The officer motioned her to seat herself, an intimation which she evidently accepted with gratitude.
"What is it, Bingham?" inquired the magistrate of the officer.
"Please, your worship," was the reply, "it's a serious charge; and the prosecutor will be here in a moment."
"Very well," said the magistrate: "I will take it directly."
"Who is she?" whispered Dykes, accosting his brother officer.
"Her name is Esther de Medina, she tells me," returned Bingham.
The question and answer were overheard by Tom Rainford, who was standing close by the officers; and the announcement of the lady's name produced a strange and almost electrical effect upon him.
The devil-me-care recklessness of his manner suddenly disappeared; and a sentiment of profound commiseration and deep interest, in respect to Esther de Medina, seemed to occupy his mind.
He was about to question Mr. Bingham relative to the charge which he had against her, when the clerk called upon him and his securities to sign the bond. This ceremony was speedily performed; and Rain's money was returned to him by Mr. Dykes, who, however, looked at him in a manner which seemed to say—"I know I am not mistaken in you, although you have contrived to get off: but I'll have you another time."
Tom cared nothing for the sinister looks of the Bow Street officer; neither did he pay much attention to the gold which he now poured back into his pocket; for all his thoughts appeared to be absorbed in the presence of the veiled lady.