ees. The door opened instantly, and the two came in,
the woman first, bearing two lighted tapers. She set these down one on
either side of the crucifix, and herself knelt with the old physician.

... Then Robin gave holy communion to the Queen of the Scots....

V

She was back again on her couch now, once more as drowsy-looking as
ever. The candlesticks were gone again; the handkerchief still in its
place, and the woman back again behind the couch. The two men kneeled
close beside her, near enough to hear every whisper.

"Listen, gentlemen," she said softly, "I cannot tell you what you have
done for my soul to-day--both of you, since I could never have had the
priest without my friend.... I cannot reward you, but our Lord will do
so abundantly.... Listen, I know that I am going to my death, and I
thank God that I have made my peace with Him. I do not know if they will
allow me to see a priest again. But I wish to say this to both of
you--as I said just now in my confession, to you, _mon pere_--that I am
wholly and utterly guiltless of the plot laid to my charge; that I had
neither part nor wish nor consent in it. I desired only to escape from
my captivity.... I would have made war, if I could, yes, but as for
accomplishing or assisting in her Grace's death, the thought was never
near me. Those whom I thought my friends have entrapped me, and have
given colour to the tale. I pray our Saviour to forgive them as I do;
and with that Saviour now in my breast I tell you--and you may tell all
the world if you will--that I am guiltless of what they impute to me. I
shall die for my Religion, and nothing but that. And I thank you again,
_mon pere, et vous, mon ami, que vous avez_...."

Her voice died away in inaudible French, and her eyes closed.

* * * * *

Robin's eyes were raining tears, but he leaned forward and kissed her
hand as it lay on the edge of the couch. He felt himself touched on the
shoulder, and he stood up. The old man's eyes, too, were brimming with
tears.

"I must let Sir Amyas in," he whispered. "You must be ready."

"What shall I say?"

"Say that you will prescribe privately, to me: and that her Grace's
health is indeed delicate, but not gravely impaired.... You understand?"

Robin nodded, passing his sleeve over his eyes. The woman touched the
Queen's shoulder to rouse her, and Mr. Bourgoign opened the door.

VI

"And now, sir," said Mr. Bourgoign, as the two