Striking the May-pole precisely at the summit, it shattered the wood, and brought down the floral crown surmounting it, as well as the topmost streamers.
The spectators stared aghast.
"Be warned by this," thundered Hugh Calveley, with gloomy triumph.

"Your idol is smitten--not by my hand, but by His who will chastise your wickedness." Whereupon he closed the window, and departed.

Presently afterwards, the door was opened by an old, grave-looking, decently-clad serving-man.
Addressing Jocelyn, who had already dismounted and given his horse in charge to the youth engaged for a similar purpose by Dick Taverner, this personage invited him, in his master's name, to enter; and, with a heart throbbing with emotion, the young man complied.

Chance seemed to befriend him in a way he could never have anticipated; and he now hoped to obtain an interview with Aveline.
His conductor led him through a passage to a large chamber at the back of the house, with windows looking upon a garden.

The room was panelled with dark shining oak, had a polished floor, an immense chimney-piece, and a moulded ceiling.