Gwynplaine bowed.
"The test has been administered," said the Lord Chancellor.
And the Clerk of the Parliament resumed,—
"His lordship has taken the test."
The Lord Chancellor added,—
"My Lord Clancharlie, you can take your seat."
"So be it," said the two sponsors.
The King-at-Arms rose, took the sword from the stand, and buckled it round Gwynplaine's waist.
"Ce faict," says the old Norman charter, "le pair prend son espée, et monte aux hauts siéges, et assiste a l'audience."
Gwynplaine heard a voice behind him which said,—