Luke led them to the refectory. He brought a chair for Eleanor's support; but so far from reviving, after such attention as could be afforded her, she appeared to become weaker. He was about to issue forth in search of Sybil, when to his surprise he found the door fastened.
"You cannot pass this way," said a voice, which Luke instantly recognized as that of the knight of Malta.
"Not pass!" echoed Luke. "What does this mean?"
"Our orders are from the queen," returned the knight.
At this instant the low tone of a muffled bell was heard.
"Ha!" exclaimed Luke; "some danger is at hand."
His heart smote him as he thought of Sybil, and he looked anxiously towards Eleanor.
Balthazar rushed into the room.
"Where is Sybil?" cried Luke. "Will she not come?"
"She will be here anon," answered the patrico.