for the removal. The work must be accomplished in
the utmost secrecy. The boy shall grow up in the wholesome air of the
country. No one who surrounds him must be permitted even to suspect to
whom he owes his life. This child shall be simple in his habits, devout,
and modest, far from flattery and spoiling, among other lads of plain
families, who know nothing of heresy and court follies. This innocent
child's soul, at least, shall not be corrupted at its root. I
consecrated him to the Saviour, and as a pure sacrifice he must receive
him from his father's hand. I have given him a beautiful charge. In the
monastery his prayers will remove the guilt of him who gave him life.
The pardon for which the mother refused to strive, the son, consecrated
to Jesus Christ our Lord, will struggle to obtain."

With uplifted gaze he interrupted himself. His eyes flashed with a fiery
light, and his voice gained an imperious tone, which showed no trace of
the asthmatic trouble that had just affected it as he added: "But the
secret which even the reckless mother has hitherto known how to guard
must be kept. Not even your wife, Luis, not even our sister, Queen Mary,
must learn what is being accomplished."

Then he added more quietly: "The opportunity to take the boy to Spain
is favourable. Our son, Don Philip, will return in three weeks to
Valladolid. The child can be carried in his train. It will disappear
among the throng, for an actual army forms the tail of the comet. I will
hear your proposal to-morrow. Who is to take charge of him on the way?
Where can a suitable shelter for the boy be found in Spain?"

This announcement fell upon the valet like a thunderbolt, for little
John, who regarded him and his wife as his parents, had become as
dear to the childless couple as if he was their own. To part from the
beautiful, frank, merry boy would darken Frau Traut's whole life. He,
Adrian, had warned her, but she had been unable to resist the entreaties
of the sorely punished mother. Cautiously as Barbara's visits had been
managed, the infirm monarch's eye had maintained its keenness of vision
here also.

Now his wife must pay dearly for her weakness and disobedience. Frau
Traut was threatened, too, with another loss. Massi, the most intimate
friend of their house, also expected to return to Spain in the Infant
Philip's train, to spend the remainder of his days there in peace.
Permission to depart had been granted to him a few hours before.