CHAPTER XVII
WHAT FRANCIS OVERHEARD
Francis awaited the coming of the day with some trepidation, fearing that she might be obliged to render an account of the night before. And indeed had the result been other than it was, she would have been called to a very serious reckoning. It was marvelous that there was not more damage sustained, but it came to her ears during the day that the fire had been extinguished before it had gone beyond the rushes. The hair had been totally consumed.
The girl soon became aware that the episode was known throughout the court. When the Lady Priscilla Rutland made her appearance there was subdued laughter and titterings among the ladies and their gallants. Francis’ shorn head was the cynosure of all eyes, but her manner was so haughty that it repelled all facetious remarks.
The incident was recounted to Elizabeth. The queen laughed heartily at the discomfiture 183 of the lady for she was never ill pleased when one of her maids brought ridicule upon herself, and turning to Lord Shrope who stood near while it was being related she remarked graciously:
“Upon my word, my lord, there is more in that charge of thine than I thought. If certain rumors which have come to our ears be not verified we will have him placed nearer our person. Methinks such spirit well trained could be made useful.”
“You speak truly, madam,” returned Lord Shrope. “I know not what is the nature of the rumors, but knowing Francis Stafford, I make bold to say that Rumor hath played thee false.”
“We shall see, my lord,” was Elizabeth’s reply.
Lord Shrope feared to press the matter, but as soon as it was expedient he hastened to seek Francis.
“The tide hath turned, child,” he ejaculated. “Fate hath at last become propitious to thee, for Elizabeth hath begun to look upon thee with kindness. The accident of the hair hath done for thee what naught else 184 hath been able to do,” and he told her what the queen had said.