"But whom can they have, save her own terrified women?
Inez--Leonor--go to her at once! Your skill and tenderness will soon revive her; this silly child is terrified at shadows.

'Tis but a faint, such as followed the announcement of her husband's death.

If any one dare refuse you entrance, tell them you go in your Queen's name.

Foolish trembler," she added, in a tone of relief, as her commands were instantly obeyed, "why this excessive agitation, when thou hast seen a faint like this before ?" "Nay, but by your leave, gracious madam, I have not," replied Catherine, with emotion.

"There is far more of horror in this; she is cold--cold, like stone; and they have planted a guard at the entrance of her apartments, and they tell a tale so wild and strange, I cannot give it credence!" "Ha! what say they ?" demanded the Queen hastily, her eyes flashing with light, as they always did when she was excited.