what she wants. One can count upon nothing—she's a woman. I wonder for what purpose she comes here! Look you, a woman's heart is an enigma, whereof King Frangois the First wrote the answer on the window-pane at Chambord:—
Souvent femme varie.
Bien fol est qui s'y fie.
Hark ye, Master Æneas, we are old friends. This must end to-day. All are at your orders here. If you are bid—
- [He whispers in Master Æneas's ear.
Delay the business, shrewdly bring it to nought. Let me have but two hours to-night, and what I wish is done; to-morrow, no favourite, I am all-powerful, and day after to-morrow you are a baronet and Lieutenant of the Tower. Is it agreed?
Master Æneas.Agreed.
Renard.'Tis well. I hear footsteps. We must not be seen together. Go you that way. I go to meet the Queen.
[They separate.
The Gaoler.You are where you wished to be, my lady. Yonder are the doors of the two dungeons. Now, may it please you, my reward.
[Jane detaches her diamond bracelet and gives it to him.
Jane.Here it is.
The Gaoler.Thanks. Do not betray me. [Exit.
Jane [alone.]Great Heaven! what am I to do? 'Tis I who destroyed him, and it is for me to save him. I shall never succeed. A woman can do
