indow the
boat had disappeared.

Mary spent part of the night gazing into the immensity of the heavens, or
into the depths of the lake; but in spite of the nature of the thoughts
agitating her, she none the less found very great physical alleviation in
contact with this pure air and in contemplation of this peaceful and
silent night: thus she awoke next day calmer and more resigned.
Unfortunately, the sight of Lady Lochleven, who presented herself at
breakfast-time, to fulfil her duties as taster, brought back her
irritability. Perhaps, however, things would have gone on smoothly if
Lady Lochleven, instead of remaining standing by the sideboard, had
withdrawn after having tasted the various dishes of the courses; but this
insisting on remaining throughout the meal, which was at bottom a mark of
respect, seemed to the queen unbearable tyranny.

"Darling," said she, speaking to Mary Seyton, "have you already forgotten
that our good hostess complained yesterday of the fatigue she felt inn
standing? Bring her, then, one of the two stools which compose our royal
furniture, and take care that it is not the one with the leg broken".
"If the furniture of Lochleven Castle is in such bad condition, madam,"
the old lady replied, "it is the fault of the kings of Scotland: the poor
Douglases for nearly a century have had such a small part of their
sovereigns' favour, that they have not been able to keep up the splendour
of their ancestors to the level of that of private individuals, and
because there was in Scotland a certain musician, as I am informed, who
spent their income for a whole year in one month."

"Those who know how to take so well, my lady," the queen answered, "have
no need of being given to: it seems to me the Douglases have lost nothing
by waiting, and there is not a younger son of this noble family who might
not aspire to the highest alliances; it is truly vexatious that our
sister the queen of England has taken a vow of virginity; as is stated."

"Or rather," interrupted Lady Lochleven, "that the Queen of Scotland is
not a widow by her third husband. But," continued the old lady,
pretending to recollect herself, "I do not say that to reproach your
grace. Catholics look upon marriage as a sacrament, and on this head
receive it as often as they can."

"This, then," returned Mary, "is the difference between them and the
Huguenots; for they, not having the same respect for it, think it is
allowed them to dispe