tutor spoke warmly for this was a favorite theme, “once it was my good hap to pass some time at Broadgate, her father’s seat in Leicestershire, and never have I seen her like for love of learning. Greek, Latin, French and Italian spoke she as well as her 12 own tongue. Some knowledge had she also of Hebrew, Chaldee and Arabic. She loved not such idle sport as the chase. Would that thou wert like her.” 

12

 “Out upon thee for so evil a wish,” chided Francis, but there was a merry twinkle in her eye that softened the harshness of her tone. “Wouldst have me beheaded? Yet it may be that I am such a dullard that thou dost wish that I should meet with a like fate.” 

 “Nay, child! Thou knowest better.” The face of the old man softened involuntarily as he gazed into the laughing countenance of the girl before him. 

 Her head was crowned by a mass of red gold hair which, guiltless of crisping or curling pins, fell in ringlets over her shoulders; her complexion was of creamy fairness; her features regular, her eyes dark and luminous; her whole expression full of winsomeness; but there was a sparkle in the dark eyes now so full of mischief, and a set to the rich red lips that spoke volumes for the spirit of Mistress Francis Stafford. 

 “I would only that thy desire for learning was like to that of the Lady Jane’s,” went on 13 the tutor. “Yet I do not dislike thy courage, and thou art a good wench, surely.” 

13

 “Hark!” cried Francis springing to her feet. “I hear the hounds. Look ware, Echo! Look ware! Ware, ware!” 

 The greyhound, answering with short sharp yelps, rushed forward frantically, and then stood at gaze as a tall red deer bounded from the covert into the open glade. The noble animal’s strength was almost spent. His mouth was embossed with foam and large round tears were dropping from his eyes. With a motion that was at once despairing and majestic he turned to face his pursuers as a pack of hounds dashed from the trees and surrounded him, making the air hideous with their clamor. 

 Instantly the maiden fitted a shaft to her bow and let fly a bolt as the tutor uttered a shrill cry of remonstrance: 

 “Stay thy hand, girl! Knowest thou not the danger?” 

 Before the wounded animal could turn to charge this new assailant an answering 

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