CHAPTER V
ON THE ROAD TO STAFFORD
Francis was so absorbed in the thoughts engendered by the conversation that she had just heard that she forgot all about her character as page and her duties as such. She was recalled to herself by a sharp reprimand from her father:
“Thy duty, Francis. Attend to the serving.”
Babington turned a startled glance upon her as she arose in obedience to her father’s command.
“The page?” he cried. “Did he hear our converse, my lord?”
“Yes; but fear not, Anthony. I would stake mine honor upon his silence. Thou canst be trusted, Francis?”
With heightened color, for the blood mounted to her cheeks at the intent gaze of the young man, the girl answered earnestly:
“Yes, my lord. Naught of what I have 49 heard shall pass my lips. Not even the rack should wring it from me.”
“Protest not too much, boy,” rebuked Babington. “Older and wiser men than thou have succumbed to its tortures.”