Some further conversation then took place between Mary and the Cardinal, which had the effect of restoring the Queen to comparative cheerfulness, and she declared that she now felt quite able to return to Whitehall. By her desire, Pole then summoned her ladies, and, on their appearance, quitted her to communicate the glad intelligence of her recovery to the King.
CHAPTER IX.
THE FRANCISCAN.
Philip remained for some little time in the banqueting-chamber, expecting the Cardinal’s return, but as Pole did not appear, the King at last sallied forth into the court, where several of the Cardinal’s retinue were assembled. Perceiving Rodomont Bittern among them, he signed to him to approach, and then walking apart with him, said, with a certain significance—
“Since Constance Tyrrell has been imprisoned in the Lollards’ Tower, no communication has passed between her and Osbert Clinton?—ha!”
“Access to her while shut up in yon tower were impossible without consent of the keeper, Sire,” replied Rodomont; “and he is faithful.”