HOW FATHER ALFONSO INTERPOSED IN CONSTANCE’S BEHALF.

After a brief interval, but which appeared like an age to Constance, the door was again thrown open, and Philip entered the sacristy. To judge by his looks, no one would have supposed that he was fresh from the terrible spectacle he had just witnessed.

“One would think that burning must be pleasant to those tainted with heresy,” he observed. “The wretch who has just suffered for his contumely smiled as the pile was lighted. But it was not to speak of him that I came here, but of yourself, Constance. Have you reflected?”

“I did not need to reflect, Sire. My determination was instantly formed, and is unalterable.”

“You will regret it, Constance—bitterly regret it. Consider what you sacrifice—life, and all that can render life attractive—for a solitary cell, and a fiery death in Smithfield.”

“I require no consideration, Sire. I choose the dungeon and the stake.”

“Yet a moment,” urged Philip. “Bishop Bonner is without, but I am unwilling to summon him.”

“Do not hesitate, Sire. I have said that my determination is unalterable.”

After regarding her stedfastly for a few moments, and perceiving that she manifested no symptoms of relenting, Philip moved slowly towards the door, and, on reaching it, paused, and again looked at her fixedly. But, as she still 288continued firm, he summoned Bonner, who immediately afterwards entered with Father Alfonso. The bishop’s features were flushed with triumph, but the Spanish friar appeared grave and sad, and his cheeks were almost livid in hue.

“Here is another obstinate heretic for you, my lord,” said the King, pointing to Constance. “Take her, and see what you can do with her.”

“If the Lord Cardinal and your Majesty have failed in bringing her to reason, I shall stand but a poor chance of doing so,” replied Bonner. “Nevertheless, I will essay. You must not expect the same gentle treatment from me, mistress,” he added, in a harsh voice, to Constance, “that you have lately experienced from the Cardinal.”

“I do not expect it, my lord,” she rejoined.

“He has been far too indulgent,” pursued Bonner. “You have been free to roam about the palace gardens—have had your own attendants and your own chamber, as if you were the Cardinal’s guest, and not his prisoner—have been exempted from mass, and other privileges, wholly inconsistent with your state. None of these immunities will you enjoy with me. You will have no garden to walk in, but a prison court with high walls—no dainty and luxurious chamber, but a close cell—no better fare than bread and water—no attendant save the gaoler—none to converse with except the priest. This is the plan I shall pursue with you. If it fails, and you continue obstinate, you need not be reminded of your doom.”

For a moment there was a pause. Constance then addressed herself to the King, and, speaking with a spirit which she had never previously displayed before him, said, “I protest against this course, Sire. If I am a prisoner at all, I am the Lord Cardinal’s prisoner. I was placed in his Eminence’s charge by the Queen’s Majesty, and I demand to be taken back to him. If I be not, but be illegally and unjustly detained by the bishop, let his lordship look to it, for assuredly he will have to render a strict account to the Cardinal. I have been brought hither in virtue of a warrant from her Majesty, which compels my attendance at this execution, but the warrant declares that I am to be taken back, and this the bishop engaged to do.”

289“Is this so?” demanded Philip.

“I cannot deny it,” replied Bonner; “but your Majesty can overrule the order.”

“The King will not follow such ill counsel,” said Constance. “If I be not taken back in accordance with the warrant, both her Majesty and the Cardinal will be sore displeased.”

“The damsel speaks boldly yet truthfully, Sire,” interposed Father Alfonso, “and has right on her side. The bishop admits that she was brought here under her Majesty’s warrant, and does not deny that he undertook to take her back to the Cardinal. If this be not done, his Eminence will have just ground of displeasure. Furthermore, since Mistress Constance was placed by the Queen under the Cardinal’s charge, her Majesty’s consent must be obtained ere she can be removed.”

“But the King can set at nought the warrant,” cried Bonner, “and can remove the ............