ve enough to
answer to this charge. I fear the issue to-morrow. Come!"

CHAPTER XVII

WHAT FRANCIS OVERHEARD

Francis awaited the coming of the day with some trepidation, fearing that
she might be obliged to render an account of the night before. And indeed
had the result been other than it was, she would have been called to a
very serious reckoning. It was marvelous that there was not more damage
sustained, but it came to her ears during the day that the fire had been
extinguished before it had gone beyond the rushes. The hair had been
totally consumed.

The girl soon became aware that the episode was known throughout the
court. When the Lady Priscilla Rutland made her appearance there was
subdued laughter and titterings among the ladies and their gallants.
Francis' shorn head was the cynosure of all eyes, but her manner was so
haughty that it repelled all facetious remarks.

The incident was recounted to Elizabeth. The queen laughed heartily at
the discomfiture of the lady for she was never ill pleased when one of
her maids brought ridicule upon herself, and turning to Lord Shrope who
stood near while it was being related she remarked graciously:

"Upon my word, my lord, there is more in that charge of thine than I
thought. If certain rumors which have come to our ears be not verified we
will have him placed nearer our person. Methinks such spirit well trained
could be made useful."

"You speak truly, madam," returned Lord Shrope. "I know not what is the
nature of the rumors, but knowing Francis Stafford, I make bold to say
that Rumor hath played thee false."

"We shall see, my lord," was Elizabeth's reply.

Lord Shrope feared to press the matter, but as soon as it was expedient
he hastened to seek Francis.

"The tide hath turned, child," he ejaculated. "Fate hath at last become
propitious to thee, for Elizabeth hath begun to look upon thee with
kindness. The accident of the hair hath done for thee what naught else
hath been able to do," and he told her what the queen had said.

To his surprise Francis was not so elated as he expected. On the contrary
his words filled her with alarm.

"Said the queen of what the rumors consisted?" she asked with
uneasiness.

"No, child; but there can be naught of harm in them. Thy life hath been
so innocent in thy Hampshire wilds that there is no act or thought of
thine but could be laid open to the queen. Thou hast naught to fear from
any gossip. 'Tis only wh