"When you came this morning with the tale of how the tables had been turned upon your brother, of how he was caught in his own springe, and the letter found in his keeping was before the King's folk at Taunton with every appearance of having been addressed to him, and not a tittle of evidence to show that it had been meant for me, do you know what news it was you brought me ?" He paused a second, looking at her from narrowing eyes.

Then he answered his own question.

"You brought me the news that you were mine to take whensoe'er I pleased.

Whilst that letter was in your hands it gave you the power to make me your obedient slave.

You might blow upon me as you listed whilst you held it, and I was a vane that must turn to your blowing for my honour's sake and for the sake of the cause in which I worked.