Scene V
The same, without Simon Renard. Master Eneas, Joshua
THE QUEEN.
Is it you, Master Eneas? This man and you, you must attend to it that the Earl of Clanbrassil makes his escape at once.
MASTER ENEAS.
Madame—
THE QUEEN.
Very well! I won’t trust you; I remember you are one of his enemies. Are there none but enemies of the man I love, around me? I will wager that this turnkey, whom I don’t even know, he hates him too.
JOSHUA.
You are right, madame.
THE QUEEN.
My God! My God! This Simon Renard is more a king than I am a queen! What! not one person to trust? No one to whom I can give power to plan his escape?
JANE (coming out from behind the pillar).
Yes, madame, I!
JOSHUA (aside).
Jane!
THE QUEEN.
You! Who are you? Ah, it is you, Jane Talbot. What are you doing here? Never mind, you are here! You have come to save Fabiani; thank you! I ought to hate you, Jane; I ought to be jealous of you. I have reason enough to be! But I’m not! I love you for loving him! In front of the scaffold there is no more jealousy—nothing but love! You are like me, you forgive him. I understand; men don’t understand these things. Lady Jane, let us have it clearly understood. We are both of us miserable, are we not? We must save Fabiani! I have no one but you. I must let you do it! At least, I am sure, you will do it with all your heart. Take charge of it, gentlemen, both of you. Do everything that Lady Jane directs you to do, and upon your heads, you will be answerable for the execution of her orders. Embrace me, young woman!
JANE.
The Thames washes the base of the Tower on this side. I noticed a secret passage. A boat at that place, and the escape might be made by the Thames. It is the safest way.
MASTER ENEAS.
It will be impossible to get a boat there, before an hour.
JANE.
That is very long.
MASTER ENEAS.
It will soon pass! It will be dark, too. That will be better if her Majesty wishes to keep the escape secret.
THE QUEEN.
Perhaps you are right. In one hour then. I leave you, Lady Jane. I must go to the City Hall. Save Fabiani!
JANE.
Make yourself easy, madame!
[The Queen goes out; Jane follows her with her eyes.
JOSHUA (front of stage).
Gilbert was right; she loves Fabiani!