You were guilty, therefore, of a double wrong, for you not only besought mercy, but you also brought an accusation against my cavaliers.

Do you really believe that, were this maiden's cause a just one, no knight would have been found for her ?" "Yes, I really believe it," cried the earl, with a laugh.

"The sun of your favor had turned away from this poor girl, and in such a case your courtiers no longer see the figure wrapped in darkness." "You are mistaken, my lord; I have seen it," suddenly said another voice, and a second cavalier advanced from the anteroom into the chamber.

He approached the king, and, as he bent his knee before him, he said, in a loud, steady voice: "Sire, I also beg mercy for Anne Askew!" At this moment was heard from that side of the room where the ladies stood, a low cry, and the pale, affrighted face of Lady Jane Douglas was for a moment raised above the heads of the other ladies.

No one noticed it.