"I have no fear," replied Jane, stoutly.
"Who were the malignants with you? Was Charles Stuart one of them? Speak! I will have an answer."
His manner was so authoritative, that she felt almost compelled to obey. Still she remained silent.
"I ask again, was Charles Stuart one of them?" said Cromwell, still more sternly. "I have received intelligence from one not likely to deceive me, that he meditates flight from the city on this very morn. And I am here on the watch for him."
"You have received false intelligence," rejoined Jane. "The king will never leave the city."
"Ah! you have plenty of spirit, I find," cried Cromwell. "But you draw suspicion on yourself by your reluctance to answer. For the third time, who were those with you?'
"My brother, Colonel Lane, and my brother's friend, Sir Clement Fisher," she replied.
"And your own suitor, perchance," remarked Cromwell.
"You are right," rejoined Jane.
At this juncture several of the troopers returned, and Cromwell called out: