It was only after long hesitation and prayerful searching of heart that Mary finally decided to carry through her marriage, in the face of the almost universal opposition of her people. She undoubtedly yearned for the support of a husband in her difficult position, and naturally hoped for a son who should carry on her tradition of a Catholic England. She was of affectionate disposition, and for all her modest assurance to Renard that she had never felt the promptings of the flesh, there is nothing unbecoming in believing that the sight of her cousin’s portrait had lit up the feeling of love in her heart where natural affection had been suppressed for so long. But, withal, her principal desire for the match and her determination to effect it were mainly prompted by public considerations. The intrigues of the French with the Protestant elements in the country, and the almost open way in which Noailles was playing off Courtenay and Elizabeth against her, had convinced Mary that France was her enemy. The only force in Europe strong enough to resist France was the Emperor; and unless the Queen could depend absolutely upon his support, it was evident that sooner or later the Protestant element in England with French aid would oust her from the throne—probably in favour of the young Queen of Scots, her cousin, already betrothed to the heir of France. Motives personal, religious, and political, therefore all dictated to Mary the absolute necessity of her prompt marriage with Philip; and, as we have already seen, the motives of the Emperor and his son for the marriage were equally strong. Some of Mary’s Council—especially Arundel, Paget, and Petre—were first won over, for they were in the Emperor’s pay before; and when Gardiner saw that the tide was too strong for him to resist, he also accepted the inevitable with the best grace he could. But when he had to be consulted on the terms of the marriage treaty, he drove as hard a bargain as possible; for he, and, it is just to say, most of his colleagues also, were determined that the marriage should not mean the political subjugation of England by Spain. On the 31st October, Sunday evening, Mary summoned Renard to her oratory, where she received him, attended only by her devoted nurse, Mrs. Clarencius. Her eyes were red with weeping, and she told the ambassador that for days she had been sleepless, praying for guidance as to the choice of a husband. “My last resource in all my difficulties,” she said, “is the Holy Sacrament, and as it is even now displayed upon this altar, I will appeal to it for counsel.” Then kneeling, as did Renard and Mrs. Clarencius by her side, she recited with whispered fervour the _Veni Creator Spiritus_. After a short period of silent meditation she rose, calm and self-possessed, and told the ambassador that her mind was now made up: he, Renard, should be her father confessor. She had consulted some of her Councillors, and