grim
fortress. A low browed projecting arch, above which was a tower forming a
striking part of the stronghold, attracted the girl's attention. Steps
led up from the river to a small ricket in the arch which gave entrance
into the Tower.

"That is the Traitors' Gate," said Lord Shrope. "Through that wicket pass
all those guilty of treason."

A shudder passed over Francis as she gazed at the forbidding portals.

"Why dost thou shiver?" asked Lord Shrope kindly, as he noticed her
involuntary tremor.

"Sir," answered Francis, in mournful tones, "I fear that Tower. Something
seems to whisper me that yon grim walls and I will become better
acquainted."

"Now Heaven forfend!" ejaculated Lord Shrope. "Thy doubts of thy
reception at the queen's hands render thee fearful. Take courage, child.
All will yet be well. 'Tis not amiss that thou shouldst be doubtful, as
the issue is uncertain. Were you but as the queen thinks, and not in
masquerade, you would fare well at court. For 'tis worthy the ambition of
any young man, be his rank of the highest, or his prospects the most
brilliant, to become one of the queen's pensioners. For thus doth Her
Majesty accomplish divers things: she honoreth those who are such;
obligeth their kindred and alliance, and fortifieth herself; for none can
be brought near her person without becoming willing to lay down life
itself in her behalf."

"I should not be, were I in truth the boy she thinks me," declared
Francis.

"Subdue such spirit, girl," rebuked he. "The queen is graciousness itself
to those whom she favors, but frowardness and pertness are not to her
liking. In sooth, she tolerates them not in those near her. For thy
father's sake, have a care to thy words. The slight disfavor under which
thou dost labor will soon be overcome, I doubt not, if thou wilt show
thyself submissive to her will. But I mean not to chide thee, child, for
I know that thy maiden heart cannot but fail thee in this hour. I would,
an I could, turn thy mind to more of liking toward the queen else will
it be hard for thee to sue to her. Elizabeth is a great ruler. The land
hath never before enjoyed so much of peace and prosperity. Even her
enemies cannot gainsay this fact. But I fear that I weary thee, and thou
art troubled enough."

"Nay, my lord; I know that thou dost speak from the fulness of
experience, and therefore do thy words carry weight. I am not weary but
my heart doth fail me when I think of the queen