“The King, no doubt, will confirm your assertions,” observed Mary, bitterly.
“If I did not, I should belie the truth,” replied Philip.
“By whose contrivance did you fly from Hampton Court?” demanded Mary.
“Not by the King’s, Madam. I fled with Osbert Clinton.”
“Tut! Osbert Clinton was merely a tool,” exclaimed Mary, incredulously. “Did his Majesty know of your hiding-place?”
“Assuredly not, Madam,” replied Constance. “He it was I dreaded most.”
“Ha! we are coming to it now,” cried Mary. “Why did you dread him?”
“Nay, Madam, persist not in these inquiries, I entreat you,” interposed the Cardinal. “You will gain nothing by them, and will only torture yourself.”
“Though each word should wound me to the quick, I will have it,” said Mary. “Why did you fear the King?”
“Oh! bid me not answer that question, Madam—I cannot do it.”