for converse. Be in
haste with thy meal, Giles."

The host hastened from the room while Francis slipped quietly into the
nearest chair, and looked with interest at the young man. She had heard
of Anthony Babington. His attachment to Mary of Scotland was well known,
and his devotion invested him with a romantic glamour now that she too
had espoused the same cause. The young man was speaking in low, rapid
tones to her father:

"I tell you, my lord, that the attempt will not be successful. No
invasion or insurrection can occur during Elizabeth's life, for any open
endeavor in Mary's favor will cause Sir Amyas Paulet to slay her. He hath
sworn it."

"Then, Anthony, it may be unwise to try to release Mary from her prison.
She hath suffered much of late from illness. It was my hope that if we
were successful, to place her where she might obtain the comforts of
which she hath been bereft, and so placed she would regain her health."

"The matter hath gone too far to end in her mere release," cried
Babington earnestly. "Elizabeth must die."

"Babington, thou art mad!" exclaimed Lord Stafford starting up in
horror.

"Mad? Nay; I have just begun to see that I have been called to rid
England of that most unjust queen who transcends the laws of blood by
keeping her own kin imprisoned as she hath done. And I am not alone,
Stafford. There are others who believe as I do. Wilt thou join us?"

"Never," cried Lord Stafford sternly. "May my right hand drop from its
shoulder ere it be raised against England's queen. Unjust to Mary she
hath been. Unjust in her treatment of her, and unjust in usurping the
throne. But still she is her father's daughter, and crowned queen of
England. If it be so that the release of Mary can be compassed, and
Elizabeth forced to recognize her as her successor, I will join the
effort even as I have already pledged to do. But no more."

"Hast thou not seen Ballard?" asked the young man in surprise.

"Yes; he tarried with me at mine own house as Captain Fortescue. How
now?"

"He said that thou wert ripe for the project," mused the other.

"Not to assassinate Elizabeth," returned Lord Stafford firmly. "I go to
Chartley now to acquaint Mary with the plan for her release. But I tell
thee, Anthony, if what thou tellest me be true, then will I withdraw
from the enterprise."

"My lord, I did but try thee. Some there be who advocate the slaying of
Elizabeth, but they are few. I beseech you, as you have giv