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Rh, in a low, earnest voice, "if you will take the next path, and permit me to accompany you part of the way on your return to the Castle."

"In short, you want to get rid of me, as you are going to meet some one more favoured. And, pray, who is the cavalier?"

"I must rely on your honour as a gentleman, that the confidence you have drawn from me will be sacred. I fear me the name will find but little favour in your eyes. I am about to meet one whose life is risked in the meeting,—an outlaw—Robert Evelyn."

The King started in displeasure and surprise. "And how did you become acquainted with that young fanatic and rebel?"

"In earlier and happier days. We met four years ago in Italy."

"And why did you not marry then?"

"He had not his father's consent; and I could not leave an aged parent, then dependent on my care."

"And have you not met since?"

"Never till within the last two days. God knows, our attachment has, from the first, been surrounded by distress and by difficulties!"

"And yet you have loved on? But no marvel that he now seeks Lord Avonleigh's heiress!"