and the court. I am but a
maiden, my lord, unlearned in the ways of courtiers, and should I fail to
find favor with the queen, who shall stand between me and her will? Who
is there who would brave her displeasure to speak one word for me? Marry!
not one!"

"Think not on that aspect, girl, an thou wouldst maintain thy spirit. He
who would achieve his end dwells not on failure. Think on thy father. For
his sake thou must get the favor of the queen. For his sake so demean
thyself that all that he hath done will be condoned. Mark thee, Francis!
There are those who whisper that he is the more inclined to Mary of
Scotland than to Elizabeth of England. There lies his danger."

"I thank you, my lord, for your words," said Francis. "Well will I heed
them. Thou hast been to me as a father in the discharge of thy duty,
though it must be irksome to thee to be burdened with so troublesome a
charge. Nathless, I thank thee for thy words and for thy care."

Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke and she turned her head quickly
that he might not see them.

"Thou art welcome to all that I have done," said Lord Shrope brusquely to
hide his feelings for he was filled with pity for the forlorn state of
the girl. "Troublesome thou hast not been, but full of courage until now.
How now? Wilt thou play the girl when thou dost wear that garb? Command
thyself, I pray, for we draw near the palace."

"'Tis true I wear this garb," sobbed Francis, "but yet I am a maiden,
with a maiden's fears and a maiden's weakness. Prithee bear with me for a
moment until I am myself again."

She gave way to the emotion that overwhelmed her, for she was wearied by
the journey, excited over the new and strange scenes of the past few
days, and overwrought with her fears. Lord Shrope bent a look of
compassion upon her, but uttered no word.

The song of the boatmen ceased as they drew near the landing stairs of
the palace. There were numerous wherries waiting to unload their human
freight, and this gave Francis time to recover her composure. So soon as
she was calm Lord Shrope motioned to the watermen and they drew up at the
stairs which led to the great gate of the palace. Courtyard and terrace
were filled with gaily-dressed ladies and nobles. Here a lady attended by
her gentlewomen traced her way delicately, a gentleman-usher making way
for her, her train upheld by a page. Then gallants ruffled along, their
attire vying with that of the ladies for brilliancy a