The Vale of Cedars eBook

Grace Aguilar
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 347 pages of information about The Vale of Cedars.

The Vale of Cedars eBook

Grace Aguilar
This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 347 pages of information about The Vale of Cedars.

“That could hardly be,” replied Lord Scales.  “Unless he had been a Catholic, earnest and zealous as herself, Isabella would never have so esteemed him, as to give him as wife her especial favorite, Catherine Pas, and place him so near the person of her child.  When I left Spain, I entreated my friend to accompany me, and resume his hereditary title and estate, but I pleaded in vain.  Some more than common tie seemed to devote him to the interests of the Queen of Castile, whom he declared he would never leave unless in England he could serve her better than in Spain.  At that time there was no chance of such an event.  He now tells me, that it was Isabella’s earnest request that he should attend the Princess; be always near her, and so decrease the difficulties, which in a foreign land must for a time surround her.  The Queen is broken in health, and dispirited, from many domestic afflictions; and it was with tears, she besought him to devote his remaining years, to the service of her child, and be to the future Queen of England true, faithful, and upright, as he had ever been to the Queen of Spain.  Need I say the honorable charge was instantly accepted, and while he resumes his rank and duties as a Peer of his native land, the grateful service of an adopted son of Spain will ever be remembered and performed.”

“But his name, his name?” cried many eager voices.

“ARTHUR STANLEY, EARL OF DERBY.”

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The Vale of Cedars from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.