CHAPTER XXXI.

HER MAJESTY was in an awful temper on the day she left the mansion of Sir Francis Walshingham, and betook herself to her royal palace at Richmond, which she did several days earlier than she at first intended.

The indisposition and the disappointment she felt at the absence of the object of her present affection, rendered her at outs with all and everything around; she rated her maidens, and rebuked her attendants at no allowance. Nay, during the tardy and laborious duties of the toilette on that morning, it was affirmed by some of those who were awaiting breakfast in the ante-chamber, that she had actually in her fury at some

peccadillo during the dressing up of one of her wigs, seized and broken Mistress Scudamore's little finger, and cut Lady Lennox over the face with her riding wand.

"The most disinterested of all gifts," she said, as she mounted her palfrey to depart, "are those which sovereigns bestow on undeserving favourites, for they are sure to be repaid with ingratitude. I am well served here by you all," she added, "my soldiers are becoming too arrogant, my parsons too lazy, my physicians too mercenary, and my statesmen and lawyers too powerful."

Her Majesty rode on, taking her way across the Common towards Mortlake, and so on to Richmond. As she approached Master Maynard's cottage, the miller and all his family stood outside the door, and then bowed the knee.

"Heaven save your gracious Majesty," said the Miller, "thou hast restored happiness to this house and all in it, whereas there be more than one there close beside you, who would fain have brought ruin and disgrace

upon me and mine for the sake of the poor inheritance I own."

The Queen drew bridle, and turned to the burly Miller. By my faith," she said, "I will never, if I know it, believe in aught against my loving subjects more than parent might believe of her children."

"Heaven save your Highness, again say I," returned the Miller; "we know that here in England right well. As for these frivolous and pretended plots and complots, I would those that plotted and invented them were

in

my mill dam for half an hour this cold winter's day."

Her Majesty laughed, and Master Maynard, somewhat encouraged by the reception of his last sally, advanced a few paces as if to approach the Queen more nearly; but her Master of the Horse and another noble who rode on either side, pushed their steeds in advance of the royal person, and forced the Miller back with their horses' shoulders.

"Let him approach," said the Queen, "we fear nothing harmful at his hands. Nay,

we would all our subjects were as true and loyal."

The Miller approached close to the Queen, and Leicester drew back. "Your Majesty hath granted a pardon to myself for this matter of Rookwood," he said, "let an old host, and one ever true, ask a further boon ?"

"If we can grant it, the boon is yours," said her Majesty.

"It is to grant a pardon to Master Rookwood himself."

We will take counsel upon that matter," said the Queen ; "at least we will consider it well."

"Then is his case hopeless ?" said Master Maynard. "Use your own discretion, Madam, and consult not those silken slaves there. The man is true and loyal as myself and these two lads who stand here by my side."

The Queen looked at the Miller's two stalwart sons; she passed over Hodge, but her eye rested upon George. "A good

man's picture" never was passed over by that royal eye.

"Fore me a likely fellow," she said; young, strong, and of good proportions. Is that your son?" she inquired of the Miller. "My youngest son, and it so please

ye.

"Wilt take service in my guard, young man?" she said.

Willingly an' it so please your Majesty," said George, who indeed jumped at the offer.

"Come then, you shall be hostage for this Rookwood," she added; "we will see to the matter of his pardon, Master Maynard, always remembering that thyself also and all here must be held answerable for his good behaviour."

"My life upon his faith and truth," said the Miller. "Long life to your royal High

ness !"

The Queen moved on towards Richmond Palace. Her visit to Sir Francis Walshingham was over; paid, done with for that