"

"But the hawk flies as high for its keeper as when seeking its own
quarry," said Francis as she moved away. "Again, my lord, farewell until
the eventide."

"Farewell. Be discreet, child."

Francis followed Lord Hunsdon through several lofty halls and chambers.
Finally the official caught sight of a youth who stood idly by a pillar.

"Devereaux," he called. "I would speak with thee."

"I am here, my lord." The boy was at his side instantly. "Command me, I
pray you. How can I serve you?"

"Take this lad, and make him thy pupil, Edward. He hath been sent here to
be taught manners. There be none so well versed in such things as thou
art. Therefore do I give him into thy charge."

The youth raised his head and gave a keen searching glance at Francis.
The recognition was instantaneous. Francis gave a slight exclamation for
the boy was he with whom she had contested the slaying of the deer.
Beyond a slight sparkle of his eye the lad betrayed no sign of ever
having seen her before.

"And, Edward, I know the custom that prevails amongst the pages of
treating with undue harshness such as come among ye for the first time. I
charge you, as you wish to curry favor with me, that this lad shall meet
with naught but gentleness. Dost hear, Edward?"

"Ay, my lord. It shall be as thou sayst. He shall be treated with
gentleness. With exceeding great gentleness, I promise you."

The boy's manner was very deferential, but the ears of Francis caught
the sinister meaning that lurked beneath his words.

"My lord," she said boldly, "is there none other to whom I may be
consigned except this youth? I like not his appearance."

"Like not Edward?" exclaimed Lord Hunsdon in surprise. "Why, what caprice
is this? He is a proper lad, and there is no other of the pages so
trustworthy. Thou shouldst deem thyself fortunate to be put into his
hands."

"Marry, sir," remarked Edward Devereaux with a sorrowful air, "'tis pity
that my visage is so unattractive. If the boy is afeared," with a slight
emphasis on the word, "you would best place him with another. Fear makes
cowards of us all, and breeds distrust of the most worthy."

"Gramercy," cried the girl hotly, "dost thou think that I fear thee,
sirrah? Nay; my lord, I will take none other for my mentor than he.
Mayhap while he imparts to me the nice customs of the court, he will in
turn learn of me something he wots not of. Marry! we each have much to
learn."

"Tut! is this the way to