“What prisoners do you refer to?” demanded Mary. “I have not heard of them.”
The Cardinal was about to reply, when a look from the King stopped him.
“Who are they, I repeat?” cried Mary, somewhat sharply, surprised at Pole’s disinclination to answer.
“One of them is the unhappy Constance Tyrrell, and the other the half-crazed fanatic, Derrick Carver,” replied the Cardinal.
“Indeed!” exclaimed Mary. “Was your Majesty aware that these persons are confined here?” she added to the King.
“They were sent hither by my orders,” rejoined Philip, coldly.
“And why was I not informed of the matter?” asked Mary.
“Because I did not deem it needful,” replied the King.
“Not needful!” exclaimed Mary. “By my soul, but it was needful! ’Twas a strange step to take without my knowledge or privity.”
“You heat yourself unnecessarily, Madam,” interrupted Philip. “’Twas to spare you annoyance that I kept the matter secret from you.”