“Give me proof,” said the Earl vehemently, “that you have not tampered with mine enemies.”

“My lord,” replied the old man, with dignity, “you can have no better proof than that which you yourself elected.  In that turret I have spent the last twenty-four hours under the key which has been in your own custody.  The hours of darkness I have spent in gazing on the heavenly bodies with these dim eyes, and during those of light I have toiled this aged brain to complete the calculation arising from their combinations.  Earthly food I have not tasted—­earthly voice I have not heard.  You are yourself aware I had no means of doing so; and yet I tell you—­I who have been thus shut up in solitude and study—­that within these twenty-four hours your star has become predominant in the horizon, and either the bright book of heaven speaks false, or there must have been a proportionate revolution in your fortunes upon earth.  If nothing has happened within that space to secure your power, or advance your favour, then am I indeed a cheat, and the divine art, which was first devised in the plains of Chaldea, is a foul imposture.”

“It is true,” said Leicester, after a moment’s reflection, “thou wert closely immured; and it is also true that the change has taken place in my situation which thou sayest the horoscope indicates.”

“Wherefore this distrust then, my son?” said the astrologer, assuming a tone of admonition; “the celestial intelligences brook not diffidence, even in their favourites.”

“Peace, father,” answered Leicester, “I have erred in doubting thee.  Not to mortal man, nor to celestial intelligence—­under that which is supreme—­will Dudley’s lips say more in condescension or apology.  Speak rather to the present purpose.  Amid these bright promises thou hast said there was a threatening aspect.  Can thy skill tell whence, or by whose means, such danger seems to impend?”

“Thus far only,” answered the astrologer, “does my art enable me to answer your query.  The infortune is threatened by the malignant and adverse aspect, through means of a youth, and, as I think, a rival; but whether in love or in prince’s favour, I know not nor can I give further indication respecting him, save that he comes from the western quarter.”

“The western—­ha!” replied Leicester, “it is enough—­the tempest does indeed brew in that quarter!  Cornwall and Devon—­Raleigh and Tressilian—­one of them is indicated-I must beware of both.  Father, if I have done thy skill injustice, I will make thee a lordly recompense.”

He took a purse of gold from the strong casket which stood before him.  “Have thou double the recompense which Varney promised.  Be faithful—­be secret—­obey the directions thou shalt receive from my master of the horse, and grudge not a little seclusion or restraint in my cause—­it shall be richly considered.—­Here, Varney—­conduct this venerable man to thine own lodging; tend him heedfully in all things, but see that he holds communication with no one.”