tin. Latin, my lord, because the queen is
learned, and deference should be paid to her knowledge. The welcome to be
spoken by a boy."

"Have what thou wilt, Greville, so that it will please the queen,"
returned the nobleman. "I had word from my Lord of Leicester this morning
that his mummers accompanied Elizabeth in her progress. They will give
the play with more of satisfaction, I trow, than any of the strolling
players who have come hither. The address of welcome could be managed,
but what boy couldst thou get to deliver it? Boys there be in plenty, but
boys with Latinity----" and he shrugged his shoulders.

"Had your lordship only a son," sighed Greville regretfully, "it would be
right fitting for him to give the speech. I myself would write it.
'Twould only need to be conned well. Ah, would that thou hadst a son!"

"Gramercy!" spoke Francis overhearing the tutor's speech. "Hath he not a
daughter? I will give thy harangue, Master Greville."

"Nay;" and the old man shook his head positively. "'Twill not do,
Francis. The Queen's Majesty would relish it more if 'twere spoken by a
lad. Her heart inclineth to them. A pretty lad, for she loves beauty.
Marry! 'tis pity thou art a girl!"

"Father," Francis spoke quickly, a roguish light coming into her eyes, "I
could put on the page's dress again, and who would be the wiser? Not the
queen, I trow, for she doth not know whether or no thou hast a son."

"If it might be," said Greville eagerly. "The girl is brighter than most
lads, and could quickly con the speech. What say you, my lord?"

"Let the child have her way in this, my lord," spoke Lady Stafford
joining them. "Did she not don the garb to please thee? Now that it be
for her pleasure deny her not, I entreat."

"When thou pleadest for her, madam, I cannot deny," said her husband
slowly. "I thought never to see thee in such dress again, Francis. There
seemed necessity for it before. Now----"

"Now there is necessity also," broke in Francis. "Shall the queen go
without her welcome for the want of a boy? I trow not, when Francis
Stafford makes so good an one. Fear not, my father. I have become so
accustomed to the dress that each day do I don it. And 'tis but sport."

"Have thine own way," said Lord Stafford resignedly. "Do but honor the
queen, and I will not inquire too closely concerning the manner."

Pleased at receiving the permission, Francis applied herself to
memorizing the speech prepared by the tutor whi