'Yes. They come from Virginia. Did your maid ever plant any?'
'Not herself - but her men adventured all over the earth to
pluck or to plant flowers for her crown. They judged her worthy
of them.'
'And was she?' said Dan cheerfully.
'Quien sabe? [who knows?] But at least, while her men toiled
abroad she toiled in England, that they might find a safe home to
come back to.'
'And what was she called?'
'Gloriana - Belphoebe - Elizabeth of England.' Her voice
changed at each word.
'You mean Queen Bess?'
The lady bowed her head a little towards Dan. 'You name her
lightly enough, young Burleigh. What might you know of her?'
said she.
, Well, I - I've seen the little green shoes she left at Brickwall
House - down the road, you know. They're in a glass case -
awfully tiny things.'
'Oh, Burleigh, Burleigh!' she laughed. 'You are a courtier
too soon.'
'But they are,' Dan insisted. 'As little as dolls' shoes. Did you
really know her well?'
'Well. She was a - woman. I've been at her Court all my life.
Yes, I remember when she danced after the banquet at Brickwall.
They say she danced Philip of Spain out of a brand-new kingdom
that day.
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