r time as best we could until her Majesty had
finished her devotions; for at that time it was even more difficult to
obtain admittance to the Sanctuary than it had been at any other, on
account of her Majesty being within its sacred walls.

At the end of what seemed to us an age, but what in reality must have
been but a very short space, for anxious love makes the moments into
hours, the slide in the door was pushed back and a not unpleasant voice
asked what names we might wish to send unto the Queen.

"Sir Frederick Harleston and Sir Walter Bradley, but late returned from
Ludlow with the King, pray to be admitted to the presence of the Queen,
as we have information that is of importance to her Majesty," said I.

Again the sliding panel was closed, and again were we compelled to
struggle with our impatient spirits. But this time it was not for
long. Presently the slide was opened to the width of a lady's hand.
To this opening was applied an eye, beautifully draped with long and
curling, dark brown lashes, through which that orb--the true
transmitter of the workings of the soul--sparkled with expectancy and
love, like a precious jewel held in a gentle shadow. And indeed what
jewel could equal it in preciousness? For it belonged to Hazel. Then
the door flew open, and we were locked in each other's arms in a
shorter space of time than one might draw a breath in.

Seldom, if ever, had that holy house been the scene of such a meeting.
Verily, it is a wonder that we were not struck dead for daring to thus
demonstrate our love in that cold, consecrated edifice, where one is
scarce expected to draw a breath, except for the purpose of praying.
But mayhap this house had become used to unholy men, during the wars of
the white rose with the red. Be this as it may, nothing of harm befell
us for our conduct.

"Oh! my dear, fair flower," I cried, as my lips touched her on the
forehead; "great is my joy at seeing thee, as is my sorrow that thou
shouldst be compelled to thus seek safety from those accursed
scoundrels which now surround our King."

"Walter, dear, I think not of that, now that thou art again returned to
me. But come," she said suddenly, as she remembered my mission, "the
Queen awaits thee anxiously; so let us go to her at once. Afterwards
we may talk, as I have much to tell thee."

"Hast thou no word for Sir Frederick?" I asked, as we started down the
corridor.

"Ah! Sir Frederick, thou must forgive me;"