Bath, on the right bank of the river Avon, presented a great variety of beautiful landscape; the old city of Gloucester, city of churches and beloved of kings; Tewkesbury, site of the battle between Lancastrians and Yorkists which placed the crown upon the head of Edward the Fourth; Worcester, with its glorious cathedral, filled her with delight. The beauty of the diversified scenery, consisting of hill, vale, forest and river, the numerous remains of Druid, British, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman to which her father called her attention; all these things contributed to her pleasure, and served to banish everything from her mind save the happiness of the moment. "And now, Francis," said Lord Stafford on the evening of the fourth day, "yonder lies Stafford, and we are near the end of our travel. Behold, on yon mount, called 'Castle Hill,' the place where stood a noble castle built by William the Conqueror. He conferred it upon Robert de Torri who took the name de Stafford from whom, as thou dost well ken, our family hath sprung. Art thou weary, girl?" "Yes, father, but the journey hath nevertheless been full of delight," returned Francis brightly though her drooping body spoke of the fatigue by which she was almost overcome. "Yet right glad am I that we are come to Stafford. And on the morrow it may be that I shall see Queen Mary." "Mayhap, child. But now put from thee all thought save that of rest. Let the morrow bring what it will, this night shall be devoted to quiet and repose." Putting spurs to his horse the tired animal renewed his speed, and they were soon within the gates of the city. CHAPTER VI A GLIMPSE OF MARY Francis' wish of beholding the Queen of Scots was gratified in a most unexpected manner. "Do you remain here, my child," said Lord Stafford the next morning. "I would behold for myself if what I have heard of Mary's keeper, Sir Amyas Paulet, be true. If he be not so strict as report hath it, access to Mary may be easy. I would rather, if it be possible, that the matter be dispatched without employ of thee." "But thou wouldst still let me see Mary, father?" "By my troth, I would. Thou hast well merited it. But now farewell for a season. When I return we can tell better how to conclude this business." "My father, what shall I do until thy return? Could I not go forth to the place where stood the castle of our ancestors? I would fain examine it." Lord Stafford hesitated for a moment before replying, and then said thoughtfully: "Thou mayst, if thou wilt. I know that I need not tell thee to remember that though thou dost wear a man's habit thou art still in truth a maid, and to demean thyself in accordance therewith. But still as thou dost wear the habit, more of liberty may be given thee than otherwise thou couldst enjoy. Yes; go to Castle Hill, an thou wishest, but say to none what and for why we tarry in the town."