"Certainly we will," said Jane; "we will go to the king at once," and
she was on the _qui vive_ to start immediately.
Mary did not at once consent to Jane's proposition, but sat in a
reverie, looking with tearful eyes into vacancy, apparently absorbed
in thought. After a little pressing from us she said: "I suppose it
will have to be done; I can see no other way; but blessed Mother
Mary!... help me!"
The girls made hasty preparations, and we all started back to
Greenwich that Mary might tell the king. On the road over, I stopped
at Newgate to tell Brandon that the princess would soon have him out,
knowing how welcome liberty would be at her hands; but I was not
permitted to see him.
I swallowed my disappointment, and thought it would be only a matter
of a few hours' delay--the time spent in riding down to Greenwich and
sending back a messenger. So, light-hearted enough at the prospect, I
soon joined the girls, and we cantered briskly home.
After waiting a reasonable time for Mary to see the king, I sought her
again to learn where and from whom I should receive the order for
Brandon's release, and when I should go to London to bring him.
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