I am responsible for your Grace's security and
good health. But there are lengths--"
"You have spoken the very word," said the Queen. "There are lengths to
which none of us should go, even to preserve our health."
"I tell you, madam--"
"There is no more to be said, sir," said the Queen, closing her eyes
again.
"But what do I know of this fellow? How can I tell he is what he
professes to be?" barked Sir Amyas.
"Then you should never have admitted him at all," said the Queen,
opening her eyes again. "And I will do the best that I can--"
"But, madam, your health is my care; and Mr. Bourgoign here tells me--"
"The subject does not interest me," murmured the Queen, apparently half
asleep.
"But I will retire to the corner and turn my back, if that is
necessary," growled the soldier.
There was no answer. She lay with closed eyes, and her woman began again
to fan her gently.
* * * * *
Robin began to understand the situation a little better. It was plain
that Sir Amyas was a great deal more anxious for the Queen's health than
he pretended to be, or he would never have tolerated such objections.
The Queen, too, must know of this, or she would not have ventured, with
so much at stake, to treat him with such maddening rebuffs. There had
been rumours (verified later) that Elizabeth had actually caused it to
be suggested to Sir Amyas that he should poison his prisoner decently
and privately, and thereby save a great deal of trouble and scandal; and
that Sir Amyas had refused with indignation.
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