Is it possible that you don't know? He is the Emperor's right hand at London. The Queen is to marry the Prince of Spain, and Simon Renard is his embassador to her. The Queen hates him, this Simon Renard; but she is afraid of him, and she can't do anything to him. He has already destroyed two or three favorites. It seems to be his instinct to destroy favorites. He clears up the palace from time to time. He is a shrewd and spiteful man; he knows all that goes on, and he digs two or three subterranean rows of intrigues under every event. As for Lord Paget--didn't you ask me who was Lord Paget?--he is a crafty nobleman who helped to manage affairs under Henry VIII. He is a member of the secret council. He has such an ascendency that the other ministers do not dare to breathe in his presence--except, however, the chancellor, my Lord Gardiner, who detests him. A violent man, this Gardiner, and well born. As for Paget, he was nobody--a cobbler's son. He is to be made Baron Paget of Beaudesert in Stafford. GILBERT. How glibly he tells all these things, this Joshua. JOSHUA. My faith! It's from hearing the prisoners of State talk. [_Simon Renard appears at the back of stage._ You see, Gilbert, the man who knows most about the history of these times is the turnkey of the Tower of London. Simon Renard (_who overhears these last words_). You are mistaken, my master; it is the executioner! JOSHUA (_low to Gilbert and Jane_). Let us move back a little! [_Simon Renard goes off slowly; when he has disappeared._ That is Master Simon Renard himself. GILBERT. I don't like to have all these men prowling about my house. JOSHUA. What the devil is he doing here? I must hurry back; I think he is getting work ready for me. Good-by, Gilbert! Good-by, my beautiful Jane, I knew you when you were no bigger than that, all the same! GILBERT. Good-by, Joshua! What are you hiding there under your cloak? JOSHUA. I've got my conspiracy, too! GILBERT. What conspiracy? JOSHUA. O lover who forgets everything else! I have just reminded you that the day after to-morrow is the time for Christmas presents. The nobles are plotting a surprise for Fabiani. Well, I am plotting a surprise too. The Queen may give herself the present of a brand-new favorite. I am going to give my child a doll. [_He takes a doll from his cloak._] Brand-new, too! We will see which will be the first to break her toy. God keep you, my friends. GILBERT. Good-by, Joshua! [Joshua _departs_. Gilbert _takes_ Jane's _hand and kisses it with passion_. JOSHUA (_from back of stage_). How wise is Providence! She gives to each one his plaything. The doll to the child, the child to the man, the man to the woman, and the woman to the devil. [_Exits._ SCENE III Gilbert, Jane GILBERT. I must go, too. Good-by, Jane: sleep well. JANE. You are not coming in with me to-night, Gilbert? GILBERT.