A dying father's commands are sacred with one like her." "Have you seen her, Sir Giles?
Is she so very beautiful as represented ?" "I have not yet seen her; but she will be here anon.

And you can then judge for yourself." "She here!" exclaimed Sir Francis.

"By what magic will you bring her hither ?" "By a spell that cannot fail in effect," replied Sir Giles, with a grim smile.

"I have summoned her in her father's name.

I have sent for her to tell her that her hand will be claimed." "By whom ?" inquired Sir Francis.
"That is my secret," replied Sir Giles.
At this juncture there was a tap at the door, and Sir Giles, telling the person without to enter, it was opened by Clement Lanyere, wrapped in his long mantle, and with his countenance hidden by his mask.
"They are here," he said.
"The damsel and the elderly female ?" cried Sir Giles.
And receiving a response in the affirmative from the promoter, he bade him usher them in at once.
The next moment Aveline, attended by a decent-looking woman, somewhat stricken in years, entered the room.