Not doubting who spoke, she partly turned her head, and perceived Osbert Clinton, who, screened from the guard by the pillar, had contrived to approach her. The only person who noticed the manœuvre was Rodomont, but the kind-hearted fellow looked another way, and tried not to hear what was passing. Not much was said—but the few words spoke of the young man’s wretchedness at the protracted separation from her he loved. “Be patient,” she said. “All will be well in the end.” “Talk not to me of patience,” he rejoined. “I am unable to practice it. My heart will burst in the effort. I cannot live without you, Constance. Commit yourself to me, and I will free you. You will be gone before the guard can notice your absence; and once mingled with the throng, you will be safe. Come!” “I cannot—dare not go,” she replied. “What would the good Cardinal think of me if I complied?” “Heed him not, but think of me, whom you doom to misery by hesitation. Do not throw away this chance. Another may not occur.” “Pass if you will,” interposed the friendly Rodomont, in a low voice. “I shall hear and see nothing.” Squeezing his arm by way of thanks, Osbert renewed his entreaties to Constance. “No, I cannot do it,” she rejoined. “My word to the Queen restrains me.” “What? not gone!” exclaimed Rodomont, looking round. “Peste! it is now too late.” Just then a movement took place in the nave, and the attention of the guard was drawn to the prisoners. Clad in his full robes, wearing his mitre, and carrying his crosier, Bonner issued from the sacristy. Before him were borne two large silver crosses, and the pix under a rich canopy. At the same time, the procession was marshalled by the priests. Long wax tapers were lighted and distributed among the recusants, who were compelled to carry them; the Protestant divines being alone exempted from this degrading office. As soon as the procession was formed, the halberdiers at the head of it marched through the great western portal of the cathedral, and were followed by a long line of recusants, men and women, bearing lighted tapers. Amongst these were Constance and Derrick Carver. Then came the deprived Protestant clergy, walking two and two. They were succeeded by monks and friars in the habits of their orders. Then came priests in their robes, and lastly Bonner himself, attired as we have described, and preceded by the large silver crosses and the pix. On either side of the sacramentaries were halberdiers to keep off the crowd. Nor was this the only precaution taken. Outside the cathedral there was a detachment of mounted arquebusiers to clear the way for the train, while a band of archers brought up the rear. As the procession issued forth from Saint Paul’s, the bells of Saint Martin’s, Ludgate, and other churches on the line of way, began to toll slowly and solemnly. [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration]