_August 14._
HER Grace left us yesterday, and to-day Amice and I have been helping
Mother Gertrude to put her rooms to rights, and close them once more.
"How lonely they look," said I, as we were going round closing
the shutters. "I suppose they will always be called, 'The Queen's
Chambers,' after this; and will be looked on as a kind of hallowed
ground."
"They will always be hallowed ground to me, I am sure," said Amice, so
warmly, that I looked at her in surprise.
"Well, well, I am not sorry they are empty once more," said Mother
Gertrude. "I trust now we shall go back to our old quiet ways, and at
least we shall have no more singing of love songs and receiving of love
tokens, within these holy walls. Yonder fair Bullen is no inmate for
such a place as this."
"Why should you think of love tokens, dear Mother?" I asked, feeling my
checks burn, and wondering whether she referred to me, though indeed I
might have known she did not. 'Tis not her way to hint at anything.
"Because Mistress Anne must needs show me her fine diamond ring, and
tell me in a whisper how it was a token from a gallant gentleman, as
great as any in this realm."
"She said it came from her brother," said I, unguardedly, and then
I all at once remembered what she had said in the presence, and the
Queen's answer. Can it be that her Grace was jealous, and that she had
cause for jealousy? However, that is no business for me.
Mrs. Bullen must needs watch her chance and ask me whether I had no
message or token for my cousin? I told her no—that in my position, it
did not become me to be sending messages or tokens: but I did not add
what I thought—that if I had any such message, she would be the last
person I should trust therewith.
"Well, well, I meant you naught but kindness," said she. "I dare say
our squire wont break his heart."
To which I made no answer.
Mother Superior gave me leave to write to my father by Master Griffith,
who kindly offered to carry a letter. When I had finished, I carried
it to her, as in duty bound. She just glanced at it, and then opening
a drawer, she took therefrom poor Richard's packet and enclosed all
together, sealing them securely, and said she would give the parcel
into Master Griffith's hands, together with certain letters of her own.
My heart gave a great leap at sight of the packet, and I must confess
a great ache when I saw it sealed up again, because I knew how sadly
Richard would feel at having his poor little letter and token returned
on his hands; and I am quite sure he meant no harm in sending them,
though it was ill considered.
The Queen gave magnificently to the Church and house on leaving, and
also bestowed presents on those members of the family who have waited
on her, mostly books of devotion, beads, and sacred pictures. She hath
also provided for an annual dole of bread and clothing on her birthday
to all the poor of the village.
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