Heavens! What is this?

MORTIMER (to KENNEDY).
Retire, good Kennedy;
See that my uncle comes not unawares.

MARY (to KENNEDY, who hesitates, and looks at the QUEEN inquiringly).
Go in; do as he bids you.

[KENNEDY retires with signs of wonder.



SCENE VI.

MARY, MORTIMER.

MARY.
From my uncle
In France--the worthy Cardinal of Lorrain?

[She reads.

"Confide in Mortimer, who brings you this;
You have no truer, firmer friend in England."

[Looking at him with astonishment.

Can I believe it? Is there no delusion
To cheat my senses? Do I find a friend