en your
pledge, aid us in acquainting Mary with the plan for her rescue. No more
than this do we ask, and thou art depended on for this much."

"As mine honor hath been given, I will continue to Chartley," said Lord
Stafford.

"Then, my lord, wilt thou bear this letter also from me," and Babington
handed him a small missive. "It hath given her some uneasiness at not
hearing from me, and I would ease her mind."

"Yes, Anthony; the letter shall be given her with these others." Lord
Stafford concealed it in his belt. "Methinks that thou art in a bad way,
my lad."

"More anon," said Babington. "Our host comes. Thy dinner is served, my
lord."

CHAPTER V

ON THE ROAD TO STAFFORD

Francis was so absorbed in the thoughts engendered by the conversation
that she had just heard that she forgot all about her character as page
and her duties as such. She was recalled to herself by a sharp reprimand
from her father:

"Thy duty, Francis. Attend to the serving."

Babington turned a startled glance upon her as she arose in obedience to
her father's command.

"The page?" he cried. "Did he hear our converse, my lord?"

"Yes; but fear not, Anthony. I would stake mine honor upon his silence.
Thou canst be trusted, Francis?"

With heightened color, for the blood mounted to her cheeks at the intent
gaze of the young man, the girl answered earnestly:

"Yes, my lord. Naught of what I have heard shall pass my lips. Not even
the rack should wring it from me."

"Protest not too much, boy," rebuked Babington. "Older and wiser men than
thou have succumbed to its tortures."

"You speak words of wisdom, Anthony," remarked Lord Stafford. "Let us
hope that the boy will not be tried by so grievous an instrument. Yet I
do believe that he will be discreet."

"He seems a proper lad," returned the other. "A little backward,
forsooth, but with none of the malapertness of some pages."

Francis, now completely at ease as she saw that the young man believed
her to be what she appeared, flashed an arch look at her father. Lord
Stafford smiled slightly, but his countenance soon became overcast with
gravity. The meal over, the host withdrew, and the elder man turned once
more to the younger one.

"Anthony," he said, "I must on my way, but let me plead with thee that if
thou dost entertain a thought of such rash emprises as thy words suggest,
to forego them. Naught but disaster could follow upon such projects."

"My lord, say no mor