The page was straitly questioned; but he merely said that his message
was given him by some person he did not recognise in the crowd at the
chapel-doors, who said he was to seek Weldon forthwith, and deliver him
the papers from his master. What course to adopt, or where to begin
their search, were questions alike embarrassing and impossible to
answer. In the end they determined to lay the matter before the king on
the morrow.
It may be needful to go back a short space to "The Bower of Beautie,"
wherein the knight of the silver mantle, having safely ensconced
himself, as the reader may remember, the arras was let down; after
which, being wheeled away to their destination, they were to await for
the commencement of the masque. But the Silver Knight, lifting up the
curtain, observed they were much too early for the performance, and
courteously entreated the lady that she would alight. The evening was
hot, and the bower close and oppressive. An hour might, in all
probability, elapse ere their presence would be required. Grace,
trusting to her companion, quitted the car, strolling out amongst the
masks. Gradually they left the main crowd, unconsciously approaching the
steep brow of the hill, where, looking towards the east, they beheld the
broad red moon swinging out from the blue horizon.
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