The Marchioness, being a little assured, drew Louis aside; and in a low voice, entreated him to rely on the strenuous friendship of her husband, and to depend upon seeing her in whatever prison he might be confined. He expressed his gratitude in emphatic, but brief terms; and begged her to continue her kindness, by writing what had happened, and transmitting it by Lorenzo to his father.
Marcella stood all this while, leaning against the tapestry, in a silent astonishment of thought and feeling.
Lorenzo had been the most active below, in keeping out the officers; and, having extricated himself from them who had seized him in consequence, he now rushed into the room, and in much agitation threw himself at the feet of his master. Louis grasped the faithful hand that clung to his, and answered the fervent vows to follow him into all captivity, by an impressive whisper:—
"You must serve me here. The Marchioness will tell you how."
Then, advancing to the officer, he repeated, "Sir, I am ready."
Don Diego beckoned two guards, who immediately drew near their prisoner. They attempted to lay their hands on the sword and pistols with which his generous hostess had re-furnished him the preceding night; but he repelled them, and demanded of the Alcaid, what was meant by this indignity.
"To disarm you, Sir," replied the officer, "such are my orders. You menaced the warden of the Alcazar, in the discharge of his duty; we are to be protected in ours, and you must yield your weapons, or have them forced from you."
"The laws require it of me, as your prisoner?"
"They do."
Louis said no more, but put his sword and pistols into the Alcaid's hands.