I have left this poor Sebastian's wedding, and I must return to it; for I promised to came masked to his ball." The king dared not insist; he only reminded her of the promise that she had made to send him a servant: Mary renewed it yet once again, and went away with her attendants.

As for Durham, he had set out the moment he received permission.
It was nine o'clock in the evening.

Darnley, left alone, carefully shut the doors within, and retired to rest, though in readiness to rise to let in the servant who should come to spend the night with him.

Scarcely was he in bed than the same noise that he had heard the night before recommenced; this time Darnley listened with all the attention fear gives, and soon he had no longer any doubt but that several men were walking about beneath him.

It was useless to call, it was dangerous to go out; to wait was the only course that remained to the king.