me. Thou seest that for this cause I would that the girl might
remain with my lady wife."

"It may not be," said the chamberlain. "Let the girl be in attendance
with the pages in accordance with the queen's command until she learns of
the child's sex, which, for the damsel's sake, I would discover soon."

"I thank you, my lord, for your kindness," returned Lord Shrope. "It is
my desire also that the queen should learn of the affair at an early
season. But the time must be propitious."

"Yes; the time must be propitious." The lord chamberlain turned to
Francis who had listened to the above conversation with blushing cheeks.
"It seems best, my child, to carry out the queen's command at least in
part. Canst thou so bear thyself that none will be the wiser of thy sex?
The discipline of the palace is strict and the pages observe
punctiliously the outward forms of respect. Still the minions do ofttimes
o'erstep the bounds and indulge in rare pranks. Methinks 'twould be wise
for them to know naught of thy disguise. The knaves are as full of
mischief as sprites."

"I fear them not," said Francis spiritedly. "I fear naught but the
queen's displeasure. For any other, I care not who he be, woe to him who
dares touch Francis Stafford." She touched the poniard that dangled from
her belt significantly as she spoke.

"Child," cried the old lord in delight, "thou wearest the proper garb.
Thou wast never meant for a girl. Zounds! what spirit! And so thou
fearest naught in all England but the displeasure of the queen. Gramercy!
the air of the court is beginning to tell upon thee for those are the
words of a courtier. Come! I no longer fear for thee so long as thou dost
continue to bear thyself in so fearless a manner."

"I bid you farewell, my lord," said Francis to Lord Shrope.

"Farewell for a season, my child. Return to my lady when thy duties are
ended," said her friend. "Lighter will my heart be when thou art once
more in thy father's house. Marry! I would that I had not advised
bringing thee thither. Now I know not what may befall."

"Chide not thyself, my lord," returned Francis who had recovered her
natural courage now that the interview with the queen was over. "All will
be well in a few days, I doubt not. Meantime, it suits me well that I am
to see somewhat of the court."

"Marry! it suits not me," returned his lordship bluntly. "I like not to
see a wild bird caged. The linnet is never so sweet as in its own
woodland.