estion, and colouring, she
knew not why, said,

"Please you, my lady, though his Highness at first commanded him hence,
he has graciously suffered him to remain until to-morrow's noon. Ah,
madam!" she continued, sinking on the ground at Lady Frances's feet, "if
you would only, only remember the promise you made when you gave me
this,"--she held the clasp of the golden chain towards Lady
Frances,--"and intercede with him, to whom is given the power of life
and death, to pardon to the uttermost, and suffer Hugh Dalton to tarry
on this island, I would--I would--alas! my lady, I am but a poor girl,
and have nothing to give save blessings, and they shower so upon the
heads of greatness that they must weary and not gladden; but my blessing
would come from the heart, and it is not always, I hear, that the heart
beats when the lips speak. So good, my lady, think upon your own great
father; and think that as great as he have ere now asked for mercy; and
then think upon mine--mine, who is as brave, and--and--will be as honest
as the best man in all England. Then, gracious madam, it is not from
presumption I speak, but Robin has wit and wisdom, and wit and wisdom
are sometimes needed by those in high places; but he would lend--ay,
give it all, to serve any one who pleasured me in a smaller thing than
this. I can do nothing; but Robin is one who can always do much."

When Barbara had pleaded thus far, she could get no farther, but
trembled, so that Lady Frances placed her on her cushion, and smilingly
replied,

"So, for this woodbine-sort of assistance, you would have me rouse the
British lion, who has been in such marvellous good temper lately that I
fear me the wind will shift soon; but Cromwell, girl, is not one to
halve his mercy. I can promise, not from my influence, but the knowledge
of his mind, that Hugh Dalton will not be banished; nay, I am sure of
it. But see ye there, the helmets are stirring already. Constantia, your
chamber is delightful for a heroine, but a melancholy one for a curious
maiden. Only behold! one can scarcely catch a glimpse of the court-yard.
When I build a castle, I'll construct a turret with eyes, commonly
called windows, all round it: nothing shall be done in secret!--Good
morn to you, sweet friend! I can soon find out what the stir is about
from the head of the great staircase."

"Adieu, fair Lady Curiosity," said Constantia, as Lady Frances tripped
with a light step on her inquisitive mission: