“Because I wished to reach my father,” replied the girl simply. 247
“But why did you want to reach your father?” and the secretary bent forward. “How knew you that he was in danger?”
“Why, I heard you tell the queen that you were going to arrest him, and I wished to warn him.”
“Thou heardst me tell the queen?” cried the minister in surprise. “Boy, how couldst thou? We were in the queen’s own chamber. How couldst thou hear it?”
“I went there to seek a favor from Her Majesty, and awaited her coming upon the balcony outside the window. When the queen entered, the vice-chamberlain, Lord Burleigh, my Lord of Leicester, and yourself were with her. I feared then to come into the room. Thus I could but hear all that passed. When I found that my father was in danger I left the balcony and the palace as quickly, determined to warn him of his peril.”
“Then you knew that he was concerned in the plot to kill the queen?” and Walsingham eyed her keenly.
“He was not,” cried the girl eagerly.
“Then why should he flee?” asked the 248 merciless inquisitor. “No peer of the realm hath aught to fear if he be innocent of foul design.”
Francis was so disconcerted by this question that she did not attempt to reply, but looked at him hopelessly.
The wily minister saw her confusion and pressed his advantage.