“I will have no nay, my lord,” interrupted the Queen peremptorily. “I will in nowise consent that my father shall leave me. To whom else would your grace entrust the command?”
The Duke appeared to reflect for a moment.
“I know no one,” he answered.
“Then your grace must perforce consent,” said the Queen.
“If your majesty commands it, I must. But I feel it is a desperate hazard,” replied Northumberland.
“It is so desperate,” whispered Pembroke to Renard,—“that he has not one chance in his favour.”
“The Council desire to know your grace’s determination?” said Arundel.
“My determination is this,” rejoined the Duke. “Since you think it good, I will go,—not doubting your fidelity to the Queen’s majesty, whom I shall leave in your custody.”
“He is lost!” whispered Renard.
“Your grace’s commission for the lieutenantship of the army shall be signed at once,” said Jane; “and I beseech you to use all diligence.”