"Lady, you are right. Unseemly it may be for one of your quality and sex to quit this place with me, and alone; but at least I have a man's heart, a knight's honour. Trust to me your safety, noble maiden, and I will cut your way, even through yon foul king's heart, to your great father's side!"
Anne did not seem quite to understand his words; but she smiled on him as he knelt, and gave him her hand. The responsibility he had assumed quickened all the intellect of the young knight. As he took and kissed the hand extended to him, he felt the ring upon his finger,— the ring intrusted to him by Alwyn, the king's signet-ring, before which would fly open every gate. He uttered a joyous exclamation, loosened his long night-cloak, and praying Anne to envelop her form in its folds, drew the hood over her head; he was about to lead her forth when he halted suddenly.
"Alack," said he, turning to Sibyll, "even though we may escape the Tower, no boatman now can be found on the river. The way through the streets is dark and perilous, and beset with midnight ruffians."
"Verily," said Warner, "the danger is past now. Let the noble demoiselle rest here till morning. The king dare not again—"
"Dare not!" interrupted Marmaduke. "Alas! you little know King
Edward."
At that name Anne shuddered, opened the door, and hurried down the stairs; Sibyll and Marmaduke followed her.
"Listen, Sir Marmaduke," said Sibyll. "Close without the Tower is the house of a noble lady, the dame of Longueville, where Anne may rest in safety, while you seek Lord Warwick. I will go with you, if you can obtain egress for us both."
"Brave damsel!" said Marmaduke, with emotion; "but your own safety— the king's anger—no—besides a third, your dress not concealed, would create the warder's suspicion. Describe the house."
"The third to the left, by the river's side, with an arched porch, and the fleur-de-lis embossed on the walls."
"It is not so dark but we shall find it. Fare you well, gentle mistress."