down some snare with her twinkling shoe-buckles. 'The Queen's
mad gentlemen may fight Philip's poor admirals where they find
'em, but England, Gloriana, Harry's daughter, must keep the
peace. Perhaps, after all, Philip loves her - as many men and boys
do. That may help England. Oh, what shall help England?'

She raised her head - the masked head that seemed to have
nothing to do with the busy feet - and stared straight at the children.

'I think this is rather creepy,' said Una with a shiver. 'I wish
she'd stop.'

The lady held out her jewelled hand as though she were taking
some one else's hand in the Grand Chain.

'Can a ship go down into the Gascons' Graveyard and wait
there?' she asked into the air, and passed on rustling.

'She's pretending to ask one of the cousins, isn't she?' said Dan,
and Puck nodded.

Back she came in the silent, swaying, ghostly dance. They saw
she was smiling beneath the mask, and they could hear her
breathing hard.

'I cannot lend you any of my ships for the venture; Philip would
hear of it,' she whispered over her shoulder; 'but as much guns
and powder as you ask, if you do not ask too -'Her voice shot up
and she stamped her foot thrice. 'Louder! Louder, the music in the
gallery! Oh, me, but I have burst out of my shoe!'