“Hesitate, and you are lost, and so is the Princess,” whispered De Noailles. Before Courtenay could reply, Elizabeth fainted and would have fallen, if Renard had not flown to her assistance. “Summon our maids of honour, and let her be instantly cared for,” said Mary, with a look of ill-disguised satisfaction. “My lord,” she added to Courtenay, “you are forgiven.” The Earl hastily, and with some confusion, expressed his thanks, while, in obedience to the Queen’s mandate, Elizabeth was removed. “And now, my lord,” said Mary to him, “I must pass from my own affairs to those of my kingdom. I will not detain you further—nor you, M. De Noailles. But I must crave your attendance, my lord, for a few minutes,” she added, turning to Gardiner, “and yours, M. Renard.” “Your highness may always command my best counsel,” replied the latter, in a slightly sarcastic tone—“provided you will act upon it.” “Farewell, my lord,” said Mary, extending her hand to Courtenay, which he pressed to his lips. “I shall walk upon the Tower Green in an hour, and shall expect you there.” “I will attend your Majesty,” replied Courtenay. And accompanied by De Noailles, he quitted the chamber. “You have had a narrow escape, my lord,” remarked the French Ambassador, as they traversed the long gallery together. “So narrow that I thought I had lost all chance of the crown,” replied Courtenay. “It is the work of that perfidious Simon Renard. But if I live an hour, I will requite him.” “You are the victor, my lord,” returned De Noailles. “Maintain your present position, and you may defy his utmost malice.” “Tarry with me a moment, M. De Noailles,” said Courtenay, “and you shall see how I will avenge myself upon him.” “Prudence, my good lord—prudence,” replied De Noailles. “Your rashness has already put you once in his power. Do not let it do so a second time.” “I will punish his treachery, if it costs me my life,” replied Courtenay. IX.—OF THE DUEL BETWEEN COURTENAY AND SIMON RENARD; AND HOW IT WAS INTERRUPTED. M eanwhile, a long discussion was carried on between Mary and her councillors, as to the best means of effecting the entire restoration of the Romish religion. “I have a letter from Cardinal Pole,” observed the Queen, “wherein his Eminence urges me to adopt no half measures.”