to face her with a secret locked in my bosom, and she
suspicious that I kept something hidden. 'Twould out, like murder.
But her spirit compelled mine as that of a strong man compelling a
weaker."

"There hast thou solved the royal riddle of England's governance. We
are swayed by the brain of a man behind the mask of woman's face. To
the woman that we behold we pay that chivalrous deference and loving
devotion that her sex and her station claim from true men; but when we
would treat her like a woman, with womanly weaknesses, then peeps the
man from behind the mask, and we kneel to one stronger than ourselves.
The 'woman' that appeals to us, and cries for our love, is at times
capricious as an April day. But the 'man' is ever firm and dominating,
and with 'him' no one of us dares to trifle. Thy fortunate star shone
o'er thee to-day. Few men have made so excellent a first impression on
England's maiden Queen. But be not froward because of a first success,
nor hope too much from a royal smile. The east wind can blow bitingly,
even on a sunny day. Come with me now to the royal buffet; 'tis
treason to quit this roof after a first visit without drinking a bumper
to the sovereign's health. Her Majesty is a very country housewife in
the matter of cakes and ale and clean sheets in the guest chamber."

Morgan quitted the audience chamber on Raleigh's arm, threaded numerous
corridors, sumptuously curtained and carpeted, and came at last to a
spacious room where, on a huge sideboard of carven oak, constant
provision was maintained for bodily refreshment. Servants in royal
livery stood about, and several gentlemen of the household, who had
just been relieved from duty, or come in from running some royal
errand, stood sipping a cup of wine. All saluted Raleigh courteously,
and bowed ceremoniously to his companion. Johnnie returned the bow,
feeling considerably less at ease than he had done in his sovereign's
presence. The critical stare of so many resplendent gallants unnerved
him, and he was heartily glad to quit the chamber and get out into the
air of the courtyard. Raleigh escorted him to the palace gate, where
Jeffreys awaited him. Captain Dawe had gone to look in at the bowling
green, where some of the royal officers were playing bowls. Him they
found; then, not caring for the walk back down Strand and Fleet Street,
they went to Whitehall Stairs within the palace precincts, hailed a
wherry, and went down on th