Darnley: The Queen has retired. Let us talk.
Mary: Why do you lock the door?
Darnley: I found it so!—I thought it was the Queen's will.
- (There is a loud scream outside, and running steps towards the door, which is beaten violently as Riccio tries to enter. Then a struggle and scream upon scream. Then silence, and footsteps hurrying away)
- (Mary and Beaton have moved to the door. Mary has taken the key from Darnley, but everything has happened in a moment. Mary moves to open the door, but holds back)
Mary (to Darnley): Open it!
Darnley: I should have questioned them more closely.
Mary: Open.
- (Darnley unlocks and opens the door upon Riccio's body)
Mary: For shame! A poor simpleton like that!
Darnley: I was in the Queen's chamber.
