“I cannot obey you in that respect, Madam,” replied Constance. “He is never absent from my thoughts.”
“Poor child!” exclaimed Mary. “Your fate is as sad as my own. We are both doomed to unhappiness.”
“But it is in your Majesty’s power to make me happy—to make Osbert happy,” cried Constance.
“Alas! child, you give me credit for more power than I possess,” rejoined Mary. “I dare not oppose the King in this matter. Osbert must not see you again. Should he do so, I cannot save him from the King’s resentment. But I will do all I can for you. You shall be released from confinement, but you must remain for a time with the good Cardinal, who, I am sure, will be a father to you.”
“I will willingly take charge of her,” said Pole. “She shall have free range of the palace.”
“But she must not quit it without my consent,” said Mary. “Neither must she see Osbert Clinton.”
“I will answer for her,” rejoined the Cardinal.
“Nay, I will answer for myself,” cried Constance. “I thank your Majesty from the bottom of my heart, and will faithfully obey your injunctions.”
“It will be a period of probation, that is all,” said the Queen. “You will be better and happier for it in the end—at least, I trust so. And now, child, you may retire. Remember what I have said about Osbert Clinton.”
“I shall not fail, gracious Madam,” she replied. And kissing the hand extended to her by the Queen, she withdrew.