To proceed.  In a chair of state, elevated above the table round which the Lords of the Council were gathered, and having a canopy over it, sat the King, calmly watching them as they pursued their deliberations,—­his own mind being completely made up as to the sentence he should pronounce—­and ever and anon stealing a glance at Lady Lake and her husband, who were seated behind a bar that crossed the room below the Council-table.  The defendants, or prisoners—­for such in effect they were—­were under the guard of a pursuivant and a serjeant-at-arms.  A little behind them was Sarah Swarton; but, though faint and frightened, and scarcely able to sustain herself, she was not allowed a seat.  On a raised bench at the side sat the beautiful Countess of Exeter, radiant with smiles and triumph.  She was receiving the congratulations of several dames of high rank by whom she was accompanied.  Amongst the Judges of the Court were the Lord Chancellor, who sat immediately under the King, with his mace and seal before him; the Lord Treasurer and the Keeper of the Privy Seal; the President of the Council; the Judges; the Archbishop of Canterbury, and eight bishops and other prelates; and all the dukes, marquises, earls, and barons composing the Privy Council, to the number of forty.  Besides these, there were present Prince Charles, three of the lieger ambassadors, and many other distinguished persons.  Though all had gone against her, Lady Lake’s spirit was still undiminished, and she eyed the Council imperiously; but her husband’s regards were fixed upon the ground, and his head rested upon his breast.

After some further time had been needlessly consumed by the Council in stating their opinions to the King, he prepared to deliver judgment.  On this the defendants arose, and profound silence reigned throughout the Court as James addressed them.

The sentence was to this effect:—­A fine of upwards of L22,000 was imposed upon Sir Thomas, with a further censure of imprisonment in the Tower, during the King’s pleasure.  Lady Lake was to be imprisoned with him.  A public recognition of their offence, for reparation of the Countess’s injured honour, was to be made by them, in the most ample manner His Majesty could devise.  Sarah Swarton was adjudged to the Fleet.  “Thence,” ran the sentence, “to be whipped at the cart’s tail to Westminster, and afterwards from the same place to Cheapside.  At Cheapside to be branded with F.A. (signifying false accusation), one letter on either cheek.  To do public penance in Saint Martin’s Church.  To be detained in the Fleet till they do weary of her; and then to be sent to Bridewell, there to spend and end her days.”

When the poor handmaiden heard this severe sentence, she uttered a cry of despair, and fell down on the floor in a swoon.

Thereupon the delinquents were removed; and as Lady Lake withdrew, a look passed between her and the Countess, which, in spite of the assurance of the latter, made her turn pale, and tremble.