"You have catechised me closely," said Aurelia at length, "and had it been anyone else I should have refused to answer such questions. But I would treat you as frankly and openly as a sister should. Trust me as I trust you, and never suffer doubts or suspicion to come between us. I cannot give you my heart, that was lost before I met you, but do not reject what I can give."
At this moment we came out of the house, Gell leaning on my arm, and met the pair walking hand in hand up the garden path. William knew his sweetheart's truth too well to feel as much as a passing shadow of jealousy at what might have proved a trial to many an easy-going lover. "What plots have you two been hatching together?" asked he with a pleasant smile.
"High treason Sir," replied Aurelia, "we propose to blow up the king lords and commons at three o'clock to-morrow afternoon. You may come and help, if you will."
"What's this?" asked I. "In the name of King James I. his crown and dignity, I demand to know."
"Then ask some of your Majesty's faithful subjects; it is useless to expect the truth from traitors. Unless
