This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
SECOND DAY. THE QUEEN
477

Beaudesert in Staffordshire.—Eh! why 'tis our old friend Lord Clinton! We are still your very good friend, my lord. 'Twas you who annihilated Thomas Wyatt on the plain of St. James. Let us all remember it, gentlemen. On that day the crown of England was saved by a bridge which enabled my troops to reach the rebels, and by wall which prevented the rebels from reaching me. The bridge was London Bridge. The wall was my Lord Clinton.

Clinton [to Renard, in an undertone.]'Tis six months since the Queen last spoke to me. How kind she is to-day!

Renard [in an undertone.]Patience, my lord. You will find her even kinder a moment hence.

The Queen [to Chandos.]Lord Clanbrassil may enter.

[To Renard.

When he shall have been here a few moments—

[She whispers in his ear and points to the door by which Jane made her exit.

Renard.'Tis enough, Madame.

[Enter Fabiani.


Scene 7.—The Same, Fabiani.


The Queen.Ah! he is here!

[She whispers again to Renard.

Fabiani [aside, saluted by everybody and looking about.]What may this mean? None but my enemies are here this morning. The Queen whispering to Simon Renard. The devil! She laughs! an evil omen!

The Queen [graciously, to Fabiani.]God have you in his keeping, my lord!

Fabiani [seizing her hand and kissing it.]Ma-