So Master Richard betook him to the knight, a man of many charges, and made known that finding his daughter somewhat puling and sickly, he wished having, as she told him, the consent of the Queen of Scots, to take her home with him for a time.

“You do well, Mr. Talbot,” said Sir Amias.  “In sooth, I have only marvelled that a pious and godly man like you should have consented to let her abide so long, at her tender age, among these papistical, idolatrous, and bloodthirsty women.”

“I think not that she hath taken harm,” said Richard.

“I have done my poor best; I have removed the priest of Baal,” said the knight; “I have caused godly ministers constantly to preach sound doctrine in the ears of all who would hearken; and I have uplifted my testimony whensoever it was possible.  But it is not well to expose the young to touching the accursed thing, and this lady hath shown herself greatly affected to your daughter, so that she might easily be seduced from the truth.  Yet, sir, bethink you is it well to remove the maiden from witnessing that which will be a warning for ever of the judgment that falleth on conspiracy and idolatry?”

“You deem the matter so certain?” said Richard.

“Beyond a doubt, sir.  This lady will never leave these walls alive.  There can be no peace for England nor safety for our blessed and gracious Queen while she lives.  Her guilt is certain; and as Mr. Secretary said to me last night, he and the Lord Treasurer are determined that for no legal quibbles, nor scruples of mercy from our ever-pitiful Queen, shall she now escape.  Her Majesty, however her womanish heart may doubt now, will rejoice when the deed is done.  Methinks I showed you the letter she did me the honour to write, thanking me for the part I took in conveying the lady suddenly to Tixall.”

Richard had already read that letter three times, so he avowed his knowledge of it.

“You will not remove your son likewise?” added Sir Amias.  “He hath an acquaintance with this lady’s people, which is useful in one so thoroughly to be trusted; and moreover, he will not be tampered with.  For, sir, I am never without dread of some attempt being made to deal with this lady privily, in which case I should be the one to bear all the blame.  Wherefore I have made request to have another honourable gentleman joined with me in this painful wardship.”

Richard had no desire to remove his son.  He shared Queen Mary’s feelings on the inexpediency of Humfrey forming part of the escort of the young lady, and thought it was better for both to see as little of one another as possible.

Sir Amias accordingly, on his morning visit of inspection, intimated to the Queen that Mr. Talbot wished his daughter to return home with him for the recovery of her health.  He spoke as if the whole suite were at his own disposal, and Mary resented it in her dignified manner.

“The young lady hath already requested license from us,” she said, “and we have granted it.  She will return when her health is fully restored.”