“This is all the revenge I would take,” said Pole, turning to Carver. “You have declared that you hate me—that you regard me as the representative of Antichrist. You profess yourself to be a believer in the Gospel. My practice is, at least, more conformable to its precepts than yours.” Carver made no reply, but his lip slightly quivered. “Miserable man,” continued Pole, looking at him compassionately, “I pity you, and would save you if I could. I see the struggle going on in your breast. Wrestle with the demon who would gain the mastery over your soul, and cast him from you. Pride stifles the better emotions of your heart. Do not restrain them.” “If I listen to him much longer, my resolution will fail me,” murmured Carver. “I cannot resist his influence.” “Ere long you will be in a better frame of mind,” continued Pole, “and more accessible to the arguments I would employ.” “Think it not,” interrupted Carver, at once recovering his sternness. “You will never convert me to Popery and idolatry.” “I may at least make you sensible of your errors, and lead you to repentance,” said Pole. “The rest lies with Heaven.” “He shall remain in your Eminence’s charge during a short space,” said Mary, “in the hope that you may be able to bring him to a full sense of his enormities, and prepare him for his end. His life is forfeited.” “So the death to which I am doomed be the same as that wherewith the staunchest adherents of our faith are menaced, I am content,” said Carver. “Thou shall have thy wish,” rejoined Mary. “Thy death shall be by fire.” “Then I shall gain my crown of martyrdom,” cried Carver, exultingly. “Fire will not purge out your sins,” said the Cardinal. “Those will cling to the soul, which is indestructible. Therefore repent.” “And speedily,” added Mary, “for thy time is short.” Hereupon her Majesty arose, and, quitting the Post Room, proceeded to the chapel, to which, as we have previously intimated, there was access from the lower part of the Lollards’ Tower. Here mass was performed, and, by the Queen’s express orders, both Constance Tyrrell and Derrick Carver were brought into the chapel during the service. At its close they were taken to the cells, while the royal pair proceeded with the Cardinal to the banquetting chamber, where a collation was prepared. The Queen, however, declined to partake of the repast, saying she felt faint and ill, and two ladies who had accompanied her to the palace being hastily summoned, she retired with them. [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration] CHAPTER VIII. HOW THE QUEEN CONFIDED HER GRIEFS TO THE CARDINAL. Philip, who exhibited little uneasiness at the Queen’s indisposition, was still seated at table with Pole, when the Cardinal’s physician, Doctor Forest, came in, and informed his Eminence that her Majesty desired instant speech with him.