“My lords,” she cried, “behold these lads! They have borne themselves with signal valor during the meeting with the Spaniards. They two, in company with two others of whom more anon, set fire to the ships which brought fear and panic into the fleet of the enemy. Which same device was recommended 324 by us to the lord admiral. Speak, Edward Devereaux! What reward dost thou wish for thy service?”
“Thy pardon, Most Gracious Lady, for breaking the bounds in which you placed me.”
“Ah, Ned, Ned,” said Elizabeth with that archness which, despite her fifty-five years, she continued to employ, “didst thou not know that thy queen placed thee there for thy safety?”
“True, madam;” assented Devereaux. “But not the strongest dungeon of the Tower should have held me in durance when thy person, and my country were in danger.”
“Thy silvery tongue no less than thy service doth well incline me to thy will, Ned,” said she graciously. “Thou art forgiven. And thou?” she added turning to the kneeling girl. “Art thou not that Francis Stafford lately concerned in plot against our person?”
“I am that most unhappy being, madam,” said Francis, rising and looking the queen steadfastly in the face. “I throw myself upon your mercy, Your Majesty, and crave forgiveness. My only plea for so great a fault 325 is, that at that time I had not been brought near your person and knew you not. Had I known you I would never have transgressed. Do with me as you will. Return me to the Tower, or use your pleasure upon me in any fashion as seemeth best to you, only forgive me.”
“Hast thy father schooled thee to speak thus?” demanded the queen.
“My father? Nay; I know not where he is. I have not seen him since I entered the Tower nearly two years ago,” answered the girl.
The queen said something in a low tone to Lord Shrope. That nobleman immediately left the tent, and all eyes centred expectantly upon the queen. Francis looked at her with a growing anxiety as she remained silent. Was she going to remand her to the Tower? Were not her services deserving of some recognition? What was meant by that continued stillness? The queen stood regarding her with those keen, piercing eyes whose fires age had not dimmed, and Francis met her gaze with a sort of fascination, her eyes dilated, her lips parted as she waited the issue. 326
Presently Lord Shrope reentered the tent and with him there came one at sight of whom Francis gave a great cry.