"I can take upon me to affirm that such was not the case," observed De Gondomar.
"Have you the lock of hair with you?" whispered Sir Thomas to his lady.
"I have," she replied, taking a small packet from her bosom.
The movement did not pass unnoticed by Lord Roos and the Spanish Ambassador, between whom an almost imperceptible smile passed.
"If you have put all the interrogations you desire to make to Gillian, Madam," said Lord Roos to his mother-in-law, "perhaps she may be permitted to depart? The situation cannot be agreeable to her."
"A moment more, my lord," cried Lady Lake. "If I detain her it is to clear her character. I know her to be perfectly innocent."
At this announcement, Dick Taverner's countenance brightened, and he extended his arms towards Gillian, who gladly availed herself of his support.
"I am quite sure she was not the person I surprised in your chamber last night," continued Lady Lake.
"Indeed, Madam! How do you arrive at that conviction?"
"Because that person's hair was jet black, whereas Gillian's, as we see, is of the exactly opposite colour."