. Farewell."

"Farewell," returned Francis sinking upon one knee and saluting her. "I
will see you again, Your Grace."

With an impatient exclamation Sir Amyas Paulet gave a sharp blow to
Mary's horse, which reared and plunged at the treatment, almost
unseating the lady, able horsewoman though she was. The animal then
dashed away followed by the grim old puritan and the remainder of the
party who had halted at some little distance from them.

As soon as they were out of sight Francis took the locket in her hand.

"And I have seen Mary," she said with gladness. "How it will surprise my
father. How beautiful is the locket, and how full of graciousness and
sweetness she is! Service in her behalf must be a joy."

She turned and retraced her steps toward Stafford unmindful of the fact
that she had started to meet her father.

It had been morning when Lord Stafford had left his daughter; the sun was
declining in the west when, discouraged and low in spirit, he returned to
the tavern!

"It is even worse than report hath it," he said as he entered the
apartment where Francis awaited him. "Chartley is as much a prison for
Mary as the tower itself would be. When I sought admission to its gates I
was refused and threatened, forsooth. The manor is surrounded by a moat
and is well defended. The walls can be scaled only by birds. Methinks
that there is cause for Babington's wild frenzy."

"Father," spoke Francis demurely, though there was exultation in her
tones, "I saw Mary."

"My child, what do you say?" ejaculated Lord Stafford in surprise. "How
couldst thou? You were not at Chartley."

"Nathless I saw the queen," and Francis laughed gleefully. "See what she
graciously gave me."

Her father took the chain and locket in his hands and examined them
closely.

"It doth indeed come from Mary," he said looking at the name, Marie R,
engraved upon it. "Thou hast accomplished wonders, Francis. Tell me how
the matter fell out?"

Francis related all that had happened. Lord Stafford listened intently.

"Sir Amyas is an austere jailer," he observed. "He thinketh to do his
duty more acceptably to Elizabeth by treating Mary with rigor. Mary is
quick of wit, and I doubt not that this will put her on the alert. Child,
I must trust to thy wit to help me in this. Canst thou compass it?"

"I am sure so," answered Francis with the confidence of youth. "To-morrow
I will again repair to the forked roads, and mayhap she will be there."