192 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 43. the Queens was again expected in the approaching summer, and the recognition of Mary Stuart was antici- pated with more certainty than ever as the result of the interview. The Queen of Scots however was growing impa- tient with hopes long deferred. She either disbelieved Elizabeth's honesty or misinterpreted her motives into fears. As Darnley was not offered to her she more than ever inclined towards getting possession of him ; and .anticipating a storm she would not wait to let events work for her, and showed her intentions pre- maturely in preparing the way for his acceptance in Scotland. The Earl of Lennox, it will be remembered, had lost his estates in the interests of England. For some years past he had pressed for their restoration, and his petition had been supported by Elizabeth. So long as Mary had hopes elsewhere she had replied with words and excuses. The lands of Lennox had been shared among the friends of the Hamiltons. The lands of Angus, which he claimed in right of his wife, were held in trust for his nephew by the Earl of Morton, whom the Queen of Scots durst not quarrel with. The law in Scotland was the law of possession, and the sword alone would have rein- stated the exiled nobleman. The position of his family had hitherto been among the greatest objections to her thinking seriously of Lord Darnley as a husband. If Elizabeth offered him, she would have less to fear; if to gratify the English Catholics she was to marry him against Elizabeth's will, she would have in the first
