[_There are cries in the distance, then a heavy sound of chains clanking and silence. SHADOW-OF-A-LEAF turns from the window and stands in the stream of moonlight, pointing to the door on the left._] Look! Look! MARIAN [_Starting up with a cry of fear._] Ah! [_The tall figure of a nun glides into the moonlit hall and throwing back her hood reveals the face of QUEEN ELINOR._] ELINOR Lady Marion, Tell me quickly, where is Huntingdon hiding? MARIAN The Queen! ELINOR Yes! Yes! I donned this uncouth garb To pass through your besiegers. If Prince John Discover it, all is lost. Come, tell me quickly, Where is Robin? MARIAN Escaped, I hope. ELINOR Not here? MARIAN No! ELINOR Come, dear Lady Marian, do not doubt me. I am here to save you both. MARIAN He is not here. ELINOR Ah, but you know where I may find him, Marian. All will be lost if you delay to tell me Where I may speak with him. He is in peril. By dawn Prince John will have five hundred men Beleaguering the castle. You are all ruined Unless you trust me! Armies will scour the woods To hunt him down. Even now he may be wounded, Helpless to save himself. MARIAN Wounded! ELINOR Dear child, Take me to him. Here, on this holy cross, My mother's dying gift, I swear to you I wish to save him. MARIAN Oh, but how? ELINOR Trust me! MARIAN Wounded! He may be wounded! Oh, if I could, I'd go to him! I am helpless, prisoned here. My father ... ELINOR I alone can save your father. Give me your word that if I can persuade him, You'll lead me to your lover's hiding place, And let me speak with him. [_Enter FITZWALTER._] Ah, my Lord Fitzwalter! FITZWALTER The queen! O madam, madam, I am driven Beyond myself. This girl, this foolish girl Has brought us all to ruin. This Huntingdon, As I foresaw, foresaw, foretold, foretold, Has dragged me down with him. ELINOR I am on your side, If you will hear me; and you yet may gain A son in Robin Hood. FITZWALTER Madam, I swear I have done with him. I pray you do not jest; But if you'll use your power to save my lands ... I was provoked!... Prince John required this child here-- ELINOR Oh, I know! But you'll forgive him that! I do not wonder That loveliness like hers-- FITZWALTER