h the crushing guests, until I was near the King. His Majesty
was hanging over the arm of his chair; and leaning his head upon the
shoulder of Hastings. He appeared to have fainted; for he was deadly
pale, his eyes closed, and the lids trembling like the wings of a
wounded bird. Some evidently thought that he had already died, or was
just dying; for they were wringing their hands and muttering prayers,
when they might have been of more service had they stood further back,
and so allowed the King to get some fresh air, which--in these cases--I
do consider a better physic than most men's prayers.

Presently the Physician Royal, which had been sent for by the Queen,
arrived. He at once ordered every one, no matter of what rank he might
be to stand aback. Then he had a bench brought forward, and two
gentlemen carried the King and laid him at full length upon it.
Vigorously did they rub his hands and face, and then they bled him.
Then the noble sufferer did show some signs of recovering. Hastings
and Stanley did now lift up the bench, with its Royal load, and carried
it from the room. The Queen followed, wringing her hands and weeping.

The great ball was over, much before its time.

The guests stood, for some time, talking in little groups; most of
their conversation being scarce above a whisper; for there is something
which doth awe us, when the great are thus struck down.

I went back to the girls and Frederick; but a dampness had fallen upon
our happiness and made us to feel quiet.

We remained only a short time, and then made our ways unto our several
apartments.

Thus in sadness ended the entertainment given by his Majesty, King
Edward, the fourth of that name, in honor of our victory over the
Scottish king. But in the hall I did kiss Hazel ere I did let her go
that night.

CHAPTER VIII

THE DUEL

When I reached my room I sat down for a moment and thought. Then I
arose and walked about the room, and thought, of nothing but my great
happiness, and my good fortune in having at last accomplished that
which I had for so long desired.

Was it not delightful to be certain that some day my darling Hazel was
to be the mistress of Bradley House, which had stood without a mistress
for so long a time.

I pictured to myself how I would have the place altered and brightened,
that it might be in better keeping with its fair inmate. I could even
hear her light-hearted song, as she fluttered about the hou