But the letter was of itself powerful enough to work effects yet more wonderful.It was that which the unfortunate Amy had written to her husband,in which she alleged the reasons and manner of her flight from Cumnor Place,informed him of her having made her way to Kenilworth to enjoy his protection,and mentioned the circumstances which had compelled her to take refuge in Tressilian's apartment,earnestly requesting he would,without delay,assign her a more suitable asylum.The letter concluded with the most earnest expressions of devoted attachment and submission to his will in all things,and particularly respecting her situation and place of residence,conjuring him only that she might not be placed under the guardianship or restraint of Varney.The letter dropped from Leicester's hand when he had perused it.Take my sword,he said,Tressilian,and pierce my heart,as I would but now have pierced yours!My lord,said Tressilian,you have done me great wrong,but something within my breast ever whispered that it was by egregious error.Error,indeed!said Leicester,and handed him the letter;Ihave been made to believe a man of honour a villain,and the best and purest of creatures a false profligate.--Wretched boy,why comes this letter now,and where has the bearer lingered?I dare not tell you,my lord,said the boy,withdrawing,as if to keep beyond his reach;but here comes one who was the messenger.Wayland at the same moment came up;and interrogated by Leicester,hastily detailed all the circumstances of his escape with Amy,the fatal practices which had driven her to flight,and her anxious desire to throw herself under the instant protection of her husband--pointing out the evidence of the domestics of Kenilworth,who could not,he observed,but remember her eager inquiries after the Earl of Leicester on her first arrival.The villains!exclaimed Leicester;but oh,that worst of villains,Varney!--and she is even now in his power!But not,I trust in God,said Tressilian,with any commands of fatal import?No,no,no!exclaimed the Earl hastily.I said something in madness;but it was recalled,fully recalled,by a hasty messenger,and she is now--she must now be safe.Yes,said Tressilian,she MUST be safe,and I MUST be assured of her safety.My own quarrel with you is ended,my lord;but there is another to begin with the seducer of Amy Robsart,who has screened his guilt under the cloak of the infamous Varney.The SEDUCER of Amy!replied Leicester,with a voice like thunder;say her husband!--her misguided,blinded,most unworthy husband!She is as surely Countess of Leicester as I am belted Earl.Nor can you,sir,point out that manner of justice which Iwill not render her at my own free will.I need scarce say Ifear not your compulsion.
The generous nature of Tressilian was instantly turned from consideration of anything personal to himself,and centred at once upon Amy's welfare.He had by no means undoubting confidence in the fluctuating resolutions of Leicester,whose mind seemed to him agitated beyond the government of calm reason;neither did he,notwithstanding the assurances he had received,think Amy safe in the hands of his dependants.My lord,he said calmly,I mean you no offence,and am far from seeking a quarrel.But my duty to Sir Hugh Robsart compels me to carry this matter instantly to the Queen,that the Countess's rank may be acknowledged in her person.You shall not need,sir,replied the Earl haughtily;do not dare to interfere.No voice but Dudley's shall proclaim Dudley's infamy.To Elizabeth herself will I tell it;and then for Cumnor Place with the speed of life and death!So saying,he unbound his horse from the tree,threw himself into the saddle,and rode at full gallop towards the Castle.
