.

It was time to open the ball, and, from my place in the musicians'
gallery, I could see Mary moving about among the guests, evidently
looking for a partner, while the men resorted to some very transparent
and amusing expedients to attract her attention. The princess,
however, took none of the bidders, and soon, I noticed, she espied
Brandon standing in the corner with his back toward her.

Something told me she was going to ask him to open the dance, and I
regretted it, because I knew it would set every nobleman in the house
against him, they being very jealous of the "low-born favorites," as
they called the untitled friends of royalty. Sure enough, I was right.
Mary at once began to make her way over to the corner, and I heard her
say: "Master Brandon, will you dance with me?"

It was done prettily. The whole girl changed as soon as she found
herself in front of him. In place of the old-time confidence, strongly
tinged with arrogance, she was almost shy, and blushed and stammered
with quick coming breath, like a burgher maid before her new-found
gallant. At once the courtiers made way for her, and out she walked,
leading Brandon by the hand. Upon her lips and in her eyes was a rare
triumphant smile, as if to say:

"Look at this handsome new trophy of my bow and spear."

I was surprised and alarmed when Mary chose Brandon, but when I turned
to the musicians to direct their play, imagine, if you can, my
surprise when the leader said:

"Master, we have our orders for the first dance from the princess."

Imagine, also, if you can, my double surprise and alarm, nay, almost
my terror, when the band struck up Jane's "Sailor Lass." I saw the
look of surprise and inquiry which Brandon gave Mary, standing there
demurely by his side, when he first heard the music, and I heard her
nervous little laugh as, she nodded her head, "Yes," and stepped
closer to him to take position for the dance. The next moment she was
in Brandon's arms, flying like a sylph about the room. A buzz of
astonishment and delight greeted them before they were half way
around, and then a great clapping of hands, in which the king himself
joined. It was a lovely sight, although, I think, a graceful woman is
more beautiful in La Galliard than any other dance, or, in fact, any
other situation in which she can place herself.

After a little time the Dowager Duchess of Kent, first lady in waiting
to the queen, presented herself at the musicians' gallery