with the fairest pearls that
ever were found in the depths of Lochlomond; and thou
thyself, Mary Fleming, the best dresser of tires that ever
busked the tresses of a queen, and who would scorn to touch
those of any woman of lower rank--thou thyself shalt for my
love twine them into the bride's tresses.--Look, my Fleming,
suppose then such clustered locks as these of our Catherine,
they would not put shame upon thy skill.' So saying she
passed her hand fondly over the head of her youthful
favourite, while her more aged attendant replied
despondently, 'Alas, madam, your thoughts stray far from
home.' 'They do, my Fleming,' said the queen, 'but is it
well or kind in you to call them back?--God knows they have
kept the perch this night but too closely.--Come, I will
recall the gay vision, were it but to punish them. Yes, at
that blithesome bridal, Mary herself shall forget the weight
of sorrows, and the toil of state, and herself once more
lead a measure.--At whose wedding was it that we last
danced, my Fleming? I think care has troubled my memory--yet
something of it I should remember, canst thou not aid me? I
know thou canst.' 'Alas, madam,' replied the lady. 'What,'
said Mary, 'wilt thou not help us so far? this is a peevish
adherence to thine own graver opinion which holds our talk
as folly. But thou art court-bred and wilt well understand
me when I say the queen _commands_ Lady Fleming to tell her
when she led the last _branle_.' With a face deadly pale and
a mien as if she were about to sink into the earth, the
court-bred dame, no longer daring to refuse obedience,
faltered out, 'Gracious lady--if my memory err not--it was
at a masque in Holyrood--at the marriage of Sebastian.' The
unhappy queen, who had hitherto listened with a melancholy
smile, provoked by the reluctance with which the Lady
Fleming brought out her story, at this ill-fated word
interrupted her with a shriek so wild and loud that the
vaulted apartment rang, and both Roland and Catherine sprung
to their feet in the utmost terror and alarm. Meantime, Mary
seemed, by the train of horrible ideas thus suddenly
excited, surprised not only beyond self-command, but for the
moment beyond the verge of reason. 'Traitress,' she said to
the Lady Fleming, 'thou wouldst s