equipments, a man touched him on the arm and humbly said, "Sir, I
have a humble entreaty to make of you. If you would convey my
petition to the Queen of Scots!"

"I have nothing to do with the Queen of Scots," said the ex-
Philidaspes, glancing suspiciously at the man's sleeve, where,
however, he saw the silver dog, the family badge.

"She is a charitable lady," continued the man, who looked like a
groom, "and if she only knew that my poor old aunt is lying
famishing, she would aid her. Pray you, good my lord, help me to let
this scroll reach to her."

"I'm no lord, and I have naught to do with the Queen," repeated
Humfrey, while at the same moment Antony, who had been rather longer
in getting out of his female attire, presented himself; and Humfrey,
pitying the man's distress, said, "This young gentleman is the
Countess's page. He sometimes sees the Queen."

The man eagerly told his story, how his aunt, the widow of a
huckster, had gone on with the trade till she had been cruelly robbed
and beaten, and now was utterly destitute, needing aid to set herself
up again. The Queen of Scots was noted for her beneficent
almsgiving, and a few silver pieces from her would be quite
sufficient to replenish her basket.

Neither boy doubted a moment. Antony had the entree to the presence
chamber, where on this festival night the Earl and Countess were sure
to be with the Queen. He went straightway thither, and trained as he
was in the usages of the place, told his business to the Earl, who