“True, my lord; yet what would it avail? The queen is not disposed to be lenient now since the design upon her life was so nearly successful. She would grant the maiden proper attire, I trow, but no more.”
“I do not wish other garb than this,” interposed the girl. “None shall give it me save my father.”
“Then must the matter drop,” said Walsingham. “Damsel, I will speak to the lieutenant of the Tower, and thou shalt have other lodgings but more clemency thou must not expect.” 259
“I crave none, sir,” answered Francis.
“My lord, will you come with me, or go with the girl?” queried the secretary.
“With you, Sir Francis. I dare not stay,” whispered Lord Shrope. “Later, if I may, I will see thee, child. It would not do now.”
And with a friendly pressure of her hands he followed after the minister while Francis was conducted back to her prison.