had followed him, unobserved.

“Stay, Sir Jocelyn, I beg of you,” cried the promoter, coming quickly up to him; “you are rushing on certain destruction.  You must not go nigh that cottage to-day; no, nor for several days to come.  Foes are lying in ambush round it; and the only spectacle you will afford her you love will be that of your arrest.”

There was an earnestness in the speaker’s manner that could not fail to carry conviction of his sincerity to the breast of his hearer.

“By my soul, I speak the truth,” said Lanyere, perceiving the impression he had made, “as you will find if you go many steps further.  Place yourself in my hands, and I will save you.”

“What motive can you have for acting thus?” demanded Sir Jocelyn.  “What interest do you take in me?”

“Do not question me now:  you shall have full explanation hereafter.  Be satisfied I am a friend,—­perchance your best friend.  Come with me, and I will take you to a place of safety.”

“But what is to happen to Aveline?” cried the young knight, in deep anxiety.

“I will endeavour to watch over her,” replied the promoter; “and I trust no harm will befall her.  At all events, you will deprive yourself of the power of rendering her any protection, if you are rash enough to go forward now.”