Mary knew that he was largely inspired by professional jealousy.
"Oh, sir," she answered, "we will have more trust in the man on whom the fate of three kingdoms dependeth."
"Madam," said Lord Devonshire, "I do not think Lord Torrington a man to be intrusted with the fate of three kingdoms."
Mary answered with animation.
"That censure hath been passed before, my lord—and at the privy council—but since we must trust my lord let us pray God he will not fail us."
"He would not like those orders to fight," exclaimed Edward Russell, who had been the main means of sending them. "A cautious man!"
"One who was not cautious should have been sent to urge him!" cried Monmouth, who was angry that his entreaty to be permitted to join the fleet had been refused.
Mary pressed her fan to her lips and sat mute; in truth, the agony she endured was not to be soothed with words. Her whole being was strung for the arrival of the next letters, not only from Torrington, who was now the sole defence of England, but from Ireland, where she knew her father and husband were rapidly approaching face to face.
"Maybe," said the Lord President, "Torrington never got Your Majesty's dispatch——"
Monmouth, who was discussing with Godolphin the details of Fuller's confession (that conspirator having turned informer to save his neck), swung round violently in his seat.