foils and shown her some of the
attitudes and thrusts, but beyond that her knowledge did not extend. It
was with considerable trepidation, therefore, that she thought of the
approaching combat.

"Marry!" she mused. "Were it not that Master Devereaux would impute it to
fear I would not engage in such contest. It is not befitting my maiden
dignity, and I know my mother would not approve. Yet there have been
maiden warriors, why should there not be maiden duelists. I doubt not,
were the truth known, that there have been many. But howsoe'er that may
be, my father, I know, would not like me to submit to the implication of
fear; albeit I would not harm the lad even though he be the son of my
father's enemy."

Through the watches of the night the question of swordsmanship troubled
her, and when the morning came she had reached no solution of the
difficulty.

"I dare not appeal to any who know my sex," she thought as she took her
place among the pages that swarmed one of the ante-chambers. "I would
that I knew of one that would teach me to thrust and to parry."

While she was thus musing a courtier approached her. He was gorgeously
arrayed. Jewels to a fabulous amount adorned his person. Even upon his
pantoufles or shoes were large pearls instead of the roses beloved of the
gallants. His beard was pointed, his eyes set close together; his manner,
when he chose, was irresistible, and his smile very winning. There was a
pipe of the new found tobacco in his mouth,--a weed that had just been
imported from the new world.

"My fair lad," said the courtier removing his pipe, and speaking in the
broad soft accent of Devonshire, "I have not marked thy face before. Art
new to the court?"

"Yes, my lord," answered Francis noting with delight the accent. "I am
Francis Stafford from Hampshire, but newly arrived at the court. But
thou, thou art from Devon, I am sure. It is my mother's native heath."

"True, boy; I am from Devon. Sayst thou that thy mother is from that
shire? Then thou and I should be good friends. Bethink you! Could you
play Hermes for me to one of the maids of honor?"

"I could, my lord. But prithee tell me whom I serve?" and the girl looked
eagerly into his face.

"I am Walter Raleigh," answered he. "This weed hath given me somewhat of
fame."

"Nay;" said Francis quickly. "Not the weed but thine own achievements."

"By my faith, thou art as silvery tongued as Orpheus with his lute," said
Sir Walter with a smi