"I say in this case, the Reverend Mr. Winter will overlook the little matter of your consent. It is true he is not of the true faith, but I shall be willing to overlook that little matter in this case."
"Then I will proclaim my shame to the world. I will tell every one what you have told me."
"That doth not matter. Peter Trevisa is the only one who holds the secret of this matter. He will at the proper time deny all knowledge of it. You see how perfectly plain-spoken I am." Then my dear maid spoke again, and her voice was indeed sad.
"I am all alone," she said, "I have no friends. You are many against one poor girl. Very well, do your worst, I will not do one thing that you say. Oh, you cowards, you poor miserable cowards! If I were a man you would not dare act so. And I do not believe any one calling himself a clergyman would do as you say; but even if he will, I will resist you to the last, and I will die by my own hand rather than"—then I heard her sob bitterly.
I could bear no more. If this were a farce, I could not allow it to continue further; if they intended carrying out their threats, it was time to interfere; even Hugh Boscawen no longer held me back. I put my shoulder to the door and burst it open.
Without ado, Hugh Boscawen went across the room and placed his hand on Otho Killigrew's shoulder.
"Otho Killigrew, I arrest you in the King's name," he said.
Otho did not lose his presence of mind, but turned coolly towards him.
"Why, my lord?" he said, "what have I done to be arrested? I defy you to prove aught against me."
"That remains to be seen," he said; then he gave a whistle, and immediately his men entered.