A FAMILIAR FACE AND A CHALLENGE
Lady Shrope received the girl with kindness but her anxiety, when her husband recounted the manner of his reception by the queen, was great.
“Thou hast no cause for fear,” remarked Lord Shrope. “Elizabeth is the very muster of justice and honor. When she hath suffered a few hours to pass she will repent her of her injustice.”
The nobleman was right. At an early hour the next day he was summoned to the presence of the queen, and bade to bring his charge with him.
“I cry your pardon, my lord,” said Elizabeth extending her hand to him graciously. “Thine entrance yester e’en was ill-timed. We had received tidings that ruffled our royal dignity and permitted us to treat thee with undue rigor. Dost forgive thy queen, my lord?” 138
“There is naught I would not forgive Elizabeth,” returned he with earnestness. “Had I known I would have delayed seeking an audience but methought it was your wish that I should come to you upon my first arrival. Forgive me that I did misinterpret your desire.”
“If thou hast forgiven me then do I forgive thee,” said the queen. “Rise, my lord, and I will speak of this boy, and then to other matters. Business of state awaits the morning hours.”
“He is here, my liege, to speak for himself,” answered he, and beckoned Francis to come forward.
She did so diffidently and kneeled before the queen.
“Nay; I wish not to speak with him, my lord,” and Francis noted with dismay that she did not extend her hand to her. “Let him take his place with the pages. They will soon let him into the manners of the court, I trow. When he shall have rubbed off some of the rustic mayhap I will have something to say to him.”