My Lord Leicester, you have lived in the circle of her good pleasure, near to her noble Majesty, as you say, for half a lifetime.

Have you not found a reason why now or any time she should cherish love and lovers?
Ah, no, you have seen her face, you have heard her voice, but you have not known her heart!" "Ah, opportunity lacked," he said in irony and with a reminiscent smile.

"I have been busy with State affairs, I have not sat on cushions, listening to royal fingers on the virginals.

Still, I ask you, do you think there is a reason why from her height she should stoop down to rescue you or give you any joy?
Wherefore should the Queen do aught to serve you?
Wherefore should she save your lover ?" It was on Angele's lips to answer, "Because I saved her life on May Day." It was on her lips to tell of the poisoned glove, but she only smiled, and said: "But, yes, I think, my lord, there is a reason, and in that reason I have faith." Leicester saw how firmly she was fixed in her idea, how rooted was her trust in the Queen's intentions towards her; and he guessed there was something hidden which gave her such supreme confidence.
"If she means to save him, why does she not save him now?
Why not end the business in a day--not stretch it over these long mid-summer weeks ?" "I do not think it strange," she answered.

"He is a political prisoner.
Messages must come and go between England and France.