Renard’s plan of marrying Mary to Philip of Spain, to which end he had had Courtenay and the Princess Elizabeth imprisoned in the Tower, was bitterly opposed by De Noailles.  The French ambassador determined to prevent the Spaniard’s plans, and, by means of Xit, sent a communication to the princess just as she was leaving her prison for Ashbridge.  Further, the little mannikin managed to creep, by way of the chimney, into the chamber where Courtenay was confined, and arrange a plan by which the Earl was able to escape.  His share in these events, however, was discovered, and, much to his amazement, he was arrested and taken to the torture chamber.  Though none of the instruments were small enough to inflict much pain upon him, he was so terrified that he answered every question that Renard asked him, giving those answers that he thought the Spaniard would approve.  The examination over he was placed in a cell.  Here he was visited by Nightgall, from whose girdle he managed to cut, unobserved, the bunch of keys.

Unlocking his own door, he hurried out into the labyrinth of passages and cells, and in his wanderings in search of an exit lighted upon the cell in which Cicely was confined.  He was not able to effect her escape, for as they were setting out Nightgall appeared, and put an end to their hopes.

Cuthbert had meanwhile been released, together with Lady Jane and her husband.  For a time they lived together quietly in Sion House, but De Noailles’ plan to prevent the Spanish marriage at all costs dragged them once more into the whirlpool.

Under the leadership of Sir Thomas Wyatt, an insurrection took place, having for its nominal object the prevention of Mary’s marriage with Philip of Spain; but it was joined by all the forces opposed to the crown.  Courtenay shared in it because he hoped to wed Elizabeth, who would be made Queen on the deposition of Mary.  Lord Guildford Dudley joined in it in the anticipation that his wife might once more mount the throne.

At first Wyatt carried everything before him.  Mary was actually besieged in the Tower, which it was attempted to carry by force.  Supported by Cuthbert, Lord Guildford led the assault, shouting, “Long live Queen Jane!  Down with Renard and the See of Rome!” The attack had almost succeeded, when Dudley was struck from behind by Renard and taken prisoner.

Cuthbert only escaped by forcing himself through an aperture, and dropping into the moat, from where he managed to swim ashore.  He made his way at once to Lady Jane, and related to her how the insurrection had collapsed, and how her husband had been taken prisoner.  For her own safety Jane had no thought.  She at once determined to seek out the queen, and beseech her to spare her husband.

Accompanied by Cuthbert, she presented herself at the Tower, and, obtaining an audience with Mary, flung herself at her feet.

“I am come to submit myself to your highness’s mercy,” she said, as soon as she could find utterance.