“I will take the wager, Raby,” Carew remarked calmly, “and you will be the loser, therefore make it not too heavy on your purse.” “Fifty pounds, and I do not fear to lose,” the other cried, still much diverted by the matter. “I am that much a gainer,” Sir William said, “but I will pray you not to test the affair at the moment by making him our guide. I am not willing to trust my neck and Betty’s to his mercies.” “Mistress Carew shall take no risks,” Raby replied; “you and I will settle the wager when we are not in so fair company. Indeed, I trust that we shall make this journey safely and with expedition, since my lord privy seal was urgent that the matter should be speedily accomplished.” “Will they be ready for our reception? Has yonder lady been notified, or is this the act of Cromwell only?” Carew asked gravely. Raby shook his head. “I know not,” he answered. “I am but the bearer of certain instructions, but I fear that the--that her grace is little consulted in the affair.” Carew did not reply, but seemed to muse over some grave subject, for his face became almost stern in its repose; and Raby, seeing his preoccupation, took his place at Mistress Betty’s bridle, guiding her horse and talking lightly and pleasantly of those matters that he thought would amuse his young companion. He had been but lately at the court, and told her of the jousts at Greenwich, when the knights tilted before Queen Anne Boleyn. “It was a beautiful sight,” he said; “they wore white velvet, embroidered in silver, and the lists were surrounded by the gayest ladies of the court; there was a sheen of gold brocade, and jewels; it was a scene worth seeing, and ’twill be remembered long by those who saw it.” “And the queen?” Betty asked, with a little hesitation, “is the queen as beautiful as they say?” “She was thought to be the most beautiful woman at court when she was Marchioness of Pembroke,” Raby answered; “and she is still fair to look upon, though I do think that there are others more lovely. I doubt not she would call it treason did she hear me say it,” he added, smiling. “I should like to see her,” Mistress Carew said thoughtfully. “You have no need to seek so far to find a fairer face,” Raby answered, with the gallantry of a courtier.