We will place this chair near the open door, and then your majesty will be able to hear every word of their tender whisperings." "But how shall we, if we extinguish this our only light, at last attain to a sight of this dear loving pair, and be able to afford them the dramatic surprise of our presence ?" "Sire, as soon as the Earl of Surrey enters, twenty men of the king's bodyguard will occupy the anteroom through which the earl must pass; and it needs but a call from you to have them enter the hall with their torches.

I have taken care also that before the private backgate of the palace two coaches stand ready, the drivers of which know very well the street that leads to the Tower!" "Two coaches ?" said the king, laughing.

"Ah, ah, Douglas, how cruel we are to separate the tender, loving pair on this journey which is yet to be their last! Well, perhaps we can compensate them for it, and allow these turtledoves to make the last trip--the trip to the stake--together.

No, no, we will not separate them in death.

Together they may lay their heads on the block." The king laughed, quite delighted with his jest, while, leaning on the earl's arm, he crossed to the little boudoir on the other side, and took his place in the armchair set near the door.
"Now we must extinguish the light; and may it please your majesty to await in silence the things that are to come." The earl extinguished the light, and deep darkness and a grave-like stillness now followed.
But this did not last long.