Page:History of England (Froude) Vol 10.djvu/427

 1574-1 fttE SPANISH TREATY. ^ without many a council of the matter, which thing, I know, would mislike your delicate ears there, and in- deed, I think not convenient to be done unless I saw an assured sequel to follow/ l The correspondence which ensued is imperfect, and mysterious in its allusions. It is certain however that ' an overture ' was made in reply by Elizabeth, of which Walsingham disapproved, and that it contained a pro- mise to send the Queen of Scots to the Regent, the Regent undertaking in return to give hostages. But whether hostages for the protection of her life, or hostages merely for her safe keeping either in prison or the grave, can only be conjectured. 2 Killigrew brought the Regent's answer to London, and delivered it in person, leaving no record of its terms. Experience of Elizabeth's conduct in similar situations, permits the conclusion that she wished the Queen of Scots to be disposed of where she would give no more trouble, yet in such a manner that she should be able for herself to disclaim the responsibility before the world. It is equally likely that Morton, knowing her disposition, declined the snare which was laid for him, and insisted, as before, on square and open dealing. Months now passed away. The Chatsworth mar- riage followed, and the discovery of Mary Stuart's cor- respondence at the Court. ' The. great matter ' was at an end. But Morton still refused to be tempted by France, and continued to hold out to England the of- 1 Killigrew to Walsingham, June I 2 Walsingham to Killigrew, July 25 : 3fS8. Scotland. 30. Cipher : JfSS. Ibid.