le the other preparations
went on royally. Elizabeth was to arrive in the afternoon, and on the
morning of that day her master of horse, the Earl of Leicester, with his
stepson, the Earl of Essex, came to see that everything was in readiness.
Then in company with Lord Stafford they went forth to escort the queen to
the Hall.

A great concourse of people stood without the gates. Lord Stafford's
retainers were drawn up on either side of the base court ready to shout
a welcome so soon as the queen appeared. At the top of the stairs leading
to the terrace stood Francis arrayed in doublet and hose of purple
velvet. A short cloak of the material hung gracefully from her shoulders.
A purple velvet bonnet with a long white feather crowned her head. Her
curls were blown about her cheeks by the breeze; her color was coming and
going for she was somewhat dismayed at the magnitude of the task she had
set herself. Stories that she had heard of the great queen's anger at
those who failed to perform well their parts rushed to her mind and
almost overwhelmed her with confusion.

"Courage," whispered Greville who stood near her. "Courage, girl.
Remember who thou art, and whom thou art to welcome. Do thy father
credit, else I will repent me of having intrusted so important a duty to
thee."

"I will, good cousin," returned Francis her spirit rising at his words.
"Not even the presence of the queen shall make me forget what is due my
father. But hark!"

A blare of trumpets sounded without the gates. The bell in the tower,
used only upon great occasions, pealed forth merrily. The musicians
stationed in court, terrace, and hall struck up, and viols, sackbuts,
cornets and recorders sounded, while from the retainers and people who
thronged the roads and the court there went up a great shout of
acclamation as a glittering cavalcade appeared.

The dresses of the courtiers were a blaze of splendor remarkable even in
that imaginative age. First rode the Earl of Leicester, magnificent in
black satin, his horse richly caparisoned with embroidered furnishings.
On the right of the queen was the Earl of Essex resplendent in cloth of
silver. Upon her left, rode Sir Walter Raleigh gorgeous in white satin
raiment. Back of them came the ladies of the court, maids of honor, and
the gentlemen. In the midst of all these was the one upon whom all eyes
were bent--Elizabeth. She was attired in white silk bordered with pearls
the size of beans, and over it