“No; therefore do we only contemplate her 51 rescue. The softness of her heart doth prevent other aims.”
“Anthony,” said Lord Stafford preparing to renew his journey, “I see that thou art ripe for some foolhardy enterprise. I misdoubt thy loyalty to Elizabeth, and fear that thou wilt soon engage in mischief. Had I not pledged mine honor to take these letters to Mary I would have naught to do with the matter. Thou hast raised grave doubts as to the nature of this undertaking. I fear for thee, for myself and family, and most of all do I fear for Mary Stuart. Thou knowest how eagerly Walsingham watches for an excuse to compass her death. Remember that, Anthony, and by the love you bear to her, forego the thoughts that charge thy brain.”
“Fear naught, my lord. Thy doubts carry thee farther than the issue warrants,” said Babington lightly.
“I bid you farewell, Anthony, but my heart is heavy with foreboding,” and Lord Stafford embraced him. “Would that I had known all this ere mine honor had become involved.”
“Be of good cheer. You lay too much 52 stress upon the matter,” and the young man returned his embrace. “Farewell.”
“Fare you well.” Lord Stafford proceeded to the courtyard followed by Francis. When the girl would have ridden behind him, he motioned her silently to come beside him. Wonderingly she obeyed, for not thus were pages wont to travel with their lords.
“My child,” said Lord Stafford when they had left the tavern behind and were on the old Roman road to Bath, “I have done ill in embarking upon this emprise, and more than ill in engaging thee in it also. There are dark days before us, Francis.”
“My father,” and leaning from her horse the girl kissed him. “No matter what befall thou hast deemed me worthy to share thy danger, and I will not repine. But I like not to think that they wish to kill the queen.”
“Think not on that, Francis,” said her father hastily. “On that matter my heart is heavy, though I trow such attempt will not be made. Anthony but raves. Such thoughts are not for thy young heart. Dismiss them, I entreat thee.”
“Let us rather think only that we are to 53 carry the tidings to Mary that an effort will be made to release her. Surely it is right to seek to relieve her suffering,” said the girl sweetly.