"I trust you can disprove them, Sir Richard," said the boroughreeve. "To-morrow your examination will take place, and, in the meantime, you will be lodged in the Old Bailey."
"Lodged in a prison!" exclaimed Constance, indignantly.
"It must be," said the boroughreeve. "I have no option. But I promise you Sir Richard shall undergo no hardship. His imprisonment, I hope, may be brief."
"I thank you for your consideration, sir," said the baronet. "May I be allowed a few minutes to prepare?"
"I am sorry I cannot grant the request, Sir Richard."
"Then farewell, my dear child!—farewell, Monica!" cried the baronet, tenderly embracing them. "My captivity will not be long," he added, in a low voice to his daughter. "I shall be set at liberty on the prince's arrival—if not before."
Constance maintained a show of firmness which she did not feel, but Monica was much moved, and could not repress her tears.
After bidding adieu to Atherton, Sir Richard signified to the boroughreeve that he was ready to attend him, and passed out.
As he did so, the officers took charge of him, and the door was shut.
Constance's courage then entirely forsook her, and uttering a cry, she sank into a chair. Monica strove to comfort her—but in vain.