nd richness. Each
courtier wore a rose behind his ear, and upon his shoes were roses also
to hide the strings. Each bore a long sword upon one side and a poniard
on the other, and behind him a body of serving men, proportioned to his
estate and quality, all of whom walked with the air of military
retainers and were armed with swords and bucklers. Laughing, jesting and
making merry, they seemed not to have a care, though many a satin doublet
and silken vest concealed a heart as full of anxiety as that of the girl
who had just come among them.

"Beshrew me, my lord," exclaimed a noble in brave attire as Lord Shrope
entered the palace yard with his charge. "Art thou come again? Methought
I heard that wast sent to France."

"And France is (Francis) here," retorted his lordship, indicating his
companion.

"Good! I' faith, very good, if Francis be his name," laughed the other.
"A proper lad, I trow. The queen hath ever an eye for beauty."

"Where is Her Grace?" questioned Lord Shrope.

"In the presence chamber," was the reply.

"Then let us hie thither," spoke my lord, and Francis hurried after him,
confused and embarrassed, as she encountered the curious gaze of the
courtiers and ladies. They passed through the lofty halls and
ante-chambers of the palace until at length they stood in the long
gallery at the upper end of which were the folding doors that gave
entrance to the presence chamber.

"Go not in, my lord," pleaded the usher of the black rod in charge of the
door. "Something hath gone amiss with Her Highness, and the moment is not
favorable."

"I thank you, Master Usher, but the queen bade me seek her instantly upon
my return," said Lord Shrope. "I needs must go to her now. Come,
Francis."

So saying he boldly entered the chamber. It was hung with magnificent
tapestries toward which Francis cast not so much as a single glance, so
intent was she upon the form which seemed to dominate the room. At one
end of the apartment was a dais upon which the queen sat under a royal
canopy, surrounded by her ministers and some courtiers. They stood about
with dismayed countenances for the queen was in a rage. She looked up as
the two entered, and stared for a moment as if seeking to know the
meaning of their entrance.

"My liege sovereign," cried Lord Shrope without waiting for the Lord
Chamberlain to announce him, "I have come. Behold here is the lad for
whom you sent me."

"Out of my sight," cried the queen angrily