He had not been there long, when the castle clock
tolled forth the hour of midnight, and ere the deep strokes died away, a
second horseman was seen galloping across the moonlit glade towards
him.
"Has all been done as I directed, Suffolk? "he demanded, as the
newcomer approached him.
"It has, my liege," replied the duke. "The queen is imprisoned within
her chamber, and will be removed, at early dawn, to the Tower."
"You had better start in an hour from this time," said the king. "It is a
long passage by water, and I am anxious to avoid all chance of attempt
at rescue."
"Your wishes shall be obeyed," replied the duke. "Poor soul! her grief
was most agonizing, and I had much ado to maintain my composure.
She implored, in the most passionate manner, to be allowed to see your
highness before her removal. I told her it was impossible; and that even
if you were at the castle, you would not listen to her supplications."
"You did right," rejoined Henry; "I will never see her more--not that I fear
being moved by her prayers, but that,. knowing how deceitful and
faithless she is, I loathe to look upon her. What is expressed upon the
matter by the household? Speak frankly.
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