In all this ceremonial as well as in the feasting and the entertainments that followed it, the Princess Elizabeth was in every way ranked next to the queen. Elizabeth wore the coronet of a princess. "It is very heavy," she whispered to the French ambassador. "Be patient," murmured he, "it will be parent to a better one." Parliament was soon in session, and one of the important questions to be decided was what should be done with Lady Jane. "She attempted to seize the crown from Mary, who is our rightful sovereign," declared one, "and she should be put to death as a traitor." "What she did was done at the bidding of the Duke of Northumberland," said another. "She was but a tool in his hands, and she should be freed." "That cannot well be," objected a third. "Whoever commits a crime is guilty of that crime and must bear the punishment." "Yes," agreed the first, "and moreover, some who would question Elizabeth's right to the throne would perchance unite under the banner of Jane. There will be neither rest nor safety in the kingdom so long as she is spared to lead any rebellious faction that may need a head." Parliament decided that Lady Jane was guilty of treason, and she was sentenced to be either burned or beheaded as the queen should choose. Everyone was sorry for her. Even those that condemned her could hardly look upon the young girl without tears, and when she was taken back to her prison in the Tower, crowds of weeping people followed her. "She is to be put to death 'at the queen's pleasure,'" said one royal attendant to another. "Do you believe it will be soon?" "He who dwells in a palace should see but not speak," answered the other. "To you, however, I may venture to whisper that the death of Lady Jane will never be 'the queen's pleasure.'" CHAPTER V A PRINCESS IN PRISON Mary did not forget to show gratitude to those who had aided her in gaining possession of her crown. To some she gave high positions, and for the one whose house had been burned she built a much finer residence. "And now, my well-beloved cousin and councilor," she said to the Earl of Sussex, "we would gladly show to you our hearty appreciation of your loyalty in a troublous time. Ask what you will of us, and it shall be granted." The only way of heating houses in those days was by means of fireplaces, and therefore, even the royal palaces were full of chills and drafts. Whenever the earl came to court, he took cold. A thought struck him and he said:-- "If your Grace is really of intent to bestow upon me the gift that will give me most of comfort and peace of mind and body, I would beg humbly for the royal permission that I need no longer uncover my head before man or woman." Mary was greatly amused. "Either cap or coif or nightcap [skullcap] may you wear," said she, "and woe to the one that dares to dispute your privilege." The next morning a parchment bearing the royal arms was presented to the earl with all formality. It read:--