"Yes; 'tis a pleasant sight, and many have wondered that they should stay upon the river when it is so busy, but they are kindly treated and no harm suffered to come to them. Behold the dwellings of the nobles." Nothing could have been more picturesque at this time than the north bank of the Thames with its broad gardens, lofty trees and embattled turrets and pinnacles of the palaces, each of which had its landing-place and private retinue of barges and wherries. "This is the Tower," said the nobleman as they drew near that grim fortress. A low browed projecting arch, above which was a tower forming a striking part of the stronghold, attracted the girl's attention. Steps led up from the river to a small ricket in the arch which gave entrance into the Tower. "That is the Traitors' Gate," said Lord Shrope. "Through that wicket pass all those guilty of treason." A shudder passed over Francis as she gazed at the forbidding portals. "Why dost thou shiver?" asked Lord Shrope kindly, as he noticed her involuntary tremor. "Sir," answered Francis, in mournful tones, "I fear that Tower. Something seems to whisper me that yon grim walls and I will become better acquainted." "Now Heaven forfend!" ejaculated Lord Shrope. "Thy doubts of thy reception at the queen's hands render thee fearful. Take courage, child. All will yet be well. 'Tis not amiss that thou shouldst be doubtful, as the issue is uncertain. Were you but as the queen thinks, and not in masquerade, you would fare well at court. For 'tis worthy the ambition of any young man, be his rank of the highest, or his prospects the most brilliant, to become one of the queen's pensioners. For thus doth Her Majesty accomplish divers things: she honoreth those who are such; obligeth their kindred and alliance, and fortifieth herself; for none can be brought near her person without becoming willing to lay down life itself in her behalf." "I should not be, were I in truth the boy she thinks me," declared Francis. "Subdue such spirit, girl," rebuked he. "The queen is graciousness itself to those whom she favors, but frowardness and pertness are not to her liking. In sooth, she tolerates them not in those near her. For thy father's sake, have a care to thy words. The slight disfavor under which thou dost labor will soon be overcome, I doubt not, if thou wilt show thyself submissive to her will. But I mean not to chide thee, child, for I know that thy maiden heart cannot but fail thee in this hour. I would, an I could, turn thy mind to more of liking toward the queen else will it be hard for thee to sue to her. Elizabeth is a great ruler. The land hath never before enjoyed so much of peace and prosperity. Even her enemies cannot gainsay this fact. But I fear that I weary thee, and thou art troubled enough."