longer young.
For in that valley, which separates the mountains, I see dark clouds,
and storms, and armies marching and engaged in deadly contest. I hear
the cheers of the living intermingled with the prayers and curses of
the dying. Foul murders are being committed; dark plots being laid and
executed by those which struggle in that dark and troubled valley. And
through all this do I see that same group of young people, struggling
with the rest. Another and grand soul hath been added unto their
number; and their united trials seem, to my old eyes, to rank first in
importance. Then, on the near side, those dark and heavy vapors, with
which the depression is filled, are torn asunder by the united force of
a giant arm betwixt two flashing swords, and the five walk out and take
their seats upon this glorious hill, which is the goal of all; and yet,
which so few do reach, whilst wearing the fleshly garment.

CHAPTER VII

THE BALL AT THE CASTLE

About a week after our return to Windsor I learned that there was to be
a grand ball given by the King, in honor of our victory over the Scots.
I at once found the girls and told them the good news.

"Ah!" cried Hazel; "will it not be delightful to be able to have some
life at court, after all this quiet and monotony, with every one away
and no music, but that which Mary and I do make for ourselves?" And
she clapped her hands, and smiled and courtesied to me, as though I
were her partner in the dance.

"Not a great compliment to me, nor to Sir Frederick neither, when thou
dost say there is no one at court," said I; for I did not altogether
relish Hazel's superabundance of delight at the prospect of the change.
But the dear one was in one of those teasing fits of hers; so I knew
full well it was useless to say much.

The only answer she did vouchsafe to my remark was a provoking little
toss of her pretty head. She looked so lovely as she skipped about the
room, that even an over-exacting lover could not help but be
good-natured; even though he did try to be otherwise.

Mary was equally joyed when she heard that we were to have the dance.

"But when is it to be?" asked Hazel, stopping suddenly in the midst of
her solitary performance and joining Mary and me.

"This day week, and the Duke of Gloucester and most of the court will
have returned by then; so we will have a lively time. But here doth
come Sir Frederick; so, Mary, thou hadst better inform him and give