"The innocent must not suffer for the guilty—no, God forbid! But let us hope for the best," he continued, as he marked the growing pallor of poor Susan's face. "It was a foolish freak, but no man has been injured—no blood was shed.
"Cheer up, my child, we have powerful friends in Court, even in this Court of the Star Chamber—the worst of all our Courts! In the last issue, if all else fails, it may be but a matter of a fine, and we are, happily, rich enough to pay it; or a short imprisonment, and the boy is young, and will live through it. Cheer up, Susan; wipe those tears away, and trust in God that all will come right!
"Now go and see the boys, and let me know if I may see them also," continued Sir John.
"I go, dear uncle," said Susan, rising to her feet; "but pardon me if I urge that you say nothing to them at present about this sad matter; remember that Dr. Barnes enjoins the most watchful care on our part; they must have rest and peace both for body and mind."
"I will remember, most wise nurse!" said Sir John, as he rose to open the door for her with a smile on his grave countenance.
Susan had scarcely left the library than, with a preliminary knock at the door, Sir John's valet entered it.
Bowing low, the man informed his master that his Excellency the Spanish Ambassador and his son Don Diego d'Olivares were in the entrance-hall, and that they craved the honour of a brief interview.
Sir John nodded assent, and a few moments later he heard the steps of his visitors as they ascended the stairs to the library.
Hastening to the top of the staircase the Treasurer met his distinguished visitors with deep obeisance.
But the Ambassador was evidently in no mood to stand upon points of ceremony.