AN ADVENTURE
“I must see thee, my lord, alone,” she cried in such tones that her friend arose without a word and conducted her into his own withdrawing room.
“How now, Francis? What mishap hath attended thy enterprise? Gramercy, girl! what is it? Thou art disheveled and as excited as though some untoward accident had befallen thee. What said the queen? Say what hath happened?”
“My lord,” gasped the girl scarcely able to articulate, “once thou didst love my father. For the sake of that love, I pray you, grant me aid to reach him.”
“Child, what is it?” cried he in alarm “Tell me what hath occurred? Hath Elizabeth sent thee from her?”
“I have not seen the queen,” said Francis trying to speak with calmness. “After I had hidden myself as you bade me, the queen in 193 company with Hatton, Lord Burleigh, Sir Francis Walsingham and Lord Leicester entered the chamber. They discovered to her a plot to slay her, and to elevate Mary of Scotland to the throne, furthered by Anthony Babington, and others, among whom they named my father. My lord, I must go to him. Aid me I beseech you.”
Lord Shrope’s face turned white, and he withdrew himself from the girl’s clinging hands.
“A plot to slay the queen? The saints defend us! Girl, I cannot, I dare not aid thee. It would be as much as my life is worth.”
“You must, my lord. I must reach my father. I must and will, my lord.”
“If William Stafford be concerned in conspiracy against Elizabeth he must abide the consequences. I will aid no traitor to the queen.”