Cis was walking between the young lad and his sister, laughing and talking with much animation, for she had not for some time enjoyed the pleasure of free intercourse with any of her fellow-denizens in the happy land of youth.

Dame Susan watched her with some uneasiness, and presently saw her taking them where she herself was privileged to go, but strangers were never permitted to approach, on the Trowle Madame sward reserved for the Queen, on which she was even now entering.

“Cicely!” she called, but the young lady either did not or would not hear, and she was obliged to walk hastily forward, meet the party, and with courteous excuses turn them back from the forbidden ground.  They submitted at once, apologising, but Cis, with a red spot on her cheek, cried, “The Queen would take no offence.”

“That is not the matter in point, Cicely,” said Dame Susan gravely.  “Master and Mistress Eyre understand that we are bound to obedience to the Earl.”

Master Eyre, a well-bred young gentleman, made reply that he well knew that no discourtesy was intended, but Cis pouted and muttered, evidently to the extreme amazement of Mistress Alice Eyre; and Dame Susan, to divert her attention, began to ask about the length of their ride, and the way to their home.

Cis’s ill humour never lasted long, and she suddenly broke in, “O mother, Master Eyre saith there is a marvellous cavern near his father’s house, all full of pendants from the roof like a minster, and great sheeted tables and statues standing up, all grand and ghostly on the floor, far better than in this Pool’s Hole.  He says his father will have it lighted up if we will ride over and see it.”

“We are much beholden to Master Eyre,” said Susan, but Cis read refusal in her tone, and began to urge her to consent.

“It must be as my husband wills,” was the grave answer, and at the same time, courteously, but very decidedly, she bade the strangers farewell, and made her daughter do the same, though Cis was inclined to resistance, and in a somewhat defiant tone added, “I shall not forget your promise, sir.  I long to see the cave.”

“Child, child,” entreated Susan, as soon as they were out of hearing, “be on thy guard.  Thou wilt betray thyself by such conduct towards me.”

“But, mother, they did so long to see the Queen, and there would have been no harm in it.  They are well affected, and the young gentleman is a friend of poor Master Babington.”

“Nay, Cis, that is further cause that I should not let them pass onward.  I marvel not at thee, my maid, but thou and thy mother queen must bear in mind that while thou passest for our daughter, and hast trust placed in thee, thou must do nothing to forfeit it or bring thy fa—­, Master Richard I mean, into trouble.”

“I meant no harm,” said Cis; rather crossly.

“Thou didst not, but harm may be done by such as mean it the least.”