the Princess Mary grew out of my misfortune in never having been
allowed to bask in the light of her countenance. I cannot believe the
fault lies at my door, and I hope for her own sake that her highness,
on second thought, will realize how ungentle and unkind some one else
has been." And with a sweeping courtesy he walked quickly down the
path.

"The insolent wretch!" cried one.

"He ought to hold papers on the pillory," said another.

"Nothing of the sort," broke in sensible, fearless little Jane; "I
think the Lady Mary was wrong. He could not have known her by
inspiration."

"Jane is right," exclaimed Mary, whose temper, if short, was also
short-lived, and whose kindly heart always set her right if she but
gave it a little time. Her faults were rather those of education than
of nature. "Jane is right; it was what I deserved. I did not think
when I spoke, and did not really mean it as it sounded. He acted like
a man, and looked like one, too, when he defended himself. I warrant
the pope at Rome could not run over him with impunity. For once I have
found a real live man, full of manliness. I saw him in the lists at
Windsor a week ago, but the king said his name was a secret, and I
could not learn it. He seemed to know you, Jane. Who is he? Now tell
us all you know. The queen can wait."

And her majesty waited on a girl's curiosity.

I had told Jane all I knew about Brandon, so she was prepared with