Elizabeth had risen at their approach, and when the girl beheld her high pale forehead furrowed by lines of care, the lofty features sharpened by anxiety, she felt her heart glow toward her sovereign and the last feeling of animosity which had lain so long in her heart faded away never to return. It was therefore with a sincere feeling of reverence that she knelt before Elizabeth, who had shown herself at this time to be a true daughter of the lion-hearted Plantagenets. "Ye bear messages from the lord admiral," cried the queen somewhat anxiously. "Rise, Edward Devereaux, and deliver thyself of them." "Most gracious madam," said Edward, rising gracefully, "the strength of the enemy is broken. Dispirited and distraught they fly before the lord admiral. Madam, the Armada is no more. Here are letters writ by Lord Howard, in which he gives the victory in detail." "Now God be praised," ejaculated the queen, "but this is news indeed. My Lord of Essex, do you spread the tidings throughout the camp that my loving people may rejoice with me. Thy indulgence, Master Devereaux, while I peruse my Lord Howard's dispatches. Retain thy place that I may confer with thee later." Rapidly she glanced over the epistles, and then turned to the assembled lords. "My lords," she cried, "behold these lads! They have borne themselves with signal valor during the meeting with the Spaniards. They two, in company with two others of whom more anon, set fire to the ships which brought fear and panic into the fleet of the enemy. Which same device was recommended by us to the lord admiral. Speak, Edward Devereaux! What reward dost thou wish for thy service?" "Thy pardon, Most Gracious Lady, for breaking the bounds in which you placed me." "Ah, Ned, Ned," said Elizabeth with that archness which, despite her fifty-five years, she continued to employ, "didst thou not know that thy queen placed thee there for thy safety?" "True, madam;" assented Devereaux. "But not the strongest dungeon of the Tower should have held me in durance when thy person, and my country were in danger." "Thy silvery tongue no less than thy service doth well incline me to thy will, Ned," said she graciously. "Thou art forgiven. And thou?" she added turning to the kneeling girl. "Art thou not that Francis Stafford lately concerned in plot against our person?" "I am that most unhappy being, madam," said Francis, rising and looking the queen steadfastly in the face. "I throw myself upon your mercy, Your Majesty, and crave forgiveness. My only plea for so great a fault is, that at that time I had not been brought near your person and knew you not. Had I known you I would never have transgressed. Do with me as you will. Return me to the Tower, or use your pleasure upon me in any fashion as seemeth best to you, only forgive me." "Hast thy father schooled thee to speak thus?" demanded the queen.