gusts of cold air came down with greater alacrity than the sparks and smoke went up. There was a lack of due attendance, a cheerless and gloomy aspect that increased the young girl’s unfavorable impression, and she shivered a little, bending over the fire and holding out her hands to the blaze. The [41] “A dull place,” said Simon Raby, in a low tone; “a dull place for an uncrowned queen.” “Poor lady!” murmured Betty, forgetful of her uncle’s recent instructions, “’tis enough to break her heart.” “I never knew her,” Raby answered. “I[42] was away in France with Sir John Wallop until the queen that now is was crowned, but they do tell me that this lady is too strong and resolute a woman to greatly mourn the loss of state or earthly glory; but ’tis awful to consign a princess to so mean a case as this.” [42] Betty, remembering now the commands that were laid upon her, turned the subject without an open expression of her own feeling on this point. “You were in France?” she said; “’tis there my cousin Peter is; he ran away, you know, and coming to Paris, was taken into the household of Sir John Wallop.” “I know him,” her companion answered, smiling; “a gay and fiery gallant, who is like to make a brave record for Mohun’s Ottery.” At this moment they were interrupted by Bedingfield, who, turning from Sir William, for the first time cast a glance in Betty’s direction. “Is this the maid?” he asked. “Come hither, niece,” Carew said, “and make your curtsy to Sir Edmund; you are now committed to his charge to be introduced to the princess dowager.” “Who is little likely to be pleased thereat,”[43] remarked Bedingfield, with a frankness which yet farther chilled Betty’s heart. “I bid you welcome, mistress,” he added dryly; “it is a sorry place for a young maid at best, and of late her highness has been ailing and in no plight to crave gay attendance.” [43] “Discourage her no more, Bedingfield,” Sir William remarked; “the wench is sufficiently cast down at the prospect, without your croaking talk.” “It mends not a matter to dress it in gay colors,” Bedingfield retorted briefly. “Come, young
Prev.
Back
Top