But there, behind them, were the spying, all-observing, all-
surmising courtiers; there was the Princess Elizabeth, who, had he
ventured to speak to the queen, would have conjectured from his
manner the words which she could not understand; for love sees so
clearly, and jealousy has such keen ears!
Catharine suspected nothing of the thoughts of her companions. She
alone was happy; she alone gave herself up with full soul to the
enjoyment of the moment. She drew in with intense delight the pure
air; she drank in the odor of the meadow blossoms; she listened with
thirsty ear to the murmuring song which the wind wafted to her from
the boughs of the trees. Her wishes extended not beyond the hour;
she rested in the full enjoyment of the presence of her beloved. He
was there--what needed she more to make her happy?
Her wishes extended not beyond this hour. She was only conscious how
delightful it was thus to be at her beloved's side, to breathe the
same air, to see the same sun, the same flowers on which his eyes
rested, and on which their glances at least might meet in kisses
which were denied to their lips.
But as they thus rode along, silent and meditative, each occupied
with his own thoughts, there came the assistance for which Thomas
Seymour had prayed, fluttering along in the shape of a fly.
At first this fly sported and buzzed about the nose of the fiery,
proud beast which the queen rode; and as no one noticed it, it was
not disturbed by Hector's tossing of his mane, but crept securely
and quietly to the top of the noble courser's head, pausing a little
here and there, and sinking his sting into the horse's flesh, so
that he reared and began loudly to neigh.
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