1582.] THE JESUITS IN SCOTLAND, 245 themselves, but he had been strictly ordered to keep clear of complicity, and to avoid committing his master by indiscreet promises. The leading Catholics were under arrest, or under severe surveillance ; the manage- ment of the party was therefore inconveniently thrown upon himself ; and his embarrassments were increased by the time which was lost in writing to, and hearing from, Madrid. He sent Lennox's message to the Queen of Scots, and received in return her hearty approbation. She was in high spirits, and more confident than she had been at any time since her coming into England. Her interview with Beale had answered well. Elizabeth having, as was supposed, given mortal offence to France by her treatment of Alencon, and having failed to re- cover a party in Scotland, even Walsingham considered that nothing was now left but a compromise with the lady at Sheffield. Her detention hitherto, he said, had been made possible only by the state of parties on the Continent ; the division between France and Spain was not likely to endure longer ; something would probably be attempted in the Queen of Scots' favour ; and ' it was therefore convenient that her Majesty should proceed with the treaty not long since begun with the said Queen.' 1 Mary Stuart understood her advantages. A treaty being allowed to be possible, the terms of it presented no difficulty. According to the threadbare formula, April. 1 Reasons to move her Majesty to proceed in the treaty with the Scotch Queen, April, 1582. "Wal- singham's hand : MSS. MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS.
