decided cast in one of the eyes, and in spite of all that Mary
Talbot's detracting tongue had said, Susan's first impression was
disappointment. But, as the Queen greeted the lady whom she already
knew, and the Earl presented his daughter, Lady Grace, his
stepdaughter, Elizabeth Cavendish, and his kinswoman, Mistress Susan
Talbot, the extraordinary magic of her eye and lip beamed on them,
the queenly grace and dignity joined with a wonderful sweetness
impressed them all, and each in measure felt the fascination.

The Earl led the Queen to the fire to obtain a little warmth before
mounting the stairs to her own apartments, and likewise while Lady
Shrewsbury was dismounting, and being handed up the stairs by her
second stepson, Gilbert. The ladies likewise knelt on one knee to
greet this mighty dame, and the children should have done so too, but
little Cis, catching sight of Captain Richard, who had come up
bearing the Earl's hat, in immediate attendance on him, broke out
with an exulting cry of "Father! father! father!" trotted with
outspread arms right in front of the royal lady, embraced the booted
leg in ecstasy, and then stretching out, exclaimed "Up! up!"

"How now, malapert poppet!" exclaimed the Countess, and though at
some distance, uplifted her riding-rod. Susan was ready to sink into
the earth with confusion at the great lady's displeasure, but Richard
had stooped and lifted the little maid in his arms, while Queen Mary
turned, her face lit up as by a sunbeam, and said, "Ah, bonnibell,
art thou fain to see thy father? Wilt thou give me one of thy
kisses, sweet bairnie?" and as Richard held her up to the kind face,
"A goodly child, brave sir. Thou must let me have her at times for a
playfellow. Wilt come and comfort a poor prisoner, little sweeting?"