Page:MaryTudorHugo.djvu/31

 decent man would have had her assassinated or poisoned. You, my lord, found a better way—you dishonoured her.

Fabiani.Insolent knave!

The Man.It is your conscience that speaks, my lord. Another would have taken the girl's life; you took her honour, and therewithal her future. Queen Mary is a prude, although she has lovers.

Fabiani.This fellow goes to the root of everything!

The Man.The Queen 's in feeble health, the Queen may die, and in that case you, the favourite, would fall in ruins on her tomb. The material evidence of the young woman's rank may come to light, and then, if the Queen be dead, Jane, dishonoured by you, will be recognized as Talbot's heiress. And you have provided for that contingency; you are a young gentleman of goodly aspect, you have won her love, she has given herself to you; if worse comes to worst, you would marry her. Do not defend your plan, my lord; I consider it sublime. Were I not myself, I would be you.

Fabiani.Thanks.

The Man.You have managed the affair skillfully. You have concealed your name. You are protected so far as the Queen is concerned. The poor girl thinks that she was seduced by a young knight of Somersetshire, Sir Amyas Paulet.

Fabiani.All! he knows all!—Now, let us come to the point. What do you want with me?

The Man.My lord, if some one had in his possession the documents that establish the birth, the existence, and the claim of Lord Talbot's heir, that would make you as poor as my ancestor Job, and