CHAPTER VI
A GLIMPSE OF MARY
Francis’ wish of beholding the Queen of Scots was gratified in a most unexpected manner.
“Do you remain here, my child,” said Lord Stafford the next morning. “I would behold for myself if what I have heard of Mary’s keeper, Sir Amyas Paulet, be true. If he be not so strict as report hath it, access to Mary may be easy. I would rather, if it be possible, that the matter be dispatched without employ of thee.”
“But thou wouldst still let me see Mary, father?”
“By my troth, I would. Thou hast well merited it. But now farewell for a season. When I return we can tell better how to conclude this business.”
“My father, what shall I do until thy return? Could I not go forth to the place 57 where stood the castle of our ancestors? I would fain examine it.”
Lord Stafford hesitated for a moment before replying, and then said thoughtfully:
“Thou mayst, if thou wilt. I know that I need not tell thee to remember that though thou dost wear a man’s habit thou art still in truth a maid, and to demean thyself in accordance therewith. But still as thou dost wear the habit, more of liberty may be given thee than otherwise thou couldst enjoy. Yes; go to Castle Hill, an thou wishest, but say to none what and for why we tarry in the town.”
“I am thy daughter, sir,” said Francis proudly. “Thou dost deem me worthy to abet thy enterprises. I will so bear myself that thou couldst ask no more of me than if I were thy son.”