CHAPTER XXIII. THE LOVE TOKEN.



"Yonder woman came to tell this young lady's fortune," said Sir Ralf,
a few days later. "Did she guess what I, an old man, have to bode
for her!" and he smiled at the Queen. "Here is a token I was
entreated by a young gentleman to deliver to this young lady, with
his humble suit that he may pay his devoirs to her to-morrow, your
Grace permitting."

"I knew not," said Mary, "that my women had license to receive
visitors."

"Assuredly not, as a rule, but this young gentleman, Mr. Babington of
Dethick, has my Lord and Lady of Shrewsbury's special commendation."

"I knew the young man," said Mary, with perfectly acted heedlessness.
"He was my Lady Shrewsbury's page in his boyhood. I should have no
objection to receive him."

"That, madam, may not be," returned Sadler. "I am sorry to say it is
contrary to the orders of the council, but if Mr. and Mrs. Curll, and
the fair Mistress Cicely, will do me the honour to dine with me to-
morrow in the hall, we may bring about the auspicious meeting my Lady
desires."