“Act upon it, gracious madam, if you can,” rejoined the bishop. “But if you are so far committed as to be unable to retreat, count upon my best services to aid you in the difficulty.” At this moment, Simon Renard entered the audience-chamber, and the expression of his countenance was so exulting, that Gardiner was convinced his conjectures were not far wide of the truth. His first object, on quitting the royal presence, was to seek out Feckenham, from whom he succeeded in eliciting the fact of the betrothment in Saint John’s chapel; and with a breast full of trouble he returned to his own apartments. On the way thither, he encountered De Noailles. “Well met, my lord,” cried the ambassador. “I was about to seek you. So, it seems all our projects are ruined. Courtenay is disgraced and imprisoned.” “His folly has destroyed the fairest chance that ever man possessed,” observed the bishop. “He is now irretrievably lost.” “Not irretrievably, I trust, my good lord,” replied Do Noailles. “A woman’s mind is proverbially changeful. And when this jealous storm is blown over, I doubt not he will, again bask in the full sunshine of royal favour.” “Your excellency is in the wrong,” rejoined Gardiner. “The queen will never forgive him, or, what is equally to be lamented, will never unite herself to him.” “You speak confidently, my lord,” returned Do Noailles gravely. “I trust nothing has occurred to warrant what you say.” “M. De Noailles,” said the bishop significantly, “look to yourself. The party of France is on the decline. That of Spain is on the ascendant.” “What mean you, my lord?” cried the ambassador, eagerly. “Renard has not succeeded in his aim? Mary has not affianced herself to the Prince of Spain?” “I know nothing positively,” replied Gardiner evasively. “I merely throw out the hint. It is for you to follow it up.” “This were a blow, indeed!” cried De Noailles. “But subtle as Renard is, and with all the advantage he has gained, I will yet countermine him.” “You shall not want my aid,” returned Gardiner, “provided you hatch no treason against the queen. And that you may the better know how to act, learn that her majesty is affianced to Philip of Spain.” “Curses on the crafty Spaniard!” exclaimed De Noailles, furiously. “But I will yet defeat him.” “The princess Elizabeth will be liberated to-day, and sent with a strong guard to Ashbridge,” remarked Gardiner. “Courtenay will be kept a prisoner in the Tower.” “We must find means to liberate him,” rejoined the ambassador. “In this you must proceed without my aid,” said the bishop. “If it be possible to reinstate the earl in Mary’s favour, it shall be done. But I can take no part in aiding his flight.” “Leave it to me, my lord,” rejoined De Noailles. “All I require is your voice with the queen.” “That you may rely on,” answered the bishop.