l 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 WE accustomed 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!"
