“I have succeeded in my design,” whispered Constance to Osbert. “I shall not be separated from you. Your Majesty has conferred a boon upon me by this decision,” she added to the King, “and I humbly thank you for it. Now, Sir,” to Rodomont, “you can take me to the Tower with my friends.” “Is such your Majesty’s pleasure?” demanded Rodomont. “No,” replied Philip. “Let her be conveyed to some place of imprisonment, but not to the Tower.” “An please your Majesty, there is the Lollards’ Tower at Lambeth Palace, where heretics are oft confined,” observed Rodomont. “No better prison lodgings can be found than the cells therein.” “Are the cells strong and secure?” demanded the King. “Marry, as strong and secure as the dungeons of the Tower, Sire,” replied Rodomont. “I have heard of those prison chambers in the Lollards’ Tower,” rejoined Philip, “but did not bethink me of them at the moment. Take Mistress Constance Tyrrell forthwith to Lambeth Palace, and see her safely bestowed—safely, I say, but with all comfort and convenience that the prison will admit of—d’ye heed? Take Derrick Carver also thither, and let him be securely lodged. The ecclesiastical court shall deal with him. No intercourse whatever must be allowed between the prisoners.” “Your injunctions shall be strictly obeyed, Sire,” replied Rodomont. “I have changed my mind in regard to Osbert Clinton,” pursued Philip. “In consideration of the important services he has heretofore rendered me, I am disposed to overlook the grave offence he has committed. He is pardoned.” There was a brief pause, but no word of gratitude escaped Osbert. “Do you not hear, Sir?” said Rodomont, as he gave back the sword to Osbert. “Have you no thanks for the grace vouchsafed you by his Majesty?” “The grace is unsolicited by me, and claims no thanks,” rejoined Osbert, almost fiercely. “Leave him alone,” said Philip; “his mind is disordered. When the fit has passed, and he is become calm, he will think differently. Away at once to Lambeth Palace with the prisoners.” “Constance!” exclaimed Osbert, rushing towards her. “Farewell for ever!” she rejoined. “Do not grieve for me. Now I know you are free, I can bear any sufferings that may be inflicted upon me.” “My freedom shall be employed for your preservation,” he whispered. “I will accomplish your liberation, or perish in the attempt.” “I forbid it,” she returned. “Henceforward I shall strive to shake off all earthly ties, and fix my thoughts entirely upon Heaven. Farewell for ever!” With this she disengaged herself from him, and passed forth from the room with Derrick Carver, attended by the guard, and followed by Rodomont. Two armed attendants, stationed near the window, remained with the King.