In this way the greater part of the night was consumed; nor was it till near day-break that she was aroused from her studies by the entrance of’ her husband. “Jane, my beloved queen!” he exclaimed, hastening towards her with a countenance beaming with delight. “I have intelligence for you which will enchant you.” “Indeed! my dear lord,”’ she replied, laying down her book, and rising to meet him. “What is it?” “Guess,” he answered, smiling. “Nay, dear Dudley,” she rejoined, “put me not to this trouble. Tell me at once your news, that I may participate in your satisfaction.” “In a word, then, my queen,” replied Lord Guilford,—“My father and the nobles propose to elevate me to the same dignity as yourself.” Jane’s countenance fell. “They have not the power to do so, my lord,” she rejoined gravely; “I, alone, can thus elevate you.” “Then I am king,” cried Dudley, triumphantly. “My lord,” observed Jane, with increased gravity, “you will pardon me if I say I must consider of this matter.” “Consider of it!” echoed her husband, frowning; “I must have your decision at once. You can have no hesitation, since my father desires it. I am your husband, and claim your obedience.” “And I, my lord,” rejoined Jane, with dignity, “am your queen; and, as such, it is for me, not you, to exact obedience. We will talk no further on the subject.” “As you please, madam,” replied Lord Guilford, coldly. “To-morrow you will learn the Duke’s pleasure.” “When I do so, he shall know mine,” rejoined Jane. “How is this?” exclaimed Dudley, gazing at her in astonishment. “Can it be possible you are the same Jane whom I left—all love—all meekness—all compliance?—or have a few hours of rule so changed your nature, that you no longer love me as heretofore?” “Dudley,” returned Jane, tenderly, “you are dear to me as ever; and if I accede not to your wishes, do not impute it to other than the right motive. As a queen, I have duties paramount to all other considerations,—duties which, so long as I am queen, I will fulfil to the best of my ability, and at every personal sacrifice. Be not wholly guided by the counsels of your father,—be not dazzled by ambition. The step you propose is fraught with danger. It may cost me my crown, and cannot ensure one to you.” “Enough,” replied her husband, apparently convinced by her arguments. “We will postpone its further consideration till to-morrow.”