Meanwhile, Father Alfonso advanced, and, bowing reverently to the Queen and the Cardinal, laid the packet on the table.
“Here is the document for your Majesty’s signature,” he said. “The witnesses await your summons without.”
“The scheme is carefully planned, but I will thwart it,” mentally ejaculated Pole. “The witnesses may be dismissed. The Queen will not sign this document,” he added, aloud.
“What do I hear, Madam,” cried Father Alfonso. “His Majesty expects——”
“I say the Queen will not sign it,” interrupted Pole, taking up the will, “nor any other document to the like effect.”
Making a profound obeisance to the Queen, he quitted the room, taking the packet with him.
