Nearly a fortnight had thus passed by, when, one day, during which she had seen nothing of her tormentor, and was rejoicing at the circumstance, the repast usually served at noon was brought in by a fresh serving-man.  Something in this person’s manner, and in the meaning glance he fixed upon her attracted her attention; otherwise, he was a man of singularly unprepossessing appearance.  She addressed a few words to him, but he made no reply, and became suddenly as reserved as his predecessor had been.  This deportment, however, it presently appeared, was only assumed.  While placing a flask of wine on the table, the man said in a low tone—­“I am a friend of Sir Jocelyn.  Constrain yourself, or you will betray me.  Sir Francis is watching us from an eyelet-hole in the door.  Drink of this,” he added, pouring wine into a goblet.

“Is it medicated?” she asked in a whisper, regarding him anxiously.

“It is supposed to be so,” he answered, with a scarcely perceptible smile.  “Drink, I say.  If you do not, you will mar my project.  ’Tis well!” he added, as she raised the goblet to her lips.  “A few words must explain my design.  Sir Francis will fancy you have swallowed a love-potion.  Take care not to undeceive him, for on that belief rests your safety.  When he presents himself, as he will do shortly, do not repulse him as heretofore.  Smile on him as kindly as you can; and though the task of duping him may be difficult and distasteful to you, shrink not from it.  The necessity of the case justifies the deception.  If he presses his suit, no longer refuse him your hand.”

“I cannot do it,” murmured Aveline, with a shudder.

“You MUST,” rejoined Luke Hatton—­for it was he—­“or incur worse dangers.  Provoked by your resistance, Sir Francis has lost all patience, and is determined to accomplish his purpose.  Knowing my skill as a brewer of philters, he has applied to me, and I have promised him aid.  But have no fear.  Though employed by him, I am devoted to you, and will effect your deliverance—­ay, and avenge you upon your persecutors at the same time—­if you follow my instructions exactly.  Raise the goblet to your lips again.  Quaff its contents without apprehension—­they are perfectly harmless.  Force smiles to your features—­give tenderness to your tones, and softness to your glances—­and all will be won.”

And with a grin, which, though intended to encourage her, somewhat alarmed Aveline, he took up the flask of wine and departed.

As her singular adviser had predicted, it was not long before the old usurer made his appearance, evidently full of eagerness to ascertain whether any change had been wrought in her disposition towards him by the wonder-working draught.  Dissembling her aversion as well as she could, and assuming looks very foreign to her feelings, she easily succeeded in persuading him that the philter had taken effect, and that all obstacles to his happiness were removed.  Transported with rapture, he fell upon his knees, and besought her to crown his felicity by consenting to their union on the following day.  Bewildered by various emotions, yet still managing to play her part, she returned an answer, which he construed into an affirmative; and now quite beside himself with delight, the amorous old dotard left her.