with me for what I am about to say. Rumor hath whispered
that thou hast given entertainment to Jesuits which, as thou knowest, is
felony. Nay;" as Lord Stafford was about to speak, "I would not ask thee
if it be true or no. But for that cause do I say, let the girl assume
once more her male attire and go with me to the court. Elizabeth likes
not to be made the victim of a hoax, but there are times when none enjoys
a jest more than she. When the time is propitious, I and other of thy
friends, will disclose the matter to the queen. Believe me when I say
that it will be best so."

"Let Francis go from me to that court?" cried the father in agonized
tones. "I cannot! I will not! She shall not stir from here! I will go to
the queen and lay the whole affair before her."

"Do not so, my lord. There are those who have the queen's ear who have
whispered against thee. Stafford Hall hath broad lands in its demesne,
and covetous eyes have been cast upon it. 'Twould be a choice morsel for
some favorite. 'Twould not be wise for thee to appear at court just
now."

"Father," said Francis, "why should I not do as thy friend advises? I
would not that aught of harm should come to thee, and surely none can
come to me? Let me go. It will be but a short time until my return,
because I feel certain that when the queen learns that there was naught
of intent to deceive she will pardon all. Once, my father, thou didst say
that she was a queen but still a woman. A woman, my father, with a
woman's heart and a woman's compassion."

"A woman, yes; with a woman's vanity, and a woman's spite," broke from
Lord Stafford.

"Stafford, Stafford, it is well for thee that none other hears thee. Thy
daughter hath well said that Elizabeth is a woman. Lion-hearted as well
becomes a Tudor, but properly appealed to, sympathetic and generous. Be
guided in this by me, my lord, and let her go."

"Yes, my father," pleaded Francis.

"It shall be as her mother says," said Lord Stafford turning to his wife
who had stood as if stricken since hearing the advice of Lord Shrope.
"Speak, my wife. Shall we keep our daughter, and defy Elizabeth----"

"Oh, no, no!" sobbed Lady Stafford. "I am loath to let her go, and yet I
would not have her stay if by so doing we shall seem to defy the queen.
My lord, surely harm could not come to the child, while for thee, I fear,
I fear."

"Then I may go." Francis sprang to her mother and embraced her. "Oh, 'tis
only for my father