All pranked out
and bedizened as he was, the puissant knight plunged into the gulf; but
his exertions were fruitless, and he gave up the search. His love for
the maiden living and breathing did not prompt him to drown himself for
her corpse. With hasty steps he regained the Tower, where he doffed his
dripping garments unobserved.
Sir John Finett, by advice from his friend Weldon, determined on
acquainting their host with the lady's disappearance. They had a shrewd
suspicion that Buckingham was the contriver of this daring outrage;
though from his great power, influence, and audacity, they had
everything to fear and but little to hope from the result. Yet no time
should be lost in the attempt.
As they entered the hall, Sir Gilbert Hoghton and several of the guests
were still making merry after the feast. Calling him aside, they
communicated the dismal tidings.
"Grace Gerard amissing, say ye?"
"'Tis even so," said Sir John; "we have yet no clue to the search; but
this night shall not pass without the attempt, at any rate. In the
morning we will to the king with our complaint."
"Boy," said the baronet to his little henchman, "go to the woman's
suite, and rouse Grace Gerard's maid.
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