"No," replied Amabel, firmly; "if the king will not defend me, I will defend myself."
Leonard glanced at her with admiration, but he said nothing.
"Is Sir Paul Parravicin here?" asked Nizza Macascree, with great anxiety.
"I have not seen him," replied Leonard; "and I have carefully examined the countenances of all the king's attendants."
"Heaven be praised!" exclaimed Nizza.
At this juncture, Mrs. Buscot entered the room. Her looks bespoke great agitation, and she trembled violently.
"You have no doubt heard from Leonard that the king and his courtiers are below," she said. "His majesty inquired whether you were here, and I did not dare to deceive him. He desires to see you, and has sent me for you. What is to be done?" she added, with a look of distraction. "I suppose you must obey."
"There is no alternative," replied Amabel; "I will obey his majesty's commands as soon as I can collect myself. Take back that answer, dear aunt."
"Has Leonard told you that the Earl of Rochester is here?" pursued Mrs. Buscot.
Amabel replied in the affirmative.