The mind of England's Elizabeth,if somewhat shaken by the agitating interview to which she had just put a period,was of that firm and decided character which soon recovers its natural tone.It was like one of those ancient Druidical monuments called Rocking-stones.The finger of Cupid,boy as he is painted,could put her feelings in motion;but the power of Hercules could not have destroyed their equilibrium.As she advanced with a slow pace towards the inmost extremity of the grotto,her countenance,ere she had proceeded half the length,had recovered its dignity of look,and her mien its air of command.
It was then the Queen became aware that a female figure was placed beside,or rather partly behind,an alabaster column,at the foot of which arose the pellucid fountain which occupied the inmost recess of the twilight grotto.The classical mind of Elizabeth suggested the story of Numa and Egeria,and she doubted not that some Italian sculptor had here represented the Naiad whose inspirations gave laws to Rome.As she advanced,she became doubtful whether she beheld a statue,or a form of flesh and blood.The unfortunate Amy,indeed,remained motionless,betwixt the desire which she had to make her condition known to one of her own ***,and her awe for the stately form which approached her,and which,though her eyes had never before beheld,her fears instantly suspected to be the personage she really was.Amy had arisen from her seat with the purpose of addressing the lady who entered the grotto alone,and,as she at first thought,so opportunely.But when she recollected the alarm which Leicester had expressed at the Queen's knowing aught of their union,and became more and more satisfied that the person whom she now beheld was Elizabeth herself,she stood with one foot advanced and one withdrawn,her arms,head,and hands perfectly motionless,and her cheek as pallid as the alabaster pedestal against which she leaned.Her dress was of pale sea-green silk,little distinguished in that imperfect light,and somewhat resembled the drapery of a Grecian Nymph,such an antique disguise having been thought the most secure,where so many maskers and revellers were assembled;so that the Queen's doubt of her being a living form was well justified by all contingent circumstances,as well as by the bloodless cheek and the fixed eye.
Elizabeth remained in doubt,even after she had approached within a few paces,whether she did not gaze on a statue so cunningly fashioned that by the doubtful light it could not be distinguished from reality.She stopped,therefore,and fixed upon this interesting object her princely look with so much keenness that the astonishment which had kept Amy immovable gave way to awe,and she gradually cast down her eyes,and drooped her head under the commanding gaze of the Sovereign.Still,however,she remained in all respects,saving this slow and profound inclination of the head,motionless and silent.
From her dress,and the casket which she instinctively held in her hand,Elizabeth naturally conjectured that the beautiful but mute figure which she beheld was a performer in one of the various theatrical pageants which had been placed in different situations to surprise her with their homage;and that the poor player,overcome with awe at her presence,had either forgot the part assigned her,or lacked courage to go through it.It was natural and courteous to give her some encouragement;and Elizabeth accordingly said,in a,tone of condescending kindness,How now,fair Nymph of this lovely grotto,art thou spell-bound and struck with dumbness by the charms of the wicked enchanter whom men term Fear?We are his sworn enemy,maiden,and can reverse his charm.Speak,we command thee.Instead of answering her by speech,the unfortunate Countess dropped on her knee before the Queen,let her casket fall from her hand,and clasping her palms together,looked up in the Queen's face with such a mixed agony of fear and supplication,that Elizabeth was considerably affected.
What may this mean?she said;this is a stronger passion than befits the occasion.Stand up,damsel--what wouldst thou have with us?Your protection,madam,faltered forth the unhappy petitioner.
Each daughter of England has it while she is worthy of it,replied the Queen;but your distress seems to have a deeper root than a forgotten task.Why,and in what,do you crave our protection?Amy hastily endeavoured to recall what she were best to say,which might secure herself from the imminent dangers that surrounded her,without endangering her husband;and plunging from one thought to another,amidst the chaos which filled her mind,she could at length,in answer to the Queen's repeated inquiries in what she sought protection,only falter out,Alas!
I know not.
This is folly,maiden,said Elizabeth impatiently;for there was something in the extreme confusion of the suppliant which irritated her curiosity,as well as interested her feelings.
The sick man must tell his malady to the physician;nor are WEaccustomed to ask questions so oft without receiving an answer.I request--I implore,stammered forth the unfortunate Countess --I beseech your gracious protection--against--against one Varney.She choked well-nigh as she uttered the fatal word,which was instantly caught up by the Queen.
What,Varney--Sir Richard Varney--the servant of Lord Leicester!
what,damsel,are you to him,or he to you?
I--I--was his prisoner--and he practised on my life--and I broke forth to--to--To throw thyself on my protection,doubtless,said Elizabeth.
Thou shalt have it--that is,if thou art worthy;for we will sift this matter to the uttermost.Thou art,she said,bending on the Countess an eye which seemed designed to pierce her very inmost soul--thou art Amy,daughter of Sir Hugh Robsart of Lidcote Hall?Forgive me--forgive me,most gracious Princess!said Amy,dropping once more on her knee,from which she had arisen.