"
"The day may come when I can repay his kindness," said Hamilton.
"But you must leave England at once," continued Frances. "The king's only
show of energy comes in a case such as this. His real reason for seeking
your life is that he believes you stand between him and me. You must
leave England without delay."
"I mean to do so, now that I have seen you," he returned. "The desire to
see you and a spirit of reckless bravado has kept me here much longer
than prudence would dictate."
At that moment voices were heard in the room above. George pressed
Frances's hand to enjoin silence, fearing that the sheriffs were at hand.
But presently a clanking noise was heard, and George, listening
attentively, whispered:--
"There is no further danger. Lilly is opening the lever panel, and soon
the floor will rise."
In a moment the doctor's voice came down through the wall, asking, "Are
you ready?"
"Yes," answered Hamilton. And then he led Frances back to the
printing-press. Instantly the floor above their heads began to roll
back, and from the depths rose Frances and Hamilton, to find Betty and
me awaiting them. As they came up through the floor, Betty began to
laugh, and soon I joined her, for on Frances's eyes, lips, and cheeks
were black inky patches, indicating plainly the exact spots where the
battle had raged. Through the ink spots on her cheeks ran furrows
ploughed by tears, but, withal, my cousin's beautiful face was never more
beautiful.
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