Cis, did she weep as became a sister for the bold laddies?"

"She wept many tears, madam, but we are sore perplexed by a matter
that I must lay before your Grace. My Lady Countess is hotly bent on
a match between the maiden and young Babington."

"Babington!" exclaimed the Queen, with the lioness sparkle in her
eye. "You refused the fellow of course?"

"Flatly, madam, but your Grace knows that it is ill making the
Countess accept a denial of her will."

Mary laughed "Ah ha! methought, sir, you looked somewhat as if you
had had a recent taste of my Lord of Shrewsbury's dove. But you are
a man to hold your own sturdy will, Master Richard, let Lord or Lady
say what they choose."

"I trust so, madam, I am master of mine own house, and, as I should
certainly not give mine own daughter to Babington, so shall I guard
your Grace's."

"You would not give the child to him if she were your own?"

"No, madam."

"And wherefore not? Because he is too much inclined to the poor
prisoner and her faith? Is it so, sir?"

"Your Grace speaks the truth in part," said Richard, and then with
effort added, "and likewise, madam, with your pardon, I would say