The Abbot

Chapter 34

The tenor of our tale carries us back to the Castle of Lochleven,

where we take up the order of events on the same remarkable day on

which Dryfesdale had been dismissed from the castle. It was past noon,

the usual hour of dinner, yet no preparations seemed made for the

Queen's entertainment. Mary herself had retired into her own

apartment, where she was closely engaged in writing. Her attendants

were together in the presence-chamber, and much disposed to speculate

on the delay of the dinner; for it may be recollected that their

breakfast had been interrupted. "I believe in my conscience," said the

page, "that having found the poisoning scheme miscarry, by having gone

to the wrong merchant for their deadly wares, they are now about to

try how famine will work upon us."

Lady Flem