"Ah, my lord! I have more need of friends just now than cities! Whilst you go to France your Queen will wed King Philip of Spain."
"I hope not, Your Majesty," he rejoined earnestly.
"The letter of acceptance for my royal master already bears Her Majesty's signature," here interposed the Cardinal blandly.
"Aye! I have pledged my royal word," added the Queen with a short sigh. "His Eminence hath served us well and . . ."
She made an effort to steady her voice, and avoided meeting the anxious look which Wessex had cast upon her.
"But we will not mar the happiness of this joyous day," she continued after a while, speaking with enforced cheerfulness. "My Lord High Steward here would desire our confirmation of the free pardon granted in honour of it, to all who were awaiting trial."
"If Your Majesty will deign to append the royal signature," said Lord Chandois, who was fingering a large document.
"With pleasure, my lord. Are there many awaiting trial?"
Lord Chandois spread the document out on the table, and Mary Tudor prepared to sign it.
"A dozen or so, Your Majesty," explained the Lord High Steward; "men and women accused of roguery, witchcraft, and vagabondage."