The girl burst into tears. "He took it out of my hand," she said. "I stopped a minute to speak with him; and he took it out of my hand."
"What is his name?" demanded the Countess, in the same tone.
"Maxwell," faltered the girl.
"From whom did you receive the note?" asked the Countess.
"From Sir Thomas Overbury," was the reply.
"Get thee gone, trait'ress," cried Lady Shrewsbury; "get thee gone! and pray to God to pardon thee, for thou hast done much evil. Now, Arabel," she continued, "take off your walking-dress, as I will mine, and let us consider how we must act. You will soon be summoned before the Council, be you sure. I will go with you, as is befitting. Were I you, I would not deny the marriage; but, if they charge you with it as a crime, be bold, dear girl, refuse to plead before any such tribunal. Say, if you have offended, you have a right to public trial by your country, and boldly declare that the laws of the land do not justify a King in punishing, without the sentence of a jury."
"It will but make him furious," replied Arabella.
As she spoke, the door opened unceremoniously, and a keeper of the council-chamber appeared.
"Madam," he said; but no sooner had he uttered the word, than he broke off, and, turning to some one who was behind him, exclaimed, "You need not go on, the Countess is here."
"Well, sir," said Lady Shrewsbury, "what now?"