. Let not the jealousy of Richard
bring harm unto others than me. I am to blame, and I alone should
suffer." As she finished this speech she stood erect, her face turned
heavenward, and her arms upraised in entreaty. As she stood thus her
noble form lost none of that queenly dignity which must ever have
marked her as a Queen among women.

[Illustration: "I am to blame, and I alone should suffer."]

"Come, come, mother, thou must not give way thus. Gloucester would
rejoice indeed, if he knew that he had so affected thee," said Dorset,
as he advanced and put his arm around his mother's neck, and patted her
tenderly upon the shoulder. "Besides," he continued, gently, as he led
her to the window, "we are losing valuable time. We know not when
Gloucester may arrive; and when he does, it is then too late for thee
to leave the Palace."

"Thou art right, my son," said her Majesty. "Indeed 'tis weakness in
me to thus give way. All mine energies must now be set aworking, that
I may cause that traitor's downfall." As she spoke she walked rapidly
to a door leading to some of her servant's quarters. This she opened,
and called within:--"What ho! Jane!" Then as some one made answer,
she continued:--"Have all my belongings put into boxes at once; all my
jewels carefully put together in their case. All things must be in
readiness within the hour."

"It shall be done, your Majesty," came from the inner room.

The girls then hastened to their apartments, to get their belongings in
readiness for their departure; whilst Dorset went to give orders to his
following to be prepared to escort her Majesty.

Within the time specified by the Queen all arrangements had been
completed, and they were ready to cross over to the Sanctuary.

Though the distance is short--in fact, the two buildings join--yet they
were escorted by a body of armed men. Hazel told me after that they
looked more like Queen Margaret going to battle, in the time of
Warwick, than the good Queen Elizabeth on her way unto a Sanctuary.

The little Duke of York laughed and chatted as they were collecting his
toy weapons. "Wait, Lady Hazel, until I grow up and am a man, and can
hold a lance in rest. Then I will ride a tourney; and when I am
proclaimed the champion of the day I shall make thee my Queen of
Beauty, and thou shalt put a wreath upon my head. Oh, thou needst not
laugh!" he cried, as Hazel smiled at this confident young gentleman;
"remember, I sh