Part 15 (1/2)
[Illustration: ”I am to blame, and I alone should suffer”]
”Coive way thus Gloucester would rejoice indeed, if he knew that he had so affected thee,” said Dorset, as he advanced and put his arm around his mother's neck, and patted her tenderly upon the shoulder ”Besides,” he continued, gently, as he led her to the e are losing valuable time We know not when Gloucester may arrive; and when he does, it is then too late for thee to leave the Palace”
”Thou art right, my son,” said her Majesty ”Indeed 'tis weakness in ies , that I may cause that traitor's downfall” As she spoke she walked rapidly to a door leading to some of her servant's quarters This she opened, and called within:--”What ho! Jane!” Then as sos put into boxes at once; all s must be in readiness within the hour”
”It shall be done, your Majesty,” cairls then hastened to their aparts in readiness for their departure; whilst Dorset went to give orders to his following to be prepared to escort her Majesty
Within the tiements had been completed, and they were ready to cross over to the Sanctuary
Though the distance is short--in fact, the two buildings join--yet they were escorted by a body of armed aret going to battle, in the tiood Queen Elizabeth on her way unto a Sanctuary
The little Duke of York laughed and chatted as they were collecting his toy weapons ”Wait, Lady Hazel, until I grow up and am a man, and can hold a lance in rest Then I will ride a tourney; and when I am proclaimed the champion of the day I shall make thee my Queen of Beauty, and thou shalt put a wreath upon h!” he cried, as Hazel sentleh to wear mine armour, and break a lance; I'htened his little body, and threw back his head with as bold a toss as could any old champion produce
”And wilt thou not h she did feel the slight
”Now come, Lady Mary, do not be cross with me; I'll make thee a Queen of Beauty too; for I shall ride lots of tourneys, and be the cha to teach ht; so I cannot be other than a great champion, when I have such a teacher; for ye know uncle of Gloucester is the greatest lance in the world Is he not, sister?” And he turned to the Princess Elizabeth, as though seeking support hich to prop up his idol
”Nay, that I cannot tell,” answered his eldest sister ”Thou hast a greater knowledge of these things than have I” And she s innocent
”'Tis very true,” said the little Prince, with a wise nod, as they set out after his s; yet 'tis the ladies that do inspire us and lead us on to such great feats”
The Princess, Mary, and Hazel, could no longer restrain their laughter
This greatly offended the little Duke He lowered the butt of the little hich he did carry, no ed, with all the speed he could succeed in forcing from his little body He struck his brother, Dorset, fairly between the shoulders, which gave that nobleman such a start that he scarce kept his feet
Then the little Prince turned and looked back at the girls, with a satisfied sh at htly?”
By this ti their following, they were all admitted to the Sanctuary
CHAPTER XIV
I REACH WESTMINSTER
When we reached Wests, attended by a large following, a which I espied Catesby, came forth to meet us As we did near the as we passed between these rows of English oaks
Hastings hiha and Gloucester When we arrived at the Palace and dis which I did not catch, though I was standing just behind the Duke
”When did she go?” asked Richard
I could not hear what Hastings answered
”And took the little Duke along?” cried the Prince, in a voice that plainly showed his annoyance ”Now by Holy Paul!” he continued, ”this is indeed too et herself”