more; I suppose because he did
not know what to say, to such a simple, childlike question.

One lovely August evening, the Lady Mary stayed later than usual in
"Wolsey's Hall."

The sunset glory faded and faded away; the twilight deepened and
deepened into night; the moon and the stars looked in upon her through
the great window. She was weary and sad, and the lonely stillness of
that place seemed to suit her; she seemed to _feel_ the calm moonlight
in which she sat, bathing her like a soft, soothing flood. She leaned
her head against the tapestried wall, closed her eyes, and thought, and
thought of the great days and splendid festivals long gone by--of kings
and queens, brave knights, and beautiful ladies, and--when all at once
that vast hall was lighted up as though by magic! Music swelled
through the arches, and a splendid court came slowly sweeping in!
First walked a stout, red-faced man, all velvets and jewels, with a
dark, sorrowful-looking lady on his right; and on his left, an elderly
man, with a bold, haughty face, and a rich dress of scarlet velvet and
ermine.

The Lady Mary recognized these as Henry VIII., Queen Katharine, and
Cardinal Wolsey.

They were followed by maids of honor, gentlemen, priests, and pages.

Soon there was a livelier peal of music, and the dance began. The king
danced with the most beautiful of the maids of honor, whom he smiled
lovingly upon, while the poor queen looked very unhappy. So the Lady
Mary knew that this fair maid must be Anne Boleyn.

When the dance ended, the gay court passed out; but again there was
music, and another swept in. This was headed by a proud, stately
woman, with golden hair, and cold blue eyes. She wore a sparkling
diadem; her dress was of stiff brocade, thickly bestrewn with pearls
and diamonds, while about her neck was a ruff so prodigious, that it
alone would keep everybody at a very respectful distance. On her left,
walked a handsome noble, most royally dressed, and behind came a
brilliant host of beauties, pages, cavaliers, poets, and statesmen.

The Lady Mary now recognized Queen Elizabeth, the Earl of Essex, and
the court.

The queen took her place upon the throne and graciously desired her
court to be seated. Before them was a stage; they were to witness a
play. The queen signified that she was ready, and the play began. It
was "Henry VIII., or the Fall of Wolsey."

The queen seemed interested, and applauded occasionally, though t