“Fire will not purge out your sins,” said the Cardinal. “Those will cling to the soul, which is indestructible. Therefore repent.”
“And speedily,” added Mary, “for thy time is short.”
Hereupon her Majesty arose, and, quitting the Post Room, proceeded to the chapel, to which, as we have previously intimated, there was access from the lower part of the Lollards’ Tower.
Here mass was performed, and, by the Queen’s express orders, both Constance Tyrrell and Derrick Carver were brought into the chapel during the service. At its close they were taken to the cells, while the royal pair proceeded with the Cardinal to the banquetting chamber, where a collation was prepared.
The Queen, however, declined to partake of the repast, saying she felt faint and ill, and two ladies who had accompanied her to the palace being hastily summoned, she retired with them.
CHAPTER VIII.
HOW THE QUEEN CONFIDED HER GRIEFS TO THE CARDINAL.