CHAPTER VII.
AN ACCUSER.
On being brought into the room by Rodomont and Mallet, Derrick Carver made a profound reverence to the Queen, but none to Philip and the Cardinal. Then addressing himself to Constance, he said, “Welcome, daughter! is the time come for our deliverance from bondage?”
“Not yet,” she replied.
“How long, O Lord! wilt thou suffer thy saints to be persecuted?” exclaimed the enthusiast. “It would be glad tidings to me to learn that the end of my weary pilgrimage was near at hand.”
“Are you prepared to meet the death you seem to covet?” asked Pole.
“I trust so,” replied Carver. “I have prayed long and deeply.”
“And repented of your sins—of your murtherous designs against the life of his Majesty?” pursued Pole.