the right and left an altar draped in black and white, and decorated as for funeral services. Tall candles. No priests. Lamps hanging here and there from the ceiling light the hall and the stairways dimly. The hall is really lighted by the white hangings at the back, through which gleams a reddish light as if there were an enormous fire behind it. The hall is paved with tombstones.—As the curtain rises, the motionless form of The Queen is outlined in black on the transparent white cloth.
[They enter stealthily through a small door concealed by the black hangings.
Jane.Where are we, Joshua?
Joshua.On the landing of the stairway which the condemned descend on the way to execution. It was hung thus under Henry the Eighth.
Jane.Is there no way to leave the Tower?
Joshua.The people are watching all the issues. They propose to be sure this time to have their victim.
Jane.The proclamation that was made from the balcony still rings in my ears. Did you hear it when we were below? All this, Joshua, is terrible!
Joshua.Ah! I have seen much worse things in my day.
Jane.If only Gilbert succeeded in making his escape! Think you that he is safe, Joshua?
Joshua.I am sure of it.
Jane.Quite sure, good Joshua?
Joshua.The Tower was not watched on the river
