“What prisoners do you refer to?” demanded Mary. “I have not heard of them.” The Cardinal was about to reply, when a look from the King stopped him. “Who are they, I repeat?” cried Mary, somewhat sharply, surprised at Pole’s disinclination to answer. “One of them is the unhappy Constance Tyrrell, and the other the half-crazed fanatic, Derrick Carver,” replied the Cardinal. “Indeed!” exclaimed Mary. “Was your Majesty aware that these persons are confined here?” she added to the King. “They were sent hither by my orders,” rejoined Philip, coldly. “And why was I not informed of the matter?” asked Mary. “Because I did not deem it needful,” replied the King. “Not needful!” exclaimed Mary. “By my soul, but it was needful! ’Twas a strange step to take without my knowledge or privity.” “You heat yourself unnecessarily, Madam,” interrupted Philip. “’Twas to spare you annoyance that I kept the matter secret from you.” “How so?” demanded Mary. “The unaccountable disappearance of this girl troubled me, as you know, and Carver’s supposed escape was equally displeasing to me.” “You would have been informed of all in good time,” said Philip. “How I discovered their hiding-place, and why I sent them hither, shall be explained anon.” “I trust the explanation will prove satisfactory,” replied Mary. “Meantime, I will see the prisoners myself, and interrogate them.” “Shall they be brought before you?” inquired Pole. “No,” returned the Queen; “I will proceed to the Lollards’ Tower. Your Eminence will attend me thither.” “’Twere better not, Madam,” said Philip. “Be ruled by me, and let alone this visit.” “You have some motive,” rejoined Mary, in a low tone—“some powerful motive for wishing me not to see Constance Tyrrell. I will see her. I will question her. I will learn the truth.” “Well, then, learn the truth, Madam,” said Philip. “If you are pained by it, it is not my fault.” “You have deceived me,” continued Mary—“shamefully deceived me. Of that I am convinced.” “Reserve these remarks for a more fitting opportunity, Madam,” said the King. “Since you are bent upon going to the Lollards’ Tower, I will not interfere to prevent you. But at least put some guard upon yourself, and breed not scandal by your causeless suspicions.” Without making any reply, Mary arose. The King offered his arm, but she rejected it, saying she needed not support. Philip, however, was determined to accompany her, and they went forth together, attended by the Cardinal. No one else ventured to follow them, and Gardiner and Bonner, fearing the King might be offended with them, thought it best to retreat, and hastily quitted the palace. [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration] CHAPTER VI. HOW CONSTANCE TYRRELL WAS BROUGHT BEFORE THE QUEEN IN THE LOLLARDS’ TOWER.