. They will soon let him into the manners of the court, I
trow. When he shall have rubbed off some of the rustic mayhap I will have
something to say to him."

"My liege," ventured the nobleman, "will you listen to something
concerning the lad which 'tis best that you should know?"

"Now, by my faith, my lord! thou dost try our patience," said Elizabeth
sharply. "Said we not that affairs of state awaited us. We go at once to
the council chamber. My lord chamberlain," turning to that official whose
white staff indicated his office, "place this lad where his manners will
meet with the most improvement."

She swept out of the room followed by her ministers, while the courtiers
and ladies dispersed according to their fancy.

Francis had remained in a kneeling posture all this time scarcely able to
control her tears. A tap on the shoulder aroused her, and looking up she
saw the kindly face of Lord Hunsdon, the lord chamberlain, bending over
her.

"Be not disheartened, boy," he said compassionately. "The tide will turn,
and thou wilt soon be swept upon the flood into the sunshine of Her
Majesty's regard. Come, and I will show thee those who are to be thy
fellow companions."

"My lord chamberlain," said Lord Shrope hurriedly, "out of the goodness
of your heart, permit me one word. The lad is unacquainted with the
court, and unused to the society of pages whom as thou knowest, albeit
their outward 'havior conforms to custom, yet still are ofttimes
unmannerly in their demeanor to each other. For that reason, and for the
love which once I did bear his father, I entreat you, let the lad remain
with me. I will see to't that his deportment is all that could be
asked."

"My lord, I dare not," was the chamberlain's reply. "Thou knowest that
where the queen commands she exacts obedience to her behests. He must go
with the pages."

"My lord, a word in your ear. The lad is not as he seems." And Lord
Shrope rapidly explained the matter.

"Ha! sayst thou so?" explained Lord Hunsdon regarding Francis earnestly.
"By my halidom, my lord, there is none who would take her to be other
than she appears. Somewhat delicate looking, forsooth, but there are many
lads as maiden-like. If the matter be given to the queen in proper manner
she will regard it with lenient eyes, but if not, she may treat it as
deceit practised upon herself. That she would not forgive."

"True;" assented Lord Shrope. "'Tis that aspect of the affair that
troubles