w, John, that my apartments are situated in yonder wing,
overlooking the garden. Well, in my dressing-room, behind one of the
large wall pictures, I have discovered a door leading into a lonely,
dark corridor. From this corridor there is a passage up into yonder
tower. It is unoccupied and deserted. Nobody ever thinks of entering
that part of the castle, and the quiet of the grave reigns throughout
those apartments, which nevertheless are furnished with a magnificence
truly regal. There will I receive him."

"But how shall he make his way thither?"

"Oh, do not be concerned; I have thought over that many days since; and
while I was refusing my lover the interview for which he again and again
implored me, I was quietly preparing everything so as to be able one
day to grant it to him. Today this object is attained, and today have
I fulfilled his wish, voluntarily and unasked; for I saw he had no more
courage to ask again. Listen, then. From the tower, a spiral staircase
leads down to a small door, through which you gain entrance into the
garden. I have a key to this door. Here it is. Once in possession of
this key, he has nothing further to do but remain behind in the park
this evening, instead of leaving the castle; and by means of this he
will come to me, for I will wait for him in the tower, in the large room
directly opposite the staircase landing. Here, take the key; give it to
him, and repeat to him all that I have said."

"Well, princess, there remains for you now only to appoint the hour at
which you will receive him there."

"The hour," said she, as she turned away her blushing face. "You
understand, John, that it is not feasible to receive him there by day,
because there is by day not a single moment in which I am not watched."

"You will then receive him by night!" said John Heywood, sadly. "At what
hour?"

"At midnight! And now you know all; and I beg you, John, hasten and
carry him my message; for, look, the sun is setting, and it will soon be
night."

She nodded to him with a smile, and turned to go.

"Princess, you have forgotten the most important point. You have not yet
told me his name."

"My God! and you do not guess it? John Heywood, who has such sharp eyes,
sees not that there is at this court but a single one that deserves to
be loved by a daughter of the king!"

"And the name of this single one is--"

"Thomas Seymour, Earl of Sudley!" whispered Elizabeth, as she turned
away quickly and