It was as if every detail had been rehearsed. The
door closed noiselessly.
Then the Queen rose up, as Robin, understanding, began to fumble with
his breast. And, as he drew out the pyx, and placed it on the
handkerchief (in reality a corporal), apparently so carelessly laid by
the crucifix, Mary sank down in adoration of her Lord.
"Now, _mon pere_," she whispered, still kneeling, but lifting her
star-bright eyes. And the priest went across to the couch where the
Queen had lain, and sat down on it.
"_In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti_--" began Mary.
IV
When the confession was finished, Robin went across, at the Queen's
order, and tapped with his finger-nail upon the door, while she herself
remained on her knees. 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.
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