I stopped and stared at
her, with my mouth open, like a bumpkin gazing at an army passing.

Now at that time (and I say it without conceit) there were few men at
court who would not have been glad to change their looks with Walter
Bradley; therefore the blow did fall with more stunning force. When I
had somewhat recovered myself, I walked on, wishing every woman at the
bottom of the sea, and swearing revenge on her, which was now walking
by my side; yet cursing myself, silently, for having made a fool of
myself by showing my surprise. Hazel, instead of laughing, which would
have made me feel better, wore the most innocent look that it is
possible to imagine: yet methought the look was overdone. However, I
was now determined not to show my disappointment any more; so I
continued the conversation, using the same subject.

"I do not believe Harleston need fear the Scottish arrows; for, unless
I be a false prophet, he will leave the most vital part of his body,
namely, the heart, here at Windsor. And yet," I continued, becoming
bolder, and heaving a heavy sigh, "he shall not be the only one to do
so."

"No," she replied; "the Duke of Gloucester said he was leaving his
heart here."

"To whom said he that?" cried I, for the one danger of this accursed
court life was the chance of men in high places casting a jealous eye
on the maidens of the court.

"I heard him tell the Queen that he would leave his heart with the King
and his family," answered Hazel, and she laughed at my apprehension of
the danger which I thought threatened her.

"Why dost thou like to torment me so?" I asked.

"Because thou art so easily teased."

Why, oh why, did the Creator arm these fair creatures with such a power
to make us happy or miserable, good or bad, send us to Heaven or to
Hell, make us sensible men or the veriest of fools as best doth please
their whims?

"But look, here cometh the Queen," said my fair companion. "I fear I
shall get a scolding for leaving her, to walk with thee."

"Tell her that the Duke of Gloucester kept thee talking with him, the
which is the truth," I said.

But when we met her Majesty, who was walking with her daughters and
some others of her suite, she most kindly did receive us, and no
thoughts of scolding were in her gracious mind. When we had spoken for
some time, the Queen enquired as to where Mary was.

"She came on ahead of us, your Majesty," replied I, "and I had surely
thought that thou mu