“Thou art merry, young sir. But an hour since—”
The monk was interrupted by a gentle knocking under the tapestry.
Adrian started up, and drew his sword, taking the precaution, however, to resume the scarlet cloak, and slouching hat.
The knocking grew louder. The monk removed the tapestry in the part from whence the sound proceeded, and having pressed a spring, a secret door in the wainscotting flew open, and a woman of beautiful countenance, and rich attire was discovered.
“Thou here, stern priest!” said the damsel, in a sweet voice, “I would speak with my lord.”
“Mariamne, thou canst not see him to-night; he hath no time to trifle with such as thee. His thoughts are given to prayer.”
The monk closed the door, and, turning to Adrian, said,
“Another of this miscreant’s victims, Adrian. It was fortunate she did not see thee closely, for her eye would have detected where hundreds might look without suspicion. And now let us away; every moment increases thy danger; the duke may even now have freed himself, and set his minions in chase.”
“To fly, I am willing, sir monk; but whither?”
“Follow me,” said the monk, as he lighted a small lamp of silver. He then removed the tapestry, and discovered a secret door opposite the one afore-mentioned. This the monk entered, followed by Adrian, and a stairway of stone, some two feet in width, was revealed; it was cut into the wall and over-arched, and the distance between the steps and the arch not more than four feet.