beheaded my Lord of Northumberland," said
John, laughing, "if that sword had been in his belt in lieu of the
other."

"I never saw him afore," replied he, "and I never do desire to see him
again. He looketh the rogue [then a stronger word than now] that he
is."

"And now, as a physician, what think you of the King?" asked John,
sadly.

"I will give him three months to die in," was Dr Thorpe's short and
woeful answer.

By the second of July, England knew that the King was dying. No longer
could there be any question of the sorrowful truth. He was at Greenwich
Palace, Archbishop Cranmer and Bishop Ridley in frequent waiting on him;
and summons was sent to his sisters to come quickly. On the 3rd of
July, which was Sunday, Dr Ridley preached at the Cross, where he dimly
foreshadowed the disposition of the Crown that was coming. All who
heard him were much astonished, for not a word had crept out before. It
was plain from what he said that the King's sisters were to be passed
over (to the no little surprise of all who knew his love for the
Princess Elizabeth); but it was not plain who was to come instead; and
the rumour ran that it would be the Lady Frances, Duchess of Suffolk,
the niece of King Henry, and mother of the Lady Jane Grey.

On the evening of the 6th of July, came a comforting rumour that the
King was better, and a hope sprang up that he would yet recover. Those
who knew the Duke of Northumberland might have guessed at treachery. In
truth, the King died that day; but the Duke kept it secret, until he
thought his plans secure for the Lady Jane's succession.

On the morning of the 10th of July, came Dr Thorpe in great haste, from
the barber's.

"Isoult!" cried he, "tie thine hood and bring the childre!"

"What is now to do?" said she to herself; but she tied on her hood, and
brought down the children with her.

"Where be Jack and Robin?" asked the old man.

"They went forth to Westminster together, half an hour gone," said
Isoult.

"They must shift for themselves, then," said he. "Come away."

"But whither, Doctor?" she wished to know.

"Down to the river side by Saint Katherine's, with all the haste that
may be," answered he. "Isoult, the King is dead, and the Lady Jane
Dudley proclaimed Queen of England, and she cometh apace from Shene to
the Tower. We may chance to see her land, if we lose no time."

"The King dead!"

Isoult said no more, but away they ran down the street, till th