This manifestation was at its highest
when the messenger from Newgate arrived with Mary's poor little note
as intended by the duke.
The note was handed to Henry, who read aloud as follows:
"_To Master Charles Brandon_":
"Greeting--Soon you will be at liberty; perhaps ere this is to
your hand. Surely would I not leave you long in prison. I go to
Windsor at once, there to live in the hope that I may see you
speedily.
"MARY."
"What is this?" cried Henry. "My sister writing to Brandon? God's
death! My Lord of Buckingham, the suspicions you whispered in my ear
may have some truth. We will let this fellow remain in Newgate, and
allow our good people of London to take their own course with him."
Buckingham went to Windsor next day and told Mary that arrangements
had been made the night before for Brandon's escape, and that he had
heard that Brandon had left for New Spain.
Mary thanked the duke, but had no smiles for any one. Her supply was
exhausted.
She remained at Windsor nursing her love for the sake of the very pain
it brought her, and dreading the battle for more than life itself
which she knew she should soon be called upon to fight.
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