flourish in the bright light of day and grow
into mightiness in the first hours of the night, but the early dawn
chills enthusiasm and makes the inspirations of the night before seem
poor and weak and hardly worth an effort.

Something of this feeling oppressed Francis Stafford. She missed the
shouting of the gallants, the screaming of the hawks, the yelping of the
dogs and the blowing of horns that was the accompaniment of a
hunting-party. Instead of such a triumphal departure there was only the
low sobbing of Lady Stafford as she bade them farewell.

"My lord, you will have great care for you both, will you not?" she
murmured, trying to control her emotion. "Oh, I like not the journey! I
like it not!"

"Be not dismayed," comforted her husband. "We will return soon, and there
is no danger. We will be with thee again ere thou hast had time to miss
us."

The lady said no more but embraced them mournfully. Both father and child
were silent as they swept out of the courtyard into the park beyond.
Presently the sky began to soften in the east, and the gray uncertain
light gave place to the blushing dawn. Soon the dark shadows that lurked
under the trees fled before the golden beams of the sun. Suddenly the
note of a lark rang out silvery and joyous. Bird after bird took up the
note until from every tree and shrub there swelled a grand chorus as
larks and throstles poured forth their matin song of praise.

"How beautiful!" cried Francis, her eyes sparkling, her spirits rising.
"My father, right glad am I to be here with thee."

"Thine is a wild spirit, Francis," said her father rousing himself. "You
mind me of these birds, so wild and free yet sweet withal. Child, mayhap
I have done ill in taking thee thus from thy mother. And yet, we are not
in the queen's favor! Should misfortune overtake one it would involve
all."

"Father, if by act of mine I can further thy purpose, make use of me, I
pray. Glad am I that thou dost deem me worthy of thy confidence. And do
we not go to the aid of Mary, our rightful queen? What excuse need we for
so doing? Oh, if I can once behold her, can but once kiss her hand, then
would I be willing to lose even my life if 'twere needful."

Lord Stafford smiled at her enthusiasm.

"Has the infection seized upon thee too, child? In like manner so do I
feel, and so do hundreds of others. Strange what an influence Mary Stuart
wields over human hearts! God forfend that thy life should be required