"
Upon this, he bowed gravely, and sounded the bell for the usher. Unable
to offer any remonstrance, Sir Jocelyn approached Aveline, who could
scarcely support herself, with the intention of offering her assistance;
but she shrank from him, and again muffling her face, went forth, while
he slowly followed her.
CHAPTER XXVI.
The forged Confession.
Some little time had elapsed since Aveline's departure on her sorrowful
errand, and Sir Thomas Lake was still alone, and once more deeply
engrossed in the consideration of the document, which, it will be
recollected, had occasioned him so much disquietude; and the feeling by
no means diminished when the usher entered and announced Lady Lake.
Severe and inflexible as we have described him, the Secretary of State
was generally yielding enough towards his lady, of whom he stood in
great awe, and whom he treated with the utmost deference; but on this
occasion, contrary to habitude, he received her very coldly, and without
rising motioned her to a seat beside him. Disregarding the want of
attention, which, under other circumstances, she would have resented,
Lady Lake took the seat indicated without remark, and continued silent
till the usher had retired. Then turning quickly towards her husband,
and fixing an inquiring look upon him, she said in a low voice--
"What think you of this document, Sir Thomas?"
"This forgery?" he rejoined in the same tone, but without raising his
eyes towards her.
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