Jane.The truth before life. Yes, your Majesty.
The Queen.And so, my lord, you do not know this woman?
Fabiani.Madame, some one is seeking to ruin me. I am surrounded by enemies. This woman is in league with them, I doubt not. I do not know her, Madame; I do not know who she is, Madame!
The Queen [rising and striking him in the face with her glove.]Ah! you are a dastard!—You betray one and deny the other!—And you do not know who she is! Do you want me to tell you? This woman is Jane Talbot, daughter of John Talbot, the loyal Catholic who died on the scaffold for my mother. This woman is Jane Talbot, my cousin; Jane Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, Countess of Wexford, Countess of Waterford, peeress of England! That is who this woman is!—Lord Paget, you are Keeper of the Privy Seal; you will pay heed to our words. The Queen of England solemnly recognizes the young woman in the presence as Jane, the daughter and only heiress of the last Earl of Waterford.
- [Pointing to the papers.
These are the muniments of title and the proofs, which you will cause to be sealed with the great seal. Such is our pleasure.
- [To Fabiani.
Yes, Countess of Waterford! and that is proved! and you will restore the estates, villain.—Ah! you do not know this woman! you do not know who this woman is! Well, I tell you! She is Jane Talbot! And must I tell you more?
[Looking him in the face, in a low tone, between her teeth.
Dastard! she is your mistress!
