The animation of the scene was at its height when suddenly the music ceased, a single gong was heard to sound, and Alberic, the senior page, brought tidings of the arrival of new guests; and his master, with native courtesy, hastened down the hall to give them welcome.

Marie had not heard, or, perhaps, had not heeded the interruption in the music; for, fascinated by the manner and conversation of the Queen, she had given herself up for the time wholly to its influence, to the forgetfulness even of her inward self.  The sound of many footsteps and a rejoicing exclamation from the King, excited the attention at once of Isabella and her hostess.  Marie glanced down the splendid hall; and well was it for her that she was standing behind the Queen’s seat, and somewhat deep in shadow.  Momentary as was all visible emotion, its effect was such as must have caused remark and wonder had it been perceived:  on herself, that casual glance, was as if she had received some invisibly dealt, yet fearful blow.  Her brain reeled, her eyes swam, a fearful, stunning sound awoke within her ears, and such failing of bodily power as compelled her, spite of herself, to grasp the Queen’s chair for support.  But how mighty—­how marvellous is the power of will and mind!  In less than a minute every failing sense was recalled, every slackened nerve restrung, and, save in the deadly paleness of lip, as well as cheek, not a trace of that terrible conflict remained.

Aware that it was at a gay banquet he was to meet the King, Arthur Stanley had arranged his dress with some care.  We need only particularize his sword, which was remarkable for its extreme simplicity, the hilt being of the basket shape, and instead of being inlaid with precious stones, as was the general custom of this day, was composed merely of highly burnished steel.  He had received it from his dying father:  and it was his pride to preserve it unsullied, as it had descended to him.  He heeded neither laughter at its uncouth plainness, nor even the malicious sneer as to the poor Englishman’s incapacity to purchase a handsomer one; rejecting every offer of a real Toledo, and declaring that he would prove both the strength and brightness of English steel, so that none should gainsay it.

“Welcome, Don Arthur! welcome, Senor Stanley!  By St. Francis, I shall never learn thy native title, youth!” exclaimed the monarch, frankly, as he extended his hand, which Stanley knelt to salute.  “Returned with fresher laurels, Stanley?  Why, man, thou wilt make us thy debtor in good earnest!”

“Nay, my gracious liege:  that can never be!” replied Stanley, earnestly.  “Grateful I am, indeed, when there is opportunity to evince fidelity and valor in your Grace’s service; but believe me, where so much has been and is received, not a life’s devotion on my part can remove the impression, that I am the debtor still.”