“I cannot answer for myself,” remarked Osbert, as he got into the cupboard. “A word from the King will bring me forth.”
“Then I’ll answer for you,” said Rodomont, locking the ambry, and taking away the key. “That’s the only chance of keeping him out of harm’s way. Be not cast down, fair mistress,” he added to Constance. “The Cardinal will protect you.”
“Were I with him, I should have no fear,” she replied. “He would shield me against all wrong; but I am now in the King’s power, and he has threatened to deliver me to Bishop Bonner.”
“And if his Majesty should so dispose of you, ’twill be but a brief confinement, for the Cardinal will speedily have you back. So be of good cheer. But hist! there is a stir within the church. The dread ceremony is over. I must leave you, or the King will find me here. Keep up your courage, I say.”
With this he quitted the chamber, and made fast the door outside.
CHAPTER II.
HOW FATHER ALFONSO INTERPOSED IN CONSTANCE’S BEHALF.