"It was a large chamber, airy, but not light. All the windows were high up in the wall. There was a bed, divers chairs, and a table; and by the table sat a woman apparelled in black, her arms laid thereon, and her head upon them. Her face showed much pain. She lifted her head slowly as I came towards her, and then I saw that she had the face of a stranger. `Who is it?' she said in a whispered voice. `My name, Senora, is Ines de Olanda,' said I. `Meseemeth you lack ease. Could I in any wise bring it unto you?' `Ay, I lack ease, _muchacha_' (which is to say, maiden), quoth she. `I lack rest. But that lieth in--the grave.' She spake slowly and uncertainly. `Whence comest thou?' she said again. `Thy tone is not of these parts.'--`Senora,' said I, `I am a stranger from England.'--`And how camest thou hither?' quoth she. `As reader of English unto the Queen's Highness,' said I. `How much hast thou read unto the Queen?' she asked, and smiled. "Her smile lighted up her face marvellously. It was not a fair face. I misdoubt if it were ever such. Her hair is near white now; but though her complexion were good, and her eyes shining and dark grey, her features must have been alway something harsh and strong. `Nothing at all, Senora,' then said I; `for it is now three months sithence my coming, and yet had I never the honour to see her Highness.'--`Traitors!' quoth she angrily; and her features grew harsher than ever. I stood in silence. `Thou art not a Lutheran?' she said suddenly. `Methinks it should fare ill, Senora, with any that were so here,' I made answer, desiring to be discreet. `Is that any answer to my question?' she said, knitting her brows. `Senora,' said I, trembling greatly, `I cannot tell a lie, even though you may betray me. I am a Lutheran.'--`I betray thee!' she said pitifully. `Poor child! whoso doth that, it will not be I. I am under the same ban.'--`Senora!' I cried, much astonied, `you are a Lutheran? here, in the Queen's Palace.'--`Doth that amaze thee?' she answered with another smile. `Then a second thing I can tell thee will do so yet more:--I am the Queen.'