‘“It is indeed,” said I, “all that my mind could have fancied of regal power and splendour.”
‘“Girl,” he whispered,—and my uncle can make his whispers as terribly emphatic as his thundering voice or his blighting look—“all that is noble and worthy in this fair land are there assembled—but it is to bend like slaves and sycophants before the throne of a new usurper.”
‘I looked at him, and the dark hereditary frown of our unhappy ancestor was black upon his brow.
‘“For God’s sake,” I whispered, “consider where we are.”
‘“Fear nothing,” he said; “we are surrounded by friends.” As he proceeded, his strong and muscular frame shook with suppressed agitation. “See,” he said, “yonder bends Norfolk, renegade to his Catholic.faith; there stoops the Bishop of ——, traitor to the Church of England; and,—shame of shames! yonder the gigantic form of Errol bows his head before the grandson of his father’s murderer! But a sign shall be seen this night amongst them—MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN, shall be read on these walls, as distinctly as the spectral handwriting made them visible on those of Belshazzar!”
‘“For God’s sake,” said I, dreadfully alarmed, “it is impossible you can meditate violence in such a presence!”
‘“None is intended, fool,” he answered, “nor can the slightest mischance happen, provided you will rally your boasted courage, and obey my directions. But do it coolly and quickly, for there are a hundred lives at stake.”
‘“Alas! what—can I do?” I asked in the utmost terror.
‘“Only be prompt to execute my bidding,” said he; “it is but to lift a glove—Here, hold this in your hand—throw the train of your dress over it, be firm, composed, and ready—or, at all events, I step forward myself.”
‘“If there is no violence designed,” I said, taking, mechanically, the iron glove he put into my hand.