omised you,
and you know he is one who keeps his word."

"But I promised, too, and think of what I am about to do. Mary in
heaven, help me! But he is made of different stuff from me. I can and
do trust his word, and when I think of all my troubles, and when it
seems that I cannot bear them, the one comforting thought comes that
no other woman will ever possess him; no other woman; no other woman.
I am glad that my only comfort comes from him."

"I hoped that I might have been some comfort to you; I have tried hard
enough," said Jane, who was jealous.

"Oh! yes! my sweet Jane; you do comfort me; you are like a soothing
balm to an aching pain," and she kissed the hands that held hers. This
was all that modest little Jane required. She was content to be an
humble balm and did not aspire to the dignity of an elixir.

The girls then said their prayers in concert and Mary gently wept
herself to sleep. She lay dreaming and tossing nervously until
sunrise, when she got up and added more pages to her letter, until I
called to take it.

I was on hand soon after the Tower gates had opened and was permitted
to see Brandon at once. He read Mary's letter and acted like every
other lover, since love-letters first began. He was quick to note the
absence of the longed for, but not expected assurance, and when he did
not see it went straight to the point.

"She has promised to marry the French king to purchase my life. Is
that not true?"

"I hope not," I answered, evasively; "I have seen very little of her,
and she has said nothing about it."

"You are evading my question, I see. Do you know nothing of it?"

"Nothing," I replied, telling an unnecessary lie.

"Caskoden, you are either a liar or a blockhead."

"Make it a liar, Brandon," said I, laughingly, for I was sure of my
place in his heart and knew that he meant no offense.

I never doubt a friend; one would better be trustful of ninety-nine
friends who are false than doubtful of one who is true. Suspicion and
super-sensitiveness are at once the badge and the bane of a little
soul.

I did not leave the Tower until noon, and Brandon's pardon had been
delivered to him before I left. He was glad that the first news of it
had come from Mary.

He naturally expected his liberty at once, and when told that he was
to be honorably detained for a short time, turned to me and said: "I
suppose they are afraid to let me out until she is off for France.
King Henry flatters me."