by Knox Magee
CHAPTER VII
THE BALL AT THE CASTLE
About a week after our return to Windsor I learned that there was to bea grand ball given by the King, in honor of our victory over the Scots.I at once found the girls and told them the good news.
"Ah!" cried Hazel; "will it not be delightful to be able to have somelife at court, after all this quiet and monotony, with every one awayand no music, but that which Mary and I do make for ourselves?" Andshe clapped her hands, and smiled and courtesied to me, as though Iwere her partner in the dance.
"Not a great compliment to me, nor to Sir Frederick neither, when thoudost say there is no one at court," said I; for I did not altogetherrelish Hazel's superabundance of delight at the prospect of the change.But the dear one was in one of those teasing fits of hers; so I knewfull well it was useless to say much.
The only answer she did vouchsafe to my remark was a provoking littletoss of her pretty head. She looked so lovely as she skipped about theroom, that even an over-exacting lover could not help but begood-natured; even though he did try to be otherwise.
Mary was equally joyed when she heard that we were to have the dance.
"But when is it to be?" asked Hazel, stopping suddenly in the midst ofher solitary performance and joining Mary and me.
"This day week, and the Duke of Gloucester and most of the court willhave returned by then; so we will have a lively time. But here dothcome Sir Frederick; so, Mary, thou hadst better inform him and give himthe first chance to pick out his dances." Mary blushed; but however,she did go and meet Harleston, at which both Hazel and I laughedheartily.
Indeed it was a goodly sight to see those two standing side by side;the one tall, handsome, and built in the mould of a slightly reducedHercules; and the other, small, dainty, and lovely, as a sweet flowergrowing beside an oak. I could see by the way in which Mary was drawnto him that it would take but a word from him, and she would surrender.And as for him,--well, he was hopelessly entangled in the silken meshesof love's all-powerful net from the first day on which he did lay eyesupon this beauteous lily-of-the-valley.
But why do I look to them for a picture? Had Harleston but cast hiseyes in our direction (the which he did not) he should have beheld asgreat a contrast, and, to be modest, at least one as pleasing to theeye.
"And how many sets am I to have?" I asked of Hazel.
"Well, I shall consider, and take note of thy conduct, and, if it begood, I may give unto thee the second,--and the--"
"Nay, nay, by mine honour, I do insist upon having the first, and thesecond, and a great many more."
"Oh, Walter, such an appetite as thou hast developed."
"But remember, I have been fasting for a long time."
Then she wrinkled her little snow-white forehead, and seemed weighingthe matter very deliberately. "Well," she said, after she had appearedto consider at great length, "thou mayst have the first; but I will_not_ promise thee any more before the dance, and if I do like thatone, mayhap I will give thee some others."
I knew full well what that meant; so I said no more, but made up mymind to have more when the time did come round. And the time soon didcome; for in those days of happiness and youth the sun scarce seemed tostay in the heavens for more than an hour at a time; so quickly didthose days of dreams pass by. And yet, though it may sound like acontradiction, the sun seemed ever to be shining; for we had it in ourhearts. Oh, had we but known the clouds that were to pass over,-- Butthere, I must draw the rein again, or I shall be telling the end of mystory ere I shall have come unto it.
So the days flew past like sunbeams, and the evening when the greatball was to take place at length arrived.
Both Harleston and I had engaged the best tailor in London, and when wewalked into the great audience hall that night there was not a soul inthe place which could compete with us, for elegance of dress--except,perhaps, the Duke of Gloucester. And let me here put it down; thatroom contained all the best of fashion that English tailors couldproduce. The secret of our success lay in the fact that it wasGloucester's own tailor which did make our garments; he being not overbusy whilst the Duke was absent in Scotland.
As the King (for some reason then unknown to us) had not yet arrived,the ladies and gentlemen, after having been presented to the Queen,were standing about, in groups of four or more, gossiping and makingall manner of remarks as each of the guests arrived.
After we had been presented to her Majesty, and saluted the girls, wewalked to the far end of the hall, where Gloucester, Buckingham, and afellow by the name of Sir William Catesby, a lawyer, with whom I shallhave to deal later on, were standing. The Prince was giving someinstructions to the musicians as we came up, but when he saw us heturned, and in that voice, as smooth as the finest silk, he said:--"Ah!Bradley, my dear friend, I am delighted to see thee here this evening,and thee, Harleston. I have heard how swift were my messengers, and Iassure you both that it shall be none the worse for you that it was so."
We thanked his Grace for his pretty speech, in which, however, I couldnot help but detect some insincerity; but could not, at that time,imagine what his object could be--for this man ever did have one,--whenhe acted in this manner. However, I learned it later.
Just then the King did enter, leaning upon the arm of Lord Hastings.He looked very pale and his magnificent form seemed tottering as thoughwith age, and yet Edward was still a young man. I could scarce believemine eyes, so greatly was he changed since last I had seen him. "If soshort a time can work such a marvel, he must be nearing his end,"thought I. Then Harleston's prophecy, when first I had met him,flashed through my mind, and I wondered if it were going to befulfilled. "But yet, he may be suffering from some temporary attack,and it will soon pass off." Thus did I try to convince myself that allwas well.
But Harleston nudged me with his elbow, and said, in a voice that noone else might hear:--"Dost thou observe the King? If he doth live amonth it shall greatly surprise me; for if the stamp of death be notupon that brow, then there is no such thing."
Then Gloucester and Buckingham came forward and, when his Majesty wasseated upon his throne, enquired as to how he did, and kissed his hand,as though they loved him; when, at the same time, I verily believe, oneof them at least had been happy had the King been dead.
Every one remarked upon the great change in the noble Edward, andhastened forward to enquire as to his health; when, if they did usetheir eyes, they could see their answer writ in bold letters upon thatpale, yet handsome face.
His Majesty did not seem to like these enquiries; for he frowned onsome which expressed their hope that he was not ill. When my friendand I paid our homage to him, however, he smiled and spoke most kindlyunto us. This action of the King's did not seem to please some ofthose which had met with a reception less warm; for I observed on thefaces of some of these lords and others, sneers and smiles; then wouldthey turn to each other and converse, and look in our direction, andshrug their shoulders, as much as to say:--"It matters not; those uponwhom he smiles to-day may be in the Tower to-morrow."
But to this we paid little attention; for it was but natural for themto feel jealous, after their cold reception.
When the presentation of the guests had been completed, KingEdward--though it must have cost him an effort,--spoke in a clearvoice, and told them the object of this entertainment, which was given,said his Majesty, in honor of his Royal brother, the Duke ofGloucester, and the brave nobles and knights who had assisted him ingaining a victory over our enemies, and so adding another jewel to thecrown of England, by the acquisition of Berwick. Then came a surprise.The King turned to Gloucester and said: "My brother informs me thatScotland was assisted, to a great extent, in her unlawful and hostileacts against us, by our ancient foe--France. Several French noblemenof importance were taken prisoners on the field of Berwick; which isstrong evidence against that disturber of the peace of nations, acrossthe Channel.
"In a few short months we hope to see ye gathered in this same ro
om,for the purpose of celebrating our victory over France."
Then, as the King ended this speech, which appeared greatly to exhausthim, we all did break into a roar of applause, which did not stop untilhis Majesty raised his hand, which did command our silence. Thenanother motion from the King, and the musicians started up.
The Duke of Buckingham led the Queen to the centre of the room, andstarted the ball in earnest. The scene that followed, reminded me ofone rock starting to slide from the top of a hill: presently, as itgoes, others do join it in its journey, and soon the whole hillside isone sliding mass. So soon as her Majesty and Buckingham had completeda measure, others joined in, and in but a few short moments the wholehall was swaying back and forth, first this way, then that, yet ever inharmony, like the waves as they rush upon the shore and then recede,and come back again, with the same delightful time, but ever with arestful variation.
Needless to say, I was not long in finding my delightful partner.However, I was not pleased when I came up to find that fellow, Catesby,endeavoring to persuade her to give unto him my dance. I was closebeside him ere he knew it, and then I heard him say (the which, had hethe manners of a dog, he had left unsaid) "Methinks, Lady Hazel, thypartner must have forgotten thee."
"Thou shouldst not think of matters which do not concern thee, Sir," Isaid, quietly, in his ear, as I took Hazel by the hand and led herforth.
"And such a trifling matter," said the impudent knave, as he shruggedhis shoulders and walked off.
Had he struck me a blow upon my cheek he could not have more insultedme. Verily, I boiled with indignation, and swore a great oath, tomyself, that I would make him eat those words, the first time that Ishould have an opportunity. So greatly was I occupied with thinking ofthe pleasure I would have when my good sword should be sticking throughhis body that Hazel, at last, had to pull me by the sleeve, in order toattract my attention.
"What is the matter with thee, Walter? Thou art walking as though in adream; and an evil one at that, judging from the expression on yourface. I do hope that my little presence is not so unpleasant as tomake thee look like that."
This recalled me to my senses; so I apologized for my conduct, andjoined with the others, in their gaiety.
When I look back at that night, and see that fairy form passing throughthe movements with me, it doth seem, unto mine old eyes, like a dreamenacted by the mind, where angels appear in mortal form and glidearound us, with their feet touching nothing more substantial than theair. And indeed it was a dream, and one that can never be too oftrepeated. Ah, that was indeed a happy night; and so many years ago.
Hazel had not heard my remark to Catesby, nor--by some happychance--his insolent retort, which latter had, to mine ears, soundedloud enough for the whole great room to hear. But that must have beenon account of the sting it carried for me. Be that as it may, she hadnot heard; and for this I was thankful; for had she, it should haveworried her, and the evening had then been spoiled for both of us; andI would not have had that happen for a kingdom.
When we had finished our set I asked Hazel if I might have the next.
"No, Walter," she replied; "I have already promised it to Sir WilliamCatesby; although I do not think much of lawyers," she added.
Of course this made me to boil again; but I did not say so, to Hazel,for fear she might be frightened. All I said was:--"I detest thatfellow, and do not like to see thee dance with him."
"Well, 'tis much more disagreeable to me," she answered; "and thoumayst be assured that I will not dance with him again to-night."
"Nor any other night," thought I, "if I may but get my sword betwixthis ribs."
When the next set did start, as I had no desire for dancing with anyother woman, after having danced with that dainty flower, I strolledinto one of the adjoining rooms, and sat myself down in a comfortableseat, behind the open door; so that I might not be disturbed in mymeditations, which made my heart to beat the faster the further I letthem run. For the one thought in my mind was how and when I had betterdeclare myself unto the dear maid which I so madly loved, and get herpromise to some day make me the happiest man on earth, by meeting withme at that trysting place, where the most high ambitions of love arerealized, namely, the altar of Holy Church. Just as I had fully madeup my mind to have Hazel give me a definite answer the first time Ishould catch her alone (and now I felt certain what that answer wouldbe) Gloucester and Buckingham walked into the room; the former leaningupon the arm of the latter, as was his wont, when the two weretogether. I saw them through the opening where the door hangs to thewall; but they evidently thought that they were the sole occupants ofthe room; for, the moment they entered, I heard the Prince say in a lowtone:--"As we are alone here I may say that which thine ears aloneshould hear." Then, before I could make a move, and make known mypresence (for Heaven truly knows I have never had any desire to playthe eavesdropper) he continued: "His Majesty's time is short; dost thounot see the seal of death upon his brow?"
"Indeed, my lord, methinks that thou art right," replied the other.
"Then, Buckingham, we may play our hand. Our time is coming; watch andbe prepared for a bold stroke.
"Hereford, thine own by right of birth, but now usurped by yon graspingbrother of mine, is a grand earldom, is it not, Cousin?"
I could not hear Buckingham's reply, and in another moment some othersdid enter, and the two, after speaking to them pleasantly, left theroom.
"Now what in the devil's name means all this?" thought I. "HisMajesty's time is short." "Hereford is a grand earldom." These tworemarks kept ringing in mine ears and, although I could not at thattime tell what they did mean, yet was I convinced that there was somedeviltry afoot which meant no good unto the Queen, in case the Kingshould die; for Gloucester ever did dislike both her and her favorites.However, my reflections were brought to an end by the musicians, whostarted playing for the next set.
I at once made my way to the crowd, and found Hazel and led her forthand joined in the dance. I danced next with Mary, and Harleston tookmy late partner, so it was a fair exchange. The next two sets I wentthrough with other ladies whose names I do not now recall and, as theyhave no bearing on this tale, it matters nothing. However, both theseladies seemed prodigiously relieved when our dances were finished; forI was too much engaged with taking care of a whirl of thoughts, withwhich my mind was struggling, to be very talkative. When I had led thelast of these unto her seat, I had fully made up my mind what my courseof action was to be. So I walked over to that fairest of maids, andasked her if she were not tired dancing.
"In faith I am, Walter," she answered; "and, when I saw thee coming, Ifeared that thou didst want me to go through a set with thee; and thenI should have been afraid to refuse, for thou art such a sensitive andfiery mortal thou mightst have been offended."
I led her into the smaller room, where I had been sitting when I heardGloucester's remarks to Buckingham, and where I was now going to makesome remarks myself, and personal ones at that, but not to Buckingham.
How fiercely my heart thumped, as though it were striving to burstthrough my ribs and fly unto its little mate.
When we were seated all my fine speeches seemed to have forsaken me,and I sat there as mute and dumb as the Tower of London. Now why thisshould be I know not, for this was the opportunity I had so longawaited. At length the dear maid began to be uneasy and, as she toldme afterwards, to suspect what was the matter. Then I saw my time wascome, and if I were to say anything I should have to do it now; so Istarted in recklessly, as a sailor throws himself from his sinkingship, into those tempting waves, and, no matter how great hisconfidence may be, yet he knows not if there be rocks beneath theswells or no.
"Hazel," said I, "thou hast known me long, and I that same have you,and ever since the day when first thou earnest to court, I have felt itmine especial duty to watch over and protect thee, shouldst thou everneed it. This latter you have never guessed; for what right had I toso appoint myself your guardian?
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"Until to-night my tongue would never put into words the pleasantagonies with which my heart hath for so long been bursting. Butto-night, since I have started, I feel as though my tongue were a bell,rung by mine uncontrollable heart strings, and, as that thumping enginedoth swing back and forth, my tongue rings out the universal notes,--_Ilove thee_. For thy happiness and pleasure I would freely give mylife, and then rejoice at having served thee. I can say no more; formy heart smothers me; so I lay it at thy feet. Do not spurn it, butgive another to fill its place, and one that will be more faithful untoits keeper."
During this speech, which was the outburst of mine overloaded soul, thedear one sat with her precious head bent as that of a dainty flowerbefore the hot blast of summer. Her hand toyed nervously with a tasselwhich hung from her waist. Her bosom rose and fell so quickly that itseemed like the ripples on the beach; and her whole frame quivered withemotion,--and so did mine.
When I had finished she did not speak for a moment, and I began to fearthat I had frightened her with my passionate declaration. Butpresently she raised her eyes to mine, and they were full of tears.Then she laid her head upon my shoulder, and sighed and smiled, both atonce, as though her happiness had forced out her tears, and the smileswere sent to dry them.
"There is my hand, Walter," she said, "and with it goes my heart. Takeboth of them, for they belong to thee. In faith, the latter thou hasthad some time. I am sure thou wilt be kind to them; for I know thoulovest me truly.
"Oh, Walter, when thou speakest to me, with mine ears I hang upon theflower of thy so earnest speech, and they drink in the precioussweetness from its bloom."
I kissed away love's dewdrops from her cheeks, and now I say it truly,without the recklessness of youth, there has been only one other momentin my life in which I have felt such heart-expanding joy. But I shalltell ye of that anon.
So there we sat and spoke those words which are so dear to lovers,until that set was over, and we were reluctantly compelled to go backand join the others in the ball-room.
So soon as I had taken Hazel unto her place near by the Queen, Istarted in search of Harleston. I found him engaged in conversationwith my lord Hastings. As I came up he turned and exclaimed:--"Ah! thelost is found. I had surely thought that thou must have grown tired ofthe dance and gone to bed."
The High Chamberlain here left us, and took his place beside the King.
"Frederick, I have something of importance to say to thee. Kindly comewith me to another room, so that we may not be overheard; as that whichI am about to tell is of a private nature."
So we entered the room which had that night been the scene of two soimportant conversations. When I had made sure that we were quite aloneI motioned Harleston to a chair, whilst I remained standing before him.
"My friend," said I, when he was seated, "I have two communications ofimportance to make. The first I know thou shalt be pleased to hear,the other is not so pleasant; for it may mean great trouble to us all,if mine interpretation of what I overheard be correct. The first isthis,--" and there I stopped and stood first on the one foot and thenon the other, and felt my face get red, for all the world like a smallboy making a confession when he has done something wrong. Why I shouldfeel like this I know not, unless it be one of the many peculiaritiesof that very eccentric person known as Master Human Nature, of whom weknow so little.
My friend regarded me with the faintest suspicion of a smile playingaround the corners of his mouth, and also showing itself in a barelyperceptible twinkle in his eyes.
At length he said:--"Well, Walter, what is it? Out with it man, orthou shalt never know whether I will be glad to hear it or no."
"Well, then,--_I have told her_," I almost whispered.
"Told her what?" he asked, laughing outright at mine embarrassment.
"Why,--why,--that,--that,--"
"What in the devil's name is the matter with thee?" cried he, notgiving me time to finish.
"That I love her,--Hazel,--Lady Hazel Woodville, Lady-in-waiting on herMajesty the Queen," I answered; thus trying to give the impression thatI had made it perfectly clear before, but that his skull was too thickto permit my meaning to pass through.
"Bravo, bravo! my dear friend," cried he, as he sprang to his feet andgrasped my hand and slapped me on the shoulder. "Thou didst get it outat last. Why, Bradley, I knew it the moment thou didst start tohesitate and fidget so. Those symptoms, following those dreamy fits,from which thou hast been suffering of late, are the surest indicationsof that peculiar disease of the heart which so sadly affects the mind.One is almost sure to catch it when one doth come in frequent contactwith fair maidens. Now the one with which thou hast been associated somuch is simply a human moon, to make men mad. Therefore, my dearfellow, I was quite certain that thou wouldst soon cry out for it. Buttell me," he said, more seriously, "what did she say?" Then before Icould tell him:--"I need not ask; 'tis writ upon your smilingcountenance."
He had scarcely finished his congratulations when in walked Hazel andMary, arm in arm. When they came up to us, my dear maid's face wascrimson with blushes, and Mary's contracted with joyous smiles.
"Hast thou told him yet?" asked Hazel, glancing in Harleston'sdirection.
I nodded. "And doth Mary know?" I asked.
"I just told her," she whispered.
Then Harleston and Mary came up to us, and as my little golden hairedcousin took my hand and congratulated me for having won the dearestmaid in Christendom, Frederick reached across, and taking Hazel's hand,wished her all happiness, and said some pleasant things of me, thewhich I shall not put down.
So there we stood and talked and laughed--for laughter is ever waitingto burst forth, when the heart is light and young, and filled withlove's tender passion--till we heard a commotion in the ballroom. Werushed out to see what was the cause of these unusual sounds. Thescene we beheld prodigiously surprised us. Every one was hurrying inthe direction of the throne, and making all sorts of exclamations. Ileft Harleston to look after the ladies, and hurriedly I made my waythrough the crushing guests, until I was near the King. His Majestywas hanging over the arm of his chair; and leaning his head upon theshoulder of Hastings. He appeared to have fainted; for he was deadlypale, his eyes closed, and the lids trembling like the wings of awounded bird. Some evidently thought that he had already died, or wasjust dying; for they were wringing their hands and muttering prayers,when they might have been of more service had they stood further back,and so allowed the King to get some fresh air, which--in these cases--Ido consider a better physic than most men's prayers.
Presently the Physician Royal, which had been sent for by the Queen,arrived. He at once ordered every one, no matter of what rank he mightbe to stand aback. Then he had a bench brought forward, and twogentlemen carried the King and laid him at full length upon it.Vigorously did they rub his hands and face, and then they bled him.Then the noble sufferer did show some signs of recovering. Hastingsand Stanley did now lift up the bench, with its Royal load, and carriedit from the room. The Queen followed, wringing her hands and weeping.
The great ball was over, much before its time.
The guests stood, for some time, talking in little groups; most oftheir conversation being scarce above a whisper; for there is somethingwhich doth awe us, when the great are thus struck down.
I went back to the girls and Frederick; but a dampness had fallen uponour happiness and made us to feel quiet.
We remained only a short time, and then made our ways unto our severalapartments.
Thus in sadness ended the entertainment given by his Majesty, KingEdward, the fourth of that name, in honor of our victory over theScottish king. But in the hall I did kiss Hazel ere I did let her gothat night.