172 P E.NDENNIS CASTLE. 



her eyes to the ground, while a crimson glow rushed over her 

 neck, and face, and forehead. " Nay, tell me not, my pretty May," 

 continued her Majesty, " that it must not be you know my word 

 cannot be broken, and true love shall be rewarded. " May seized 

 the hand which still hung fondly on her neck and covered it with 

 kisses. The Queen caught her in her arms, and embraced her 

 with all the fondness and affection of a Mother's love. She then 

 took from her bosom a massive golden chain and diamond cross, 

 and hung it on the neck of her lovely favorite. " Now, wear that, 

 May Arundel, for my sake, and when you offer up your prayers 

 to God, do not think it a disgrace to ask a blessing for an unfor- 

 tunate princess. Now bid your Uncle visit me, for time draws on." 

 In a few minutes, the venerable John Arundel of Trericewas in 

 attendance. " My honest Friend " began the Queen, " how can I 

 recompense your kindness and loyalty to my poor person, since I 

 have been a sojourner in this Castle ? Your heroism and devoted 

 love for our unhappy house has endeared you to us all, but I re- 

 joice that it has been mt/ privilege to form the personal friendship 

 of so worthy and so good a man. " The old general knelt and 

 kissed the hand which was extended to him ; " My honoured prin- 

 cess, "he replied, "while I have strength to wield a sword in your 

 cause, you shall always have a faithful servant, although his power 

 will be far inferior to his will. It grieves me to see you leave us 

 for a foreign soil, even though a longer stay would be incompatible 

 with your Majesty's safety. But may God's blessing attend you, 

 as surely as you will be followed by an old man's honest prayer." 

 " Arundel," said the Queen, " the night wears away, and I have to 

 ask a favour at your hands. I have little to offer you, but add 

 another to my long list of obligations by accepting this as a pledge 

 of my gratitude and esteem. " She took from her neck a small 

 miniature set in pearls, prest it earnestly to her lips, and gave it 

 into the old man's hands. It was a medallion portrait of her 

 husband. " My revered master, " he exclaimed, and covering his 

 face with his hands, he tried in vain to conceal the workings of 

 his heart. " Fail not, fear not, my friend, " said the Queen, whose 

 mind shone out that night in all its vigour, " fear not, and happi- 

 ness will yet be our portion ; but let us proceed to business 

 When may I expect to embark ? " "The vessel, Madam, is cruising 

 off the rock, and at 12 precisely, the pinnace will be under the 

 lower platform to convey you on. board : the baggage is already 

 shipped." "And now, Arundel, grant me one more kindness, 

 and show favour to my loyal pet, Sir John Trelawney. " " Willingly, 



